Do you ever dread putting on your “face” on the weekends? Facing makeup is not always what we care to do on an “off day”. Rather than going bare-faced, try simple sexy!  Choose double, even triple duty items that made it simple to look fresh and vibrant, yet sexy, on a laid back Saturday.

Doesn’t Joy Bryant epitomize “simple sexy” beauty?

Joy Bryant — Getty Images

Your how-to for simple sexy weekend makeup in 3 steps:

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An old adage says that the eyes are the windows to the soul.  That very well may be the case when you are engaged in a heart-to-heart, but when you are in the market for some instant attention — major eye drama is key.  Here are my steps for simple eye drama for Friday Fierceness.

Gabrielle Union with smoldering eyes

1. Smolder

Get smoldering smokey eyes like Gabrielle Union. There are two simple options for making eyes smolder.  First option: Line with your eyes with your favorite black pencil.  I have a couple favorites: Sue Devitt Eye Intensifier Pencil in Pointe Noir $22.  This pencil has become a perennial favorite of mine.  I love the thick tip and the sponge smudger on the opposite end.  Once you blend with the sponge tip, your color lasts for the day (or the night.)  Layer a shimmery eyeshadow over the liner.  The powder over the pencil liner creates a bond that makes for a long-lasting smolder.  Try NARS Night Flight, a black with cobalt pearl accent.  $22

Your second option: Line eyes with a water-proof  pencil in a deep jewel color.  Jewel tones as opposed to traditional black liner makes eyes sparkle and pop.  Try emeralds, bronzes and teals.  In love Urban Decay 24/7 Glide on Eyepencils.  $17 Try Stash, a dark golden green or Rockstar a dark purple.  Be sure to smudge the color into your lash line for intensity.  Urban Decay pencils are ideal for rimming your inner lower lid.  For more intensity, layer with a loose pigment like Black Radiance Mineral Eye Shimmers. $4.99

2.  Lash out

Layer the mascara.  I love big ole trashy lashes.  Forget less is more when it comes to eyelashes.  Mascara easily punctuates your eye drama with just a few well placed flicks of the wrist.  My favorite is L’Oreal Voluminous.  I keep trying to find a suitable replacement, but it just hasn’t happened yet.  And at $7.99, it’s a keeper.

Last but not least, keep the rest of your makeup subtle, subdued.  Just a touch of color on the cheeks and a pale glossy lip.  Those final touches insure that your eyes will be the star.

I no longer have the typical Monday through Friday work week, but when I did, I couldn’t bear to think of putting on a full face of makeup on Saturday.  I learned to choose double, even triple duty items that made it simple to look fresh and vibrant, yet sexy on a laid back Saturday.  Here is a quick how-to for simple weekend makeup.

1.  Tinted moisturizer

Smashbox Sheer Focus Tinted Moisturizer

I preach the virtues of tinted moisturizer relentlessly.  I love this triple duty product.  There are so many tinted moisturizers on the market, that you can easily find one to fit your budget and needs.  Some tinted moisturizers are oil-free, some have illuminators, others provide extra moisture and all provde sheer coverage and SPF.  My favorite tinted moisturizers are Laura Mercier and Smashbox.  The beauty of applying a tinted moisturizer is that the product is very forgiving.  You don’t have to worry about matching or lines of demarcation as you would with a classic liquid foundation.

2.  Cheek & Lip Stain

Benefit posie tint $28

Add color to lips and cheeks with a product that once again works overtime  with the bonus of being a double-duty product.  I  have been a fan of Benefit Benetint for years — it’s a staple in my makeup kit.  It’s a stain that gives a rosy glow to cheeks and lips.  Top lips with a little lip balm or clear gloss. Now there is Posietint with for a poppy pink flush of color on lips and cheeks.  Both are $28 and it will take some time before you need to re-purchase — the product has a very long life. 

Hint –Layer Benetint or Posietint under powder blush.  As a stain, it gives an added boost of color that will last for hours.   I have used Benetint on my bridal clients for years so that they have long-wear color for their special day.

3.  Finish with mascara and touch up brows if necessary.  Slick hair back in a ponytail or adorn your tresses with a cute little head band You will be quite simply sexy on a laid back Saturday or lazy Sunday.

It’s Friday night and you have had a hard day at the office.  How do you take your look from dull to hot in 5 minutes?  Easy!  Follow these quick 5 steps for easy-to-do sexy makeup. Even you can duplicate Kerry Washington’s sultry looks with these simple steps and end up the hottest girl at happy hour.

Kerry Washington

1.  Even out skin.  First remove the day’s build up on your face with a makeup cleansing cloth.  Then reapply a quick mix of primer and foundation.  (yes, you can mix them when you are in a tight). If you are oily, try Laura Geller Matte Maker.    Not only does it absorb oil, but it makes makeup on all skin types  last for hours.  (It is my must have for finishing every photo shoot — even guys with bald heads!)

LORAC Double Impact Concealer

2.  Conceal.

  Dab concealer on inner eye.  Check out these tips   from Essence on concealer application and choices.  My favorite concealer these days is Lorac Double Feature –   Concealer on one end, and highlighter on the other.  Apply highlighter on the brow bone and top your cheekbones for sexy glam.

3.  Brighten Cheeks.   Apply a cream blush on apples of cheeks.  Try Nars Multiple in ANY color.  I love the mix of Orgasm with Laguna.  You can get glow and contour all in one. 

Urban Decay Loose Pigment

4.  Smoke up your eyes.

  Fastest way to smokey eyes is to use  a shimmery pencil in a deep color like navy, purple or emerald green.  Try a waterproof formula like Sephora Keep Kohl! Waterproof Liner.  At only $8 you can pick up a few.  For a smokey look, smudge in your favorite complimentary eyeshadow up to the crease.  I am such a fan of Urban Decay Loose Pigments.  My favorite color go-to for sexy eyes Goddess — midnight blue with electric blue microglitter. 

5.  Glossy Lips.  Gloss up your lips with super shine to put the icing your hot 5 minute makeup look.  Revlon Super Lustrous Lipgloss shines like a $25 gloss for a fraction of the price.  I take advantage of the buy-one-get-one-free sales that are at least a monthly occurance at your favorite drugstore.

That’s it.  Trust me, you can get this sexy hot look is just a few minutes.  All you need are the right tools and a rear view mirror!   That’s blinging beauty baby!