After a carefree summer of simply smearing on some sunscreen and a coat of mascara before heading out the door, it’s time to head back to the harsh, fluorescent-lit classroom – which means you may want to get a little more serious about your makeup regimen. Need a refresher? We’re here to school you on the basics of beauty.

Laying the foundation
Applied expertly, foundation can work wonders on any complexion – but any blunders with this product also have the potential to ruin the whole look. Daily Glow explained that it’s important to moisturize before putting any product on even if you don’t have particularly dry skin, as foundation can actually draw attention to flakiness. If your moisturizer doesn’t have SPF, Petra Strand, a Los Angeles-based makeup artist, advised in Fitness magazine mixing a pea-sized amount of sunblock in with the product. She explained that it’s crucial that they are the same formula to ensure optimal blending.

Matching your foundation well to your skintone is key for a natural look. When choosing a shade, always check in real sunlight to see whether it’s a good match. Also, don’t select a hue that’s a couple shades darker in hopes of achieving a glow. It’s better to test a shade on the inside of your wrist to determine your ideal hue, then layer on bronzer in areas where you naturally get sunlight, such as the cheekbones and bridge of the nose.

Your concealer should also be relatively close to the shade of your foundation. Keep in mind that a shade with yellow undertones can help counteract any redness or cover up blemishes, while a hue that has pink undertones helps to conceal dark circles.

Building the look
Where you apply blush is key to creating a flush that doesn’t look fake. Daily Glow advised thinking about where you truly turn pink when you’re blushing, and brushing a rosy pigment onto that area. Strand pointed out that if you use a cream formula, you can even use your blush as a lip color. Having your cheeks and lips match results in an instantly fresh-faced appearance.

Choose between your eyes and your lips for a focal point – opting for both can look garish and distracting. If you select eyes, always make sure your mascara is the same shade or darker than your liner. Brown lashes will disappear against black eyeliner, for example. A smoky eye is a foolproof option when you want some drama, but be careful not to overdo it or you could look like you have a black eye. Remember, too, that black isn’t the only option. In fact, a chocolate, violet or teal smoky eye looks just as smoldering and pairs perfectly with the colors in your fall wardrobe.

When you’re going for a bold lip, keep your eye makeup simple with a neutral shadow, a sweep of liner on the top lashline and two coats of volumizing mascara.

Locking it in
A few steps can help you avoid smudging and constant trips to the bathroom for touch-ups. One way to ensure this is to apply primer before your face and eye makeup. Waterproof products are obviously ideal, because your makeup will stay in place regardless of humidity or sweat. Your routine should end with a dusting of finishing powder: one layer will lock all of your products in place while also minimizing pores. Translucent powder also absorbs excess oil, so bring a compact with you and dust it on mid-day when your face is starting to look a little shiny. Look for formulas that are made with rice powder because they’re bound to blend well and create a smooth surface.