Whether you’re heading into the office or out for a coffee date, optimal daytime makeup depends on a natural look. The idea is to enhance your features instead of overpowering them – after all, you want to save those dramatic effects for the dimly lit dance floor or bar. So how do you accentuate your features without going over the top?

The truth is, you don’t have to spend an excessive amount of time or use a ton of products for your morning makeup routine. Just follow these steps for an easy yet eye-catching look:

Flawless face
Nix the five-step face makeup process – lighting during the daytime is harsh and you’ll likely end up with that caked-on effect. The best way to look fresh-faced and youthful is to keep your makeup minimal. So if your skin is very clear, you can probably opt for a tinted moisturizer. If you need a little more coverage, consider a liquid silicon-based foundation. People that tend to breakout or suffer from shine should look for a product that’s oil-free and water-based.

Of course, a sweep of pigment on your cheeks is essential for that sought-after healthy glow. Make sure you reach for a color that’s close to the natural hue you turn when you’re actually blushing. Tap off excess product before applying to ensure that you don’t brush on too much color. Then swirl it onto the apples of your cheeks and blend up toward the temples.

Bright eyes
When it comes to eyeshadow, neutral shades are best for the daytime. That doesn’t mean you can’t have a little fun with your eye makeup, though. Try a taupe with a subtle shimmer, which can easily be taken into nighttime with a darker brown shade in the crease. Other earth tones, like beige, brown and light gray are well-suited for your daytime look as well. Don’t forget to dab a bit of highlighter on your browbone – you’ll look instantly well-rested, even if you didn’t get enough sleep. A thin sweep of eyeliner along the top lashline and one layer of volumizing mascara should be enough to define your peepers.

Lovely lips
As a general rule of thumb, your ideal lip color for the daytime will be just one or at most, two shades deeper than the natural color of your pout. A rosy gloss is always a safe bet for any complexion, and is versatile enough to work with a variety of other makeup shades as well as outfits. If you opt for a matte lipstick, using a brush to apply it will help you to build the color more evenly and blend it in.