After a swing towards the dramatic last year with the return of the pin-up style cat eyes and dramatic lips, make-up is returning to a lighter, brighter look. The latest daring trend is the “morning after look.” Strategically mussed hair- to look like you just got out of bed miraculously glamorous, smudged-on creme blush for a flustered glow and mascara applied only on the lower lashes, as if it had fallen over night.

For an everyday look, put aside the high coverage foundation (as much as possible, we don’t all have flawless skin, pampered by regular facial appointments) for a lighter coverage. Some make-up artists are flocking to the new beauty balms; available from M.A.C, Clinique, and Garnier, among others. These balms are basically moisturizer on steroids, complete with SPF and a primer for your foundation. If you have a clear complexion, try a balm with a dusting of pressed or foundation powder to minimize excess shine. If you prefer a light coverage, try a tinted moisturizer, available from almost any line. Laura Mercier currently carries an Illuminating Tint, which will liven-up your tone. For those of us with trickier complexions, a light-weight, smooth foundation with medium coverage is a great way to work-in this fresh look. Lancome has just launched it’s new Teint Idole Ultra 24H, the new generation Teint which promises to be retouch free. Oil-free with an SPF of 15, this foundation is as close to flawless as you can get. No need to dust with powder after application, but do make sure to moisturize well before.

Put away the dark liners. Eyes are bright and unencumbered this year. Use a highlighter liner on the lower lid like Copper Pigment from Giorgio Armani to set off a warm taupe crease with lightly highlighted brow. Think: Blake Lively.

While creme blushes seem to be the fad for this light look, I always prefer powder. The latest from Stila, Love at First Blush, is adorably pink with lavendar hues, perfect for waving adieu to Winter with a spring in your step. To add a dramatic shimmer, use M.A.C Naturally Mineralize Skinfinish in a poppy pink or peach. If you’re a ceme girl, Smashbox has a trio for you, “Be Discovered” in Lights or Show Biz.

A soft lip in a nude or barely there pink matte or a glossy tulip pink, peach or even orange tone will set off the tousled look. Spring flowers will nod in approval at your divinely fresh glow this year!

Blake Lively, rocking her au naturel look with bright eyes and wavy hair.