Bobbi Brown's Pretty Powerful

Bobbi Brown's new Pretty Powerful campaign began with a simple thought: All women are pretty, and with the right makeup and techniques, they can be pretty powerful. Featuring before and after shots of real women of all ages, skin tones and walks of life, Bobbi shows that anyone can be the star of a beauty campaign. Meet the Pretty Powerful women exclusively on Oprah.com with step-by-step beauty tips from Bobbi. 

Mimi, 43

Teacher

Hometown: Panama City, Florida

What's you favorite makeup trick? Using a red Sharpie pen to touch up chipped nail polish.

If you could solve one beauty problem, what would it be? Personally, my nose. Globally, the mainstream "idea" of beauty.

What's your biggest indulgence?

I don't skimp when it comes to taking care of my skin. I like my skincare products light, natural and effective.

How Bobbi took Mimi from Pretty to Pretty Powerful

Mimi's Problem: "The redness and dark circles around my eyes make me look permanently exhausted."

Bobbi's Pretty Powerful Solution: You're not alone. From light circles to extreme undereye darkness, all women occasionally battle that "fatigued" look. There are all sorts of causes for it: aging, genetics, allergies, stress, nutrition, lack of sleep, etc. But thank God for concealer. It's Bobbi's "secret to the universe" and the key to faking that fresh, well-rested look that we get from a good night's sleep. Bobbi's foolproof method: Apply a peachy or pink-toned corrector (to counteract any dark purplish tones) then layer on a creamy, yellow-based concealer. Pat it into skin with your finger for a seamlessly blended finish. Once the concealer is done and perfect, then comes the black eyeliner, Bobbi's other super-favorite beauty product. Draw a thick line just along the upper lashes to define your eyes, then brush on two or three coats of black mascara—again, just to the upper lashes. Sweep pink blush on the apples of your cheeks, swipe on some lip gloss, and you're ready to go.

Step-by-Step: How to Get Mimi's Look

Skin: Prep face with Hydrating Face Cream and Hydrating Eye Cream.

Face: Using a concealer brush, apply corrector over undereye circles, starting at the inner corner of the eye. Gently press the corrector into skin with your fingers. Using the same method, apply a creamy concealer that's one shade lighter than your skin tone.

Apply tinted moisturizer SPF 15 with a makeup sponge for a sheer, even glow. Use a touchup stick anywhere skin still needs to be evened out (around the nose and mouth and anywhere else where there's redness) and gently pat it into blend. Using a bronzer brush, sweep bronzing powder over cheeks, nose and forehead for a healthy, vibrant glow. Don't forget to dust a bit on your neck and chest for even color. Set with powder.

Cheeks: Smile and dust Sand Pink Blush on the apples of cheeks with the blush brush for a pretty pop of color. Blend up toward the hairline, then downward to soften color.

Lips: Apply Italian Rose Creamy Lip Color straight from the tube or with a lip brush. For a little more definition, line lips with Brown Lip Liner and soften the edges a lip brush.

Eyes: Apply Ivory Eye Shadow from lashes to brow. Next, blend Slate Eye Shadow from lash line to crease with an eyeshadow brush. Apply a small amount at a time to create sheer, soft layers of color.

Use an ultra-fine eyeliner brush to draw a thin line of Black Ink Long-Wear Gel Liner along the top lashes, extending up and out. Use the same brush and line lower lashes with the remaining gel liner for a softer line.

On the upper lash line only, draw a line of Espresso Eye Shadow over the gel liner using an ultra-fine eyeliner brush for extra intensity. Layering textures, powder atop gel, also helps the color last. Use a clean finger or a Q-tip to soften and smudge a little. 

Allison, 32

Marketing Manager

Short Hills, New Jersey

What's the best beauty advice you've ever received?

To smile–it makes everyone look better.

What's your can't-live-without makeup item?

I can't leave the house without black mascara on my upper and lower lashes.

My dream day would be spent...

On the beach at the Jersey Shore with my family, having a picnic and listening to the radio..

How Bobbi took Allison from Pretty to Pretty Powerful

Allison's Problem:"I have very fair skin and red hair, so all my life I've stuck to neutral shades of makeup. But I'm dying to break out and play with some color. Is this possible?"

Bobbi's Pretty Powerful Solution: Totally. I love color on redheads. Shades like pink, burnt orange, mossy green and navy work beautifully with your kind of complexion. The trick is to choose one feature to highlight and keep the rest of your shades neutral. Try a bright eyeshadow paired with neutral liner and mascara. If you're going for a bright blush or lipcolor, try a pink tone first—pinks will always look pretty on you. Just steer clear of any shade with too much red it in, which will make you look tired.

Step-by-step: How to get Allison's Look

Skin: Prep face with Brightening Protective UV Face Base SPF 50.

Face: Use a concealer brush to apply corrector and concealer to undereye circles. Make sure not to come down to far under the eyes so that you are covering freckles as well—too-light concealer instantly makes freckles look ashy.

To keep the look as fresh and natural as possible, pass on foundation in favor of tinted moisturizer to even out skin tone and provide a warm, natural glow. Dot a touchup stick over any remaining areas of redness—spots, around nose, on the chin—and gently blend into skin with your finger.

Cheeks: Smile and dust Pink Rose Blush on the apples of cheeks with the blush brush. Blend up toward the hairline, then down to soften the edges.

For a pretty, iridescent glow, brush Rose Highlighter along the tops of cheekbones and blend gently into skin using clean fingers. You can also apply highlighter to cheeks under tinted moisturizer for a subtler glow.

Lips: Apply Cool Rose Creamy Lip Color to the bottom lip only, directly from tube, and press lips together. This ensures a soft application of lip product that's not too overdone. Next, use the same technique with Hot Rose Lip Gloss: Swipe it on lower lip only, and press lips together.

Brows: Define brows with an eyebrow brush and Camel Eye Shadow, using short, soft, feathery strokes for the most natural look.

Eyes: Sweep Navajo Eye Shadow all over, from lashes to brow bone, using an eyeshadow brush.

Apply Grey Denim Eye Shadow to lower lid with an eyeshadow brush. Be sure to blend color well into the crease, diffusing the edges for a soft finish.

For a fun wash of sparkle, layer Pink Graphite Sparkle Eye Shadow onto the lower lids, using your finger to press it right onto lids. Tap it on gently, so as not to smudge base shadow.

Use a fine-tipped Eye Liner Brush to trace a thin line of Black Ink Long-Wear Gel Liner along the upper lash line. Define lower lashes with Grey Denim Eye Shadow, using a damp Eye Liner Brush to trace along the lower lash line.

Keep the strong-on-top, soft-on-bottom look and finish with three coats of Extreme Party Mascara in Navy on the top lashes, one coat on bottom lashes.

Robin, 55

Architect

New York, NY

What's your favorite beauty "flaw"?

 A good, strong nose.

What's the best compliment you've ever received?

When I was in my 20s, someone said to their friend as I walked by, "She'll only get more beautiful as she gets older." I was thrilled.

What makes you feel beautiful on a bad day?

A great facial always works for me. But when there's no time, lipstick does the trick.

How Bobbi Took Robin from Pretty to Pretty Powerful

Robin's Problem: "Wrinkles don't bother me, but as I get older, my face seems to be losing its natural definition—especially around the eyes."

Bobbi's Pretty Powerful Solution: The best way to make your eyes stand out is to define your top lashes with black liner. Make sure the line is thick enough so it's visible when the eyes are open. Filling in brows is also an essential makeup step—well-shaped arches add lots of definition and frame your eyes.  If your brows are sparse, use a soft brow pencil to draw in the shape or fill in any patchy spots.

Step-by-Step: How to Get Robin's Look

Skin: Warm a dab of EXTRA Face Balm in your hands and gently pat it on your skin for a smooth, hydrated glow. Next, apply EXTRA Eye Repair cream and wait for it to absorb before applying makeup.

Face: Smooth on tinted eye brightener to counteract any shadows under the eyes and blend with your fingers.

If you need more coverage, layer on creamy concealer one shade lighter than your complexion.

Use a foundation brush or fingers to apply Natural Finish Long Lasting Foundation SPF 15 to even out your skin and soften any lines or wrinkles. Set with face powder.

Cheeks: Smile and dust Desert Pink Blush on the apples of your cheeks with a blush brush. Blend up toward the hairline, then down to soften the edges. Warm up a tiny bit of EXTRA Soothing Balm between palms and pat lightly onto cheeks for a healthy, dewy sheen.

Lips: Apply Brownie Pink Lip Color directly from tube or with a lip brush. For extra definition, line your lips with Brownie Pink Lip Liner and soften the edges with a lip brush.

Brows: Fill in brows with a brow pencil, using short, feathery strokes. Use an eyebrow brush to layer matching powder shadow on top. If brow color looks too strong, tone it down by pressing Sheer Finish Loose Powder onto brows with a powder puff.

Eyes: Smooth Long-Wear Cream Shadow in Shore from lash line to crease with a cream blending brush.

Use an ultrafine eyeliner brush and draw, apply Caviar Ink Long-Wear Gel Eye Liner along the upper lashes. Start at the middle of the eye, working to the outer corner. Then draw another line, this time starting at the inner corner of the eye and extending it all the way to the outer corners. You want it thick enough to be visible when your eyes are wide open.

Curl lashes by crimping at the base of lashes, holding for a few seconds as you lift up. Follow immediately with two or three coats of Extreme Party Mascara, rolling the wand as you go from the base to the tips of lashes to separate and avoid clumps.

Alexis, 30

Public Relations

New York, NY

What's your favorite makeup trick?

Using good brushes and tools can mean the difference between looking naturally pretty and looking like you have on makeup.

What's your biggest indulgence?

Manicures and pedicures. When my nails are done, everything is okay.

What's your favorite beauty "flaw"?

My naturally curly hair. It's taken me years, but I've learned to like it.

How Bobbi Took Alexis from Pretty to Pretty Powerful

Alexis' Problem: "I want to look like I have perfect skin—even and healthy, with no dark circles—without looking like I have tons of foundation and makeup on. I want to look like I'm not wearing anything. Is this even possible?"

Bobbi's Pretty Powerful Solution: Foundation is the surest way to get smooth, even-looking skin. Many women are intimidated by it, but when applied correctly, the effect can be incredibly natural. Bobbi's first choice for precise, flawless coverage is her Stick Foundation. The trick is to spot-apply it where you need coverage—usually around the nose, on the chin and any little spots—then blend it lightly patting it into skin until it disappears. Let it settle for a few minutes, then double-check your reflection to see the true effect. Put on more wherever is needed. Follow with a dusting of sheer powder bronzer to add a pretty, healthy glow, and even out any color differences.

Step-by-Step: How to Get Alexis' look

Skin: Prep undereye area with hydrating eye cream.

Face: For an instantly well-rested look, apply corrector under eyes and the inner corners with a concealer brush to neutralize blue and purple tones. Blend into skin by gently patting with your finger. If you still need more coverage, use the same technique to apply creamy concealer one shade lighter than your complexion.

Apply Foundation Stick only where you need it with your fingers then press it into skin with your finger until it disappears.

Use a bronzer brush to sweep bronzing powder anywhere the sun would naturally hit your face—your cheeks, nose and chin. To ensure a seamless, natural look, lightly dust the neck as well. Set with a powder.

Cheeks: For a pretty pop of color, smile and dust Nectar Blush on the apples of cheeks with a blush brush. Blend up towards the hairline, then down to soften the edges.

Lips: For a look that's just one notch up from natural, apply Sandwash Tulle Lip Color with your fingers and press color into your lips.

Brows: Define brows with Grey Shadow and an eyebrow brush using light, feathery strokes.

Eyes: Blend Long-Wear Cream Shadow in Shore on lower lid using a cream blending brush. Finish with two or three coats of Everything Mascara.

Samantha, 23

Public relations assistant

Far Hills, New Jersey

What's your favorite feature and why?

My lips—my mother told me to never leave the house without something on your lips, because it makes you look polished.

What your favorite makeup trick?

Using corrector (either alone or under concealer) to get rid of dark circles. It looks really natural.

What makes you feel beautiful?

A blow-out—I could be wearing jeans and sneakers, but if my hair is blown out, I feel gorgeous.

What's the best beauty advice you've ever received?

Take good care of your skin and always use sunscreen.

How Bobbi Took Samantha from Pretty to Pretty Powerful:

Samantha's Problem: "I love how other women look in red lipstick, but it always looks too formal on me, like I'm playing dress-up."

Bobbi's Pretty Powerful Solution: Gorgeous red lips don't necessarily have to come from a tube of classic lipstick. Mix together textures, like glosses and stains, to get all the gorgeous color intensity in a soft, modern way. Try applying a sheer, shiny red tint straight onto lips, then outlining with a rosy-red lip liner using a brush to blend in edges. This achieves natural-looking definition and prevents color from feathering. Keep the rest of your makeup as fresh and natural as possible for a look that's youthful, not overdone.

Step-by-Step: How to Get Samantha's Look

Skin: Apply brightening hydrating lotion to skin with a clean cotton pad.

Prep undereye area with hydrating eye cream.

Face: Use a concealer brush, apply corrector to any undereye darkness and blend into skin by gently patting with your finger.

Cheeks: Using a blush brush, sweep Pale Pink blush onto the apples of cheeks, blending well, up toward hairline.

Lips: Apply Treatment Lip Shine SPF 15 in Papaya to lips straight from tube. For extra definition, outline them with Rose lip liner and blend with a lip brush to soften the edges.

Brows: Use an eyebrow brush, fill in brows with Grey eyeshadow.

Eyes: Sweep Navajo eyeshadow from lash line to brow using an eyeshadow brush. Layer Champagne Quartz Metallic eyeshadow on lower lid.

Use a fine-tipped eyeliner brush, trace a thin line of Caviar Ink Long-Wear Gel eyeliner along the upper lash line. Finish with two to three coats of Extreme Party mascara.

Tai, 31

Entrepreneur

New York, New York

What's your favorite feature?

My eyes: They're big, and you can't really avoid them.

What's your can't-live-without makeup item?

What isn't? I love makeup. But if I had to narrow it down, I'd say mascara blush, concealer and lip gloss.

What's the best beauty advice you've ever received?

Always follow your instincts. When in doubt, do what you're most comfortable with.

What's your best makeup trick?

I create my own tinted moisturizer by mixing foundation two shades darker than my skin tone with face cream.

How Bobbi Took Tai from Pretty to Pretty Powerful:

Tai's Problem: I love makeup, sometimes too much. I can spend hours putting it on, trying out a liquid liner or some new "look," when all I really need is to put on my makeup and head out the door. What's a classic, streamlined routine that will always make me look good?

Bobbi's Pretty Powerful Solution: Makeup is something you can easily get lost in, especially when you're a beauty junkie. So many colors and textures; so many ways to go. Bobbi's go-to system for a polished, modern look is her 10-step routine, which she developed so any woman can be her own makeup artist. It seems like a lot but can actually be done quickly and cleanly once you know it. The trick is to start with clean, moisturized skin and make sure you do all the steps in the right order:

1. Corrector/concealer

2. Foundation

3. Powder

4. Blush

5. Lipstick

6. Lip liner

7. Brows

8. Eyeshadow

9. Eyeliner

10. Mascara

Step-by-Step: How to Get Tai's Look

Skin: Prep with brightening hydrating lotion for a soft, fresh texture.

Face: Using a concealer brush, apply corrector over undereye circles and blend into skin by gently patting with your finger. Next, apply creamy concealer one shade lighter than your complexion, as close as possible to the lash line and on the innermost corner of the eye.

Use your fingers or a makeup sponge to spot-apply stick foundation where skin needs to be evened out (around the nose and mouth and anywhere else where there's redness). For full, all-over coverage, use a foundation brush to apply and blend foundation.

For crease-free wear, apply loose powder over concealer using an eye blender or powder puff. If you have an oily T-zone, apply powder to the rest of your face using a powder puff or powder brush.

Cheeks: Smile and dust Apricot blush on the apples of cheeks with the blush brush. Blend up toward the hairline, then downward to soften color.

Lips: Apply Bronzed Pink Creamy lip color straight from tube or with a lip brush.

Brows: For the most natural look, define brows with Mahogany eyeshadow using an eyebrow brush. Begin at the inner corner of the brow and follow its natural shape using light, feathery strokes.

Eyes: Sweep Banana eyeshadow all over lid, from lashes to brow bone. Dust Chocolate Shimmer Wash eyeshadow on the lower lid up to crease using an eyeshadow brush.

Using an eyeliner brush, trace Black Ink Long-Wear Gel eyeliner along the entire upper lash line. Finish with two to three coats of Extreme Party mascara. True black mascara makes the most impact. Choose brown for a softer look. When applying mascara, brush from base of lashes to tips while rolling the wand to separate lashes and avoid clumps. If you choose to curl lashes, be sure to do this before applying mascara; curling lashes after mascara makes them more prone to breakage.