I was lucky enough to get an invite to the 4th Annual "Essence" Black Women in Hollywood event thanks to L'Oreal Paris (they were one of the sponsors), and I was truly WOWed by all of the gorgeous dark-skinned beauties in the room.

I only wish I was one. Unfortunately, the darkest self-tanner on the shelves wouldn't help my pasty skin glow like Jennifer Hudson, Carrie Washington, Angela Bassett or Sharon Leal's does (yes, they were all there). I'm totally envious of dark skin -- it's just sexier somehow (less vein-y and broken capillary-ridden anyway). Plus, my husband's dream celebrity hookup is Halle Berry (unfortunately she was filming in New York City and wasn't in attendance).

But, just because I don't have dark skin doesn't mean I can't be inspired by the flawless makeup looks I saw, right? Right. Here were my two favorites of the day and, lucky for you, step-by-step how-tos courtesy of Taylor Chang-Babaian, celebrity makeup artist and author of "Style Eyes: Everything You Need to Know To Create Beautiful Eyes".

Gabrielle Union

This look proves that dark-skinned gals can indeed wear red lipstick. Here's how to get it:

Skin

Step 1: Use a full coverage stick foundation to insure flawless-looking skin. Try MAC Studio Stick SPF 15, $29.

Step 2: Use concealer to further mask any imperfections.

Step 3: Set your concealer and foundation with a loose powder that has an orange undertone. Try L'Oreal Paris Translucide Naturally Luminous Loose Powder, $10.

Brows

Define your brows to give them a polished finish by "using a dark brown eyebrow powder, [and] focusing on the tail of the brow," says Chang-Babaian.

Eyes

Step 1: Apply a shimmery violet shadow to the base of your eyelids, "avoiding the browbone as well as the inner corner," says Chang-Babaian. Try Stila Eye Shadow Pan in Wisteria, $18.

Step 2: Apply a thin line of black liner along top lashlines winging it out at the outer corners of your eyes.

Step 3: Line your inner rims (waterlines) with black pencil liner.

Step 4: "Apply lots of black mascara along the top and bottom lashes" then "apply individual lashes at the outer corners of the eyes," says Chaing-Babaian. Check out this individual lash tutorial for more help.

Cheeks

Apply a matte orange blush to the apples of your cheeks. Try Make Up For Ever Sculpting Blush in Matte Fawn, $19.

Lips

Step 1: Apply dark chestnut-colored lip liner along your natural lip line.

Step 2: Apply a warm, true red creamy lipstick "making sure to go over the lip liner," says Chan-Babaian. Try L'Oreal Paris Infallable Le Rouge Lipcolour in Refined Ruby, $9.

Nicole Ari Parker

This look -- soft brown smoky eyes paired with a fabulous peach matte mouth -- is a perfect look to try for spring. Here's how to get it:

Skin

Step 1: Apply a medium to full coverage liquid foundation. Try Lancome Teint Miracle Foundation, $29.50.

Step 2: Apply light, golden-toned concealer to further hide any spots or dark circles.

Step 3: Set your foundation and concealer with a sheer powder for long-lasting wear.

Step 4: Sweep golden bronzer along your forehead and use it to contour your cheeks, nose and chin. Try MAC Bronzing Powder in Matte Bronze, $23. Watch this contouring video how-to for more help.

Brows

Create a soft, yet defined arch by filling brows in lightly with a warm brown-colored pencil.

Eyes

Step 1: Apply a dark mauve shadow to the base of your lid and along your bottom lashlines. Try Bobbi Brown Eye Shadow in Black Plum, $20.

Step 2: Apply loose gold eyeshadow on the inner corners of your eyes.

Step 3: Apply black liner along your top lids and "wing it out at your outer corners," says Chang-Babaian.

Step 4: Line your inner rims (waterlines) with black eyeliner.

Step 5: Swipe black mascara on "top and bottom lashes," says Chang-Babaian.

Step 6: Apply individual lashes along your entire top lashlines. Try Kre-at Beauty Lashes in Long, $15.

Cheeks

Sweep a tawny peach-hued blush on your cheeks.

Lips

Apply nude matte lipstick in pale peachy beige shade. Try Shiseido Perfect Rouge Lipstick in Sugarbabe, $25.