Claire started my virgin makeup tutorial by applying Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer all over my face. This is actually one of the few makeup products I own and use. I love that it's a moisturizer with SPF, and the light tint offers good coverage but isn't heavy like a true foundation.

Makeup Virgin Lesson #1: When applying a tinted moisturizer, I should start in the center of my cheek and work outward until face is covered evenly.

This foundation definitely lives up to its name. It isn't heavy like some liquid foundations are -- I didn't even notice it was on my face.

Makeup Virgin Lesson #2: When using foundation, I should be sure to smooth it on past the jawline so the tone covers evenly.

Claire swept this over my cheekbones with a powder brush, and I learned my first new beauty word: contouring. Yes, it's a bronzing base, but Claire told me this powder actually works great over foundation to create "face contouring," which means it adds definition to my cheekbones (which means instead of looking flat like a pancake, the bronzer actually highlighted the shape and dimension of my face).

Makeup Virgin Lesson #3: If I'm afraid of overdoing it with blush, I can sweep a tiny bit of bronzer over my cheekbones for a more subtle glow.

This sheer, translucent powder added a polished glow to my face. I love translucent powder because it takes away any shine and softens any imperfections in my skin without looking cakey.

Makeup Virgin Lesson #4: Tools matter. Claire used a crazy-soft Sephora powder brush, and it was like angel wings fluttering against my face.

Sparkles? This made me nervous. Claire swept on the darker pastels on my lower and outer eyelid and then applied the lighter shade to my inner and upper lid, which gave my eyes a subtle shimmer.

Makeup Virgin Lesson #5: Just because it sparkles doesn't mean I'll look like a disco ball. I was surprised by how delicate and subtle this glittery shadow looked.