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.

Eyeliner has always been a challenge for me -- I never can make my eyes "match" and whenever I try, I end up looking like Avril Lavinge. But as she carefully lined my eyes, Claire talked me through it. The trick is to only line half of my bottom lid along the lash line, starting from the outermost point and working in. For a more noticeable look, first line the upper waterline and then line the lash line, making the line thicker as you move towards the outer edge of your lid.

Makeup Virgin Lesson #6: Practice, practice, practice. When I tried doing it myself, I poked myself in the eye. But I'll try try again.

Mascara? More like mascarAAAAAAH! I'm terrified of this stuff. Between the smudges and that brush (not a fan of putting something that looks like it could blind me so close to my eyes), I'm terrified of this stuff. But, of course, there's a trick to applying it: Claire used a zigzag motion with the wand so that it reaches from the root all the way to the tip of my lashes.

Makeup Virgin Lesson #7: I shouldn't fear what I do not understand. When in doubt, ask one of those makeup counter ladies -- they're actually friendly, and you're not obligated to buy stuff.

After this tutorial session, I felt silly for being afraid of makeup all these years. Of course, it's all about knowing the right way to apply it, and being willing to take some risks. Oh, and starting over when you screw up. I like the look she created, although you won't see me wearing sparkly eye shadow on the street, or any time (unless it's Halloween). But the other products -- all randomly chosen to prove how easy it is -- made for a very manageable everyday look. Since we did this tutorial, I've even been experimenting with different products (and, yes, occasionally poking myself in the eye with them).