Makeup has always been a sort of mystery to me. When I try to accomplish popular looks such as the smokey eye, my disappointment is similar to those who order a Big Mac from McDonald’s and realize it looks absolutely nothing like the picture.

I’m still not very good at doing makeup, but I understand the basics. Anything fancier than that and I will, guaranteed, look like a sad clown.

EmilyRose Frasca, a makeup artist and actress in Seattle, has been featured on stage in shows such as "Once Upon a Mattress," "Evil Dead: The Musical"  and "Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog."

For as long as I have known Frasca, I have always thought she looked put together and fabulous. As my personal beauty guru for the day, she gave me tips that I think everyone should know. This will be the first in a series of cosmetic-based columns.

“I have separate makeup routines, like I have my 'Look Awake' palette and my 'Go Out and be Dramatic' look. I always know in my mind what I’m going to do,” Frasca said.

Her “Look Awake” routine begins with applying a facial moisturizer.

“Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. That’s the first thing to think of when looking awake, your skin has to be hydrated or your makeup is not going to go on right. It also plumps your face and makes you look more vibrant,” Frasca said.

Over warm cups of Teavana Strawberry Lemonade Tea (which I bought for myself later that week) Frasca continued to explain her routine, dropping the names of some products she uses.

“I love Benefit’s Ooh La Lift. It's like shrink-wrap for your face. Then I’ll do a mineral based foundation. I use my MAC Studio Fix concealer because it’s thick and will stay on all day and Benefit’s Eye Bright pencil right in the corner of my eyes. It reflects on the whites of your eyes to make them look open,” Frasca said.

She completes this look with MAC eye shadow in "Espresso" (used as an eye liner) followed with benefit "Lemonade" on the eye lid (to even out the color), curled eyelashes, mascara and some lip gloss.

For the sake of time and my sanity, I devised a similar look to Frasca’s once I realized that I was cosmically destined to have classes in morning. I begin with Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer with SPF 30 right when I get out of the shower, giving it plenty of time to absorb properly as I brush my teeth and do my hair, etc.

I lightly dab Benefit Erase Paste under my eyes to hide dark circles. I am in love with this product because it is very thick with pigment, but blends in well with a sponge for coverage that is just enough.

I continue with MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural powder foundation. It gives the skin an almost airbrushed look. Rosy cheeks make your face look alive and healthy. Right now, I’m feeling out Benefit Benetint lip and cheek stain because it creates natural looking color that lasts.

I have very sensitive skin, especially on my face. Because of this I have to be very careful about the products I use on my eyes. I am a big fan of Clinique because their products are allergy-tested and fragrance-free. Most of the mascara and eyeliner I use comes from this retailer.

To finish it off, I use a sheer, shimmery powder below my eyebrows, in the inner corners of my eyes and along the tops of my cheekbones to catch light and make my face look radiant and ready to face the day.

I know what you are thinking. Are cosmetics companies paying me the big bucks for every overt name drop? The answer is no, but the pattern is easily explained by the fact that their products are made with high quality ingredients and work, compared to products of lesser quality I have tried.

After late night syllabus week “studying,” I am sure that these simple looks will come in handy on Monday morning when the real work begins.