Five ways to lighten up

For years, men have been misled by makeup. Most proclaim they like girls who don't wear it, yet they drool over images of Pamela Anderson's mascara'd lashes and Christina Aguilera's lacquered lips. Realistically, a makeup-free face isn't just against custom, it's impractical. Walking into work without makeup is like showing up in sweats. And when it comes to the night life, every girl knows that a naked face clashes with her little black dress as badly as flip flops and tan lines. There's the occasional beauty whose cheeks look best when left bare, but most women aren't ready to throw in the bronzer just yet. The question is: How much makeup do you need... and when?

In the summer, when the sun shines bright and foreheads shine even brighter, the answer is: Less than you think. The new trend in makeup is to lighten up. Like this summer's ultra-sheer tees, the look of the moment is natural, soft and effortless.