To really give ’em something to talk about this season, play up an earth-toned face with a single splash of color.

There’s a reason most of our makeup bags are filled with burnt-sienna blushes, desert-pink lipsticks, and smoky-quartz eye shadows—neutrals look natural, and they’re virtually impossible to screw up. But by sticking with a Grand Canyon color scheme, we miss out on a whole other world. “We think of earth tones as dirt, clay, mud, or sand,” says Tina Turnbow, a makeup artist based in New York City, “but tend to forget that within nature there are flowers, trees, and birds—all of which have plenty of color to play with.” Yes, bright hues can be daunting. But Turnbow’s approach makes it easy: Simply choose one feature—lips, eyes, or cheeks—and highlight it with an unexpected tint. After all, whoever said looking natural had to mean blending into the background?

A bright lip looks best with even-toned skin, says Turnbow. Red shades can highlight ruddiness or acne, so go for a standout lip color on a good skin day. Pay attention to the finish—matte is subtle and good for daytime, while an eyecatching glossy coat adds a sparkle factor just right for night.

Sometimes a little drama is a good thing. To tone down a strong color or make the shade more office friendly, blend the bright shadow or liner with a neutral shade. At night, go for a rock-star effect by adding a touch of color on the lower rim and then smudging it out some.

A bright cheek color is one of the easiest trends to pull off because all it involves is simply brushing on or rubbing in a little more product than you usually wear. Aim for just enough to make cheeks look the way they do when you come in from the cold. “Smile,” advises Turnbow, “and then, starting at the apple of your cheeks, blend outward.”

Applied skillfully, earth tones can make skin look flawless. They also provide a neutral base, perfect for backing up brights. Begin by identifying your skin tone.

1. Éminence Organic Skin Care Antioxidant Mineral Foundation in Vanilla Cream, eminenceorganics.com 2. Dr. Hauschka Natural Allure Eyeshadow Duo 07, drhauschka.com 3. Aubrey Organics Silken Earth Powder Blush in Starlight Pink, aubrey-organics.com 4. Neutrogena MoistureShine Gloss in Copper Power, neutrogena.com 5. Perricone MD No Foundation Foundation SPF 30, perriconemd.com 6. Origins GinZing Brightening Cream Eye Shadow in GingerZing, origins.com 7. Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Cream Blush in Honey, elizabetharden.com 8. Intelligent Nutrients Lip Delivery Antioxidant Gloss in Cranberry Glow, intelligentnutrients.com 9. Chanel Perfection Lumière Long-Wear Flawless Fluid Makeup SPF 15, chanel.com 10. RMS Cream Eyeshadow in Solar, rmsbeauty.com 11. NARS Blush in Outlaw, narscosmetics.com 12. Shiseido Lacquer Rouge RD 203 in Portrait, $25, shiseido.com

These saturated hues can go several different ways — just one coat gives you a pretty, light shade. Want to up the intensity? Add a few more layers.

1. L’oreal Infallible Eye Shadow in Endless Sea, drugstore.com 2. Physicians Formula pH Matchmaker pH Powdered Blush in Rose, physiciansformula.com 3. 100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Lip Glaze in Red Currant, 100percentpure.com 4. Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Color in Turquoise, lauramercier.com 5. Korres Cheek Butter in Eros Coral, sephora.com 6. Lancome L’Absolu Rouge in Rose Mythique, lancome.com 7. Estee Lauder Pure Color Vivid Shine Gelée Powder Eyeshadow in Magenta, esteelauder.com 8. Laura Geller Ombre Baked Blush in Pink Blossom, qvc.com 9. Sephora Lip Color Lip Last No. 12 in Royal Raspberry, sephora.com