For me, the quickest, most effective way for me to make a big impact with makeup is by playing up my eyes. I hate reapplying dark lipstick throughout the night, but my eyes? Once I slap on the shadow, it's not going anywhere.

Recently, I've gotten a lot of compliments on my eye makeup, and every time someone mentions it, I'm wearing the same exact look -- smoky brown. And now, I'm sharing. The best news? It takes me about five minutes from start to finish, if that.

If brown isn't your color, you can adapt these tips to work with any color -- gray, purple, green, you name it. The four colors you use should include a light highlighter color, a more neutral base color, a dark shade for the outer corners of your eye, and a shimmery, slightly brighter shade for the crease.

Step 1

Start with a clean eyelid. If you have problems with makeup melt, try an eyeshadow primer like the one from Urban Decay.

Step 2

Use a dark eyeliner. I like my bronze Stila Smudge Pot, but really, any liner in your color group will do. I line top and bottom for maximum effect, but if you just line the top, you'll be just fine.

Step 3

Use your highlight color for your brow bone and, if you want your eyes to look a little more wide-set, put a bit in the inner corner of your lower eyelid. Use your base color for the rest of the lower eyelid. My quad of choice is Maybelline Expertwear Quad Eyeshadow in Chai Latte. Normally, it's about $5, but right now at drugstore.com, it's BOGO. You're welcome.

Step 4

This is the biggest tip of all. Using your darkest shade, make a sideways "V" on the outer corner of your eye. It doesn't have to be perfect at all. In fact, during this step, my right and left eyelids usually look drastically different. The farther you pull the V out beyond your actual lid, the more dramatic the look will be.

Step 5

Bring out that shimmery crease shade and apply all along the crease. Blend it into that V you just created. Then, use your fingers or a fluffy makeup brush to soften the effect by lightly brushing small circles throughout the crease.

Step 6

Add as much mascara as you're comfortable wearing. Personally, I rarely leave the house without at least two coats. Sexy eyes call for sexy lashes!

Possibly my favorite thing about this look is that, when using browns, it really makes my eyes pop without looking like I'm wearing drag queen makeup. With darker and/or brighter colors, the effect is considerably more dramatic, which is great for a night out. I can wear the brown during the day and not look out of place (although, this morning when I put this on to take pictures, then answered the door for the UPS guy wearing gym clothes, he did do a bit of a double take ...).