A simple make up routine can do wonders for a overall look. But it can be a challenge to find the "right" colors. At the minimum I would say 4 products would work. Concealer if you are prone to dark shadows like me, mascara to make the eyes pop, powder is far easier to match than liquid and can be used just to stop shine, and lipgloss with a tint or lipstick. Anything after that, does help, but is not necessary to look polished. Reading some of the above, I stick to my strengths too. I have long, but light colored eyelashes. mascara works wonders for me. I wear eye shadows too, but it's the mascara that make my eyes stand out. Lips, those I can bypass, not my best feature and they absorb pink colors like crazy, even the make-up artist I used for my wedding commented how hard to do my lips were, the pinks in most lipsticks do not fare me well. Needless to say, we all have that hard to work with feature when it comes to make up. You have great features Maya, I don't think you really need much to dazzle you up. A tinted gloss and some mascara, maybe add an eye liner and you are good to go.

I want to add to the praises of blush. I never wear foundation or powder but a little blush goes a long way! I remember that you don't have any major skin issues so maybe a little blush would be the way to go for you as well. There are many natural/organic/bare mineral brands out there. I am sure you can find one to your liking.
Just fyi: my magic trio is mascara + blush + lipstick.

I've been using Blinc mascara, and sometimes it flakes a little bit when my lashes touch my brow bone. Otherwise, it's a very good product.

I'm an amateur make-up user myself, so I don't really have any advice in this area. Maya, I just wanted to say this, and I hope this doesn't come across as stalker-like or weird, you have terrific features and I really like your profile (yes, your nose).

Good luck with your Aveda order!

I'm in the same boat as you Maya, except I never wore make up much before and therefore have zero skills to start from I just started dabbling in this myself this past month or so, but I'm not approaching it from a full face standpoint; my skin is fairly clear, and my lips (and cheeks to a lesser extent) have a lot of natural color. I too have large features (mainly nose and lips), though my skin is lighter and I think my hair is much thinner (whole different topic). Having built in contrast and large features does, as others have mentioned, seem to minimize the impact that make up has. I decided that I could get the most drama if I played up my eyes, so I'm working from there out.

Right now, I am able to competently apply mascara (I have thick dark lashes, but LOVE how mascara highlights them further); in the last 2 weeks I've been able to semi-competently apply liner and am experimenting with color/texture, thickness, and how far along my eyes to go. It's been interesting and I like the results so far; it's enough of a change, and enough additional polish, to keep me happy and therefore I'll be likely to continue with it. I'm not sure if I'll expand from here, I'm still pretty slow at just these 2 things.

I hope your Aveda order is grand, I think that blue liner will be fun and look great on you! Wish you luck in this endeavor, and I'll be tuning in to hear your review and how your new regiment goes

Maya and C1, I would dispute the claim that either of you has a big nose.

April, your suggestion of a makeup artist at the swap this weekend is super appealing.

I might consider wearing a bit of makeup if I could find someone to teach me how to do it. I've only tried a couple times over the years, and I feel like the colors never worked for me and I looked like a clown. Argh.

Oooh, I love make-up. I am one of those people that has features that fade away when I don't wear make up. Especially the eyes. I learned a lot about make-up a few years ago when I was a beauty consultant. I did a lot of make-overs and played with loads of different colors. The most important thing I ALWAYS found was to get the skin right first.
- I have no idea what you look like, but these are the basics for every person I ever put make up on. Beautiful skin is your palette...kind of like you wouldn't pain a wall without cleaning up smudges and patching imperfections. Get a good concealer in the right shade for your skin. Usually it is just a big lighter than you natural coloring. Put the concealer lightly around the eyes, starting on the inside next to the bridge of your nose. Blend well. Also, put concealer around the creases of your nose. blend well. You want to even out your skin before you put on anything else. You would be amazed with how the right concealer can brighten you eyes. I like a little foundation too, but sounds like you don't want to go there, so a little powder to set it all and complete the evening out will do.
-Next the rosey blush, use a large, pouffy brush and blow off the excess, smile and apply to the apple of your cheek.
-I would do mascara here, but sounds like you don't want that , so apply your eyeliner here, I like to line the top and bottom lashes and blend well, but every one has a personal preference here...do what you feel comfortable with.
-Finish off with some lipgloss and voila'...a polished and natural you!

I wish I could come and play make up with you ladies that would like to wear make up! It's so fun to me! I find clothes sooo much more challenging.