We've resolved to kick off 2012 by busting out of our respective beauty ruts. My challenge? Try a different makeup look each day for a week. The experiment inspired me to step out of my comfort zone - and hopefully it will do the same for you.

After a relaxing weekend, my Monday mornings usually involve me rushing out of my house. A cat eye with a few coats of mascara, blush and some lip balm is the ideal quickie makeup look that still makes me feel put together. I used MAC Penultimate Eye Liner, Illamasqua Masquara, Charlotte Ronson 3X A Charm Palette in Shoshanna and Rosebud Strawberry Lip Balm.

This look in particular was really out of my element because it doesn’t involve any eye liner at all (I live for liner). I started with the lightest shade of the Topshop Eye Palette in Secret Liason as a base, then I layered MAC Eyeshadow in Woodwinked over Maybelline Color Tattoo by Eyestudio 24 HR Cream Eyeshadow in Bad to the Bronze. I just kept building color on my lids and lower lash line until I got the desired pigment. I left my lips a rosy nude, using Burberry Lip Cover in Nude Rose No. 25. 

A bold eye and a bold lip can easily go over the top, but I think black liner is a cool way to toughen up a girly pout. I lined around my entire eye with the Sephora Collection Smoky Kohl Eyeliner and smudged it halfway up my lid using a stiff brush; the lip color was Urban Decay’s Super Saturated High Gloss Lip Color in Crush. 

I usually stay away from blue eyeshadow to avoid looking like an ‘80s pop star, but I actually really loved this look. The subtle blue smoke combined with a coral lip is really fun and great for spring. I lined around the eye using Estee Lauder Pure Color Intense Kajal Eye Crayon in Dramatic Teal and smoked it out with Make Up For Ever Aqua Cream in 13. I also lined the upper lid with MAC Penultimate Eye Liner (a very thin line). I gave my cheeks a hint of color with Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush in Candy Coral followed by Mirabella Lip Luster Liner in Coy patted on with Rosebud Strawberry Lip Balm to create a light stained effect on my lips. 

Here’s another simple, yet statement-making look: the classic red lip. It’s the perfect look for a Friday because it’s minimal enough to rock at the office and transitions seamlessly for a night out with the girls. I even added to the look by doing a bit of a spider lash effect - building up a few coats of Illamasqua Mascara using the tip of the wand. The lipstick is Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet in 38-La Fascinante.

While the rest of the looks were created off the top of my head, this one was inspired by Rooney Mara. I’ve been loving the red carpet looks she’s been wearing while promoting The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, and I wanted to create a darker look for a Saturday night. I applied a strip of false lashes and created a thick line on my upper lid with Illamasqua Precision Ink in Havoc (a cool burgundy liquid liner). I wanted to create a glossy eye effect so I applied some Smashbox Lip Enhancing Gloss in After Glow on the lid. The dark wine-colored lip was the final touch. I used MAC Lipstick in Media. 

No matter how great a mascara performs, my eyes never look as good as they do when I’m wearing falsies. I played up the lashes by adding a touch of Sonia Kashuk Eye Definer in Sapphire and a light layer of Young Blood Lipstick in Vixen with a touch of clear gloss in the center- simple, yet playful.