Summer, like the holidays, is synonymous with parties and get-togethers. We can't pinpoint it exactly, but there's just something about the season that makes us want to put on a pretty dress and engage in some free-spirited revelry.

To ensure you look gorgeous all summer long, we've asked one of our favorite makeup brands, Laura Mercier, to create an easy makeup look that's perfect for the bright days ahead. In this step-by-step tutorial, Lead Makeup Artist Mark Qua shows you how to get brightly colored lids, bronze skin, and nude kissers. Click "next" to get started!

STEP 1: PERFECT YOUR BASE
After prepping your skin by cleansing, toning, and moisturizing, apply primer using your fingers. "If you don't like foundation or if you already have good skin, you can use [primer] alone," shares makeup artist Mark Qua. Next, dot foundation with a sponge to achieve Laura Mercier's signature Second Skin effect. Then, using downward strokes, apply concealer to mask blemishes, under eye circles, and spots. Set with loose powder.

Click "next" to work on your peepers.

STEP 2: ENHANCE THOSE EYES
Draw a line using golden beige eye shadow on your upper lid. Blend downward to distribute the color evenly. Next, recreate the flirty flick Mark made. "[If you're a beginner, the easiest way to do this] is to have an angled brush," he explains. When you're doing wings, it can be difficult to have both sides match up, making the genius design of the angled brush very helpful. Finish by curling your lashes and swiping on mascara.

For the next step to this look, click "next."

STEP 3: DEFINE YOUR BROWS
With a light hand, sweep brow powder on your brows. "For a natural look, simply imitate the growth of the hairs," says Mark. He also emphasizes the importance of sharpening your brow pencil before every use.

Click "next" to focus on your cheeks.

STEP 4: BRIGHTEN THOSE CHEEKS
Before you apply blush, create an enviable dusky glow with bronzer. Mark has this pro tip to offer: "[Apply bronzer on] anything you want to push in and anything the light pushes out." For most women, that would be the underneath the cheekbones, on the sides of the forehead, and along the jawline. Meanwhile, coral blush on the apples of your cheeks creates a flattering pop of color.

For the final step to this pretty look, click "next."

STEP 5: PAINT YOUR LIPS
To allow the eyes to take center stage, go for a subdued nude pink lip color. Apply straight from the tube for a more natural finish, or with a lip brush for more precise application.

Recreate this ultra-pretty summer look with the products on the following page. Click "next" to discover them!

Here are the Laura Mercier products makeup artist Mark Qua used!

1. Flawless Skin Perfecting Water Moisture Mist, P1,950

2. Flawless Skin Tone Perfecting Crème, P3,250

3. Flawless Skin Tone Perfecting Eye Gel Crème, P2,950

4. Flawless Skin Lip Silk, P995

5. Foundation Primer – Radiance, P1,550

6. Silk Crème Foundation, P1,850

7. Secret Concealer, P995

8. Invisible Loose Setting Powder, P1,550

9. Caviar Stick in Sugar Frost, P995

10. Crème Eyeliner in Canard, P995

11. Faux Lash Mascara, P995

12. Eye Brow Pencil in Warm Brunette, P895

13. Bronzing Pressed Powder in Matte Bronze, P1,650

14. Crème Cheek Colour in Sunrise, P995

15. Crème Smooth Lip Colour in Angelic, P1,250

(Model photos by Mike Dee. Makeup by Mark Qua for Laura Mercier. Hair by Jinky Ureta. Model: Anika Almeda. All products available at Rustan's Department Stores in Ayala Center Makati, Shangri-la Plaza Mall, Alabang Town Center, Robinsons Place Manila, Gateway Mall, and Ayala Center Cebu.)