Whip-smart and worldly Clara Nanut is a Milan-based beauty reporter at Glamour Italia and founder of Gourmode.com, a blog about style, travel and food that is (quite literally) a feast for the eyes. Her style strikes that perfect balance between simplicity and the unexpected. "I like things that are fresh, natural and a bit enigmatic—never obvious," says Clara, who joined us in Marrakech to celebrate the launch of Clinique Pop Matte Lip Colour + Primer, High Impact Custom Black Kajal and Lash Power Flutter to Full Mascara.

No stranger to the art of beauty, Clara did her own makeup before the big event, and let us glean some of her know-how while doing so. Despite conventional wisdom about choosing one focal point for the face, she had no reservations about playing up her eyes and lips, because, as she says, "It's all about balance." Clara's final look: a statement matte red lip and sultry (but not too heavy) smokey eye—the perfect pairing for a night out in Marrakech. Here's how she created it:

Before applying her makeup, Clara prepped her skin with Pep-Start Hydroblur Moisturizer, an oil-free hydrator that instantly blurs imperfections and gives skin a natural matte finish. "I don't wear a lot of foundation, so Hydroblur is great for me because it controls shine and makes your skin look more even and perfect," Clara told us.

Next, she focused on her eyes with High Impact Custom Black Kajal in Blackened Brown, a bold, intense eyeliner that glides on smoothly, making application easy and effortless. Clara lined her top lashes, drawing the liner a little bit thicker in the centre of the lid, and smudged it all out for a soft smokey effect. She then traced a thinner and more precise line along her bottom lashes.

Next, Clara applied Lid Pop in Petal Pop, a light shimmery pink shadow, onto her lids.

"I always intend to use makeup brushes, but often wind up using my fingers," says Clara, who gently tapped the shadow onto her lids and brow bones.

Last, Clara swept on Lash Power Flutter-to-Full Mascara, which allows you to customise how much mascara you apply. With the twist of its barrel, you can create a number of different lash looks, from light and fluttery to full and high drama. For this look, Clara cranked it up to the highest setting. Her application technique was simple, but effective: "I use the brush horizontally to give volume, then do a few quick blinks to coat my lashes and add length."

To warm up her complexion, Clara swept True Bronze Pressed Powder Bronzer onto cheeks, nose, chin and forehead for a natural-looking glow.

"I always go for powder bronzers with a gold tone, to create a natural-looking, sun-kissed radiance," she says.

The finishing touch? A slick of Clinique Pop Matte Lip Colour + Primer in Ruby Pop. "Red lipstick is my thing, I wear everything from orange tones to burgundy shades. This one has a smooth and creamy effect, velvety touch, and creates a soft, refined look, 'tutto da baciare!'" (Loose translation: All the better to kiss with. Wink, wink.)

Clara finished her look with a lipstick-coordinated red dress and statement bag, ready to hit the night in Marrakech.

And when the evening ended, Clara made sure to remove all her makeup (a tip handed down from her mum) with Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm, before applying Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief, which she calls her never-be-without skin care necessity.

Editor: Rachel Hayes | Photographer: Rudy Geyser | Writer: Didi Gluck | Location: La Mamounia Marrakesh, Morocco