When it comes to Bare Escentuals, I am no newbie - in fact, I give it pretty much deity status.

I know a lot of you are still new to it, and mineral makeup in general, though.

For you, I recommend you go out immediately and get yourself bareMinerals Newbie Complexion Kit

This kit includes:
- 2 x 0.03 oz shades of bareMinerals SPF 15 Foundation
- 0.02 oz bareMinerals Mineral Veil
- 0.01 oz bareMinerals Warmth All-Over Face Color
- Mini Flawless Application Face Brush

Why do you need this?

It’s quite simply a great starter kit, and comes with two shades of foundation, so you can find your perfect match. Why do you want mineral makeup? Well, not only does it not clog your pores in the way liquid might, but it’s a lighter, and yet, even coverage - great anytime, but ideal for summer!

Image: Sephora

Lately, some readers have been writing to me asking my thoughts on mineral makeup. Is it really worth the hype?

In short: YES. I can honestly say that since switching from heavier liquid foundations to mineral ones, my skin has been reborn, revitalized, and healthier than ever.

This is largely because mineral makeup is made from naturally occurring pigments from the earth. It won’t clog your pores, and thus, you ain’t going to break out from it - making it perfect for light coverage for all types of sensitive skin.

I also love it because it is great for the inner-artist we all have. I love to take different shades of mineral shadow and mix and match it to create new shades! You can totally do this by putting a few drops in the palm of your hand and just mixing it up. Same is true for blushes and bronzers. And, you can use your favorite shadow as a liner too! The possibilities are truly limitless!

And, so, try it now - and if you have any needs for recommendations on brands/products to try, drop me an email any time!

Image: Sxc.hu

Yes, I have many pink lip glosses!

That doesn’t mean it’s not STILL a beauty bag staple!

So, I was very excited to learn about the new Hiss Good Nite lip gloss.
It’s a shimmery pink shade that is delicate but still sexy and has a very kissable peppermint scent: Even the packaging is adorable!

No matter what your hobbies and schedule, a good pink lipgloss is a beauty staple - no matter what brand or style you choose. Just try it, and you’ll see what I mean.

Image: HoneyCatCosmetics.com

To have a lot of makeup is great - but it can become an issue when you don’t have enough space to hold it all!

I already have an organizer, but I just decided I will celebrate my upcoming move with an upgrade: Sephora Brand Moroccan Sunrise Lighted Traincase is truly the gorgeous gold standard of makeup cases.

The top has a snap-closet, and when you open it, there’s a  lighted mirror to aid you in your beautifying on the go. It also has a two-part upper tray and two lower drawers - plenty of space even if you are as much of a stuff-hog as me!

Plus, it’s just really pretty - and completely agrees with the overwhelming Bollywood theme in style right now. Why shouldn’t your organizer match its contents?

Image: Sephora

If you are a Nordstrom shopper, get thee there now: Shiseido Artistic Director, Dick Page has created an exclusive shade of Shiseido Makeup Perfect Rouge that will just be sold there, and for a limited time only (March through June 2009).

This is a soft rose toned lipstick with a delicate metallic pearl, and I love it with the spring styles (which includes tons of pink!).

Image: Shiseido

Float into Spring with ethereal tones and goddess-like silhouettes.

The style of the season embarks on a journey of flesh-toned palettes and free-flowing fabrics. Essie’s new Spring 2009 color collection captures the femininity of the season with a fresh, hopeful attitude.

This season, there was an air of elegant practicality with an emphasis on expertly cut classics. Relaxed trousers and draping dresses were matched with cascading ruffles and comfy knits. The runways were awash in translucent fabrics and grounded hues, and designers encouraged hopefulness with pops of lively colors amidst must-have nudes.

The Essie Spring 2009 collection compliments the season’s dreaminess with a mixed palette of soft red, beige and blue, pinky coral, fuchsia and petal rose – each named to inspire the newness and hopefulness of Spring.

“This was a season of classic hues,” says Essie Weingarten, president and founder of Essie Cosmetics, Ltd. “Last Fall’s potent colors gave way to softer, muted tones for Spring. I created this collection to flatter that feeling of Spring and gave each shade a feel-good name.”

Essie’s Spring 2009 Color Collection:

Eternal Optimist – Spiced Tea Rose

Flawless – Cherry Blossom Pink

Status Symbol – Feisty Hot Pink

One of a Kind – Poppy Red Kiss

Lacquered Up – Red Hot Crimson

Mesmerize – Royal va-va Blue

It’s perfect timing to start a new tradition… a New Year’s “New You” gift!

Personalized products have never been in higher demand, and Too Faced has taken this hot trend to the extreme with the New! Design Your Own Palette custom makeup kit website program. For the first time in glamourista history, customers have the chance to go online and virtually create a super chic and totally unique makeup palette.

With just the click of the mouse gift-givers, technophiles and makeup junkies alike can choose their favorite Too Faced products and package designs, add their own messaging and customize a charming gift tag-perfect timing for a New Year makeover!

Why didn’t anyone think of this sooner?!

This stylishly hip case has just-enough-room to perfectly hold an assortment of Too Faced’s favorite products including a best-selling face brightener (bronzer or blush), eyeshadow duo (in assorted long-wearing shades) and choice of a finishing touch products (liquid glitter eyeliner, lip gloss, eye shadow primer or mascara). Design a kit for yourself, or share the love when you create a perfectly personal palette for the hard-to-buy-for glamour girl on your list! How fabulous!

Let the fun begin with three easy steps:
1. Customize Shades: Choose three items for your palette’s product mix by
choosing from an assortment of the best selling products:
2. 1st Item: Sun Bunny Duo Bronzer or Brightening Blush in Pappa Don’t
Peach or Pinch My Petals
3. 2nd Item: Duo Eyeshadow in George & Weezie, Totally Toasted, Lovey
Dovey, Lucky Charms or Ooh & Aah
4. 3rd Item: Mini Lash Injection Mascara , Mini Shadow Insurance Eye
Shadow Primer or Mini Mirror Mirror Lip Gloss in I’m Perfect, I Love
Myself, Don’t Hate Me or I Know You Want Me; Mini Starry Eyed Glitter
Eyeliner in Ooh & Aah, Mad Mad Love or Super Freak

1. Create a Custom Cover With Your Own Message: Create a custom cover
design for your one-of-a-kind kit by choosing from a wide selection of
Too Faced patterns and signature icons! Express yourself by adding a
sassy message of your choice.

1. Personalize the Gift Tag: Personalize a chic gift with a flirty, filled
out, To/From gift tag.

Halloween makeup isn’t all about vampires and goons. Here are a few tutorials for pretty Halloween makeup from MakeupGeek.com.

Are you dressing up?

Greek Goddess

Sexy Pirate (Beautiful Red Lips!)

Beautiful Fairy

Snow Angel

As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we are highlighting Pink Ribbon products that benefit the cause. I’m a big fan of Bobbi Brown lipstick and this month, you can get their limited edition Pink Ribbon Collection.

The set includes Pink Quartz Glitter Lip Gloss and Tulle Lip Color. The lip gloss gives you a terrific sparkling shine that can be worn alone or in conjunction with the lipstick.

Bobbi Brown is donating a portion of proceeds from the collection to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. You can order the set online at Nordstrom.com for $40.

How do you get lip color that lasts?

Here are some simple tips:

• Exfoliate your lips with a washcloth to create a smooth surface.
• Apply powder or primer to your lips if you are using creme formula lipstick.
• Fill in your entire lips with liner before applying lipstick.
• Use a lip brush for precision. You will be able to extend the color to the corners of your lips.

For more information about Breast Cancer Awareness month, turn to Pink Ribbon Review.

Photo credit: Nordstrom

Fall is just underway but winter will be here before you know it. And with it comes holiday parties, dressing up and lots of glamorous makeup.

Prescriptives new holiday color Aglow collection is a great choice for winter. The shades are infuses with light-catching particles to get that shimmery, frosty effect without that 1970s overdone look.

The limited edition Winter Reflections Eye Color Quad features a sleek platinum mirrored compact with your choice of two palettes - Warm and Cool. The Warm version features three new limited edition colors, Chestnut, Brunette and Suede, plus fabulous Banana. The Cool quad features new shades of Oyster, Twinkle and Eclipse, plus a Prescriptives favorite - Shell.

But its not all about the eyes, the Aglow collection features new lipcolors in shimmering shades, such as Golden Quartz. There’s also a new blush, all-over highlighter and more.

Look for these fabulous products beginning November 2008 at Prescriptives counters nationwide, and www.prescriptives.com

Suggested Prices:

Winter Reflections All-Over Highlighter – $35
Winter Reflections Eye Color Quad – $42
Colorscope Lipcolor – $17.50
Colorscope Lip Gloss – $17.50
Blush More or Less – $21.50
Eye Definer Brush — $19

Photo credit: Prescriptives