Welcome to the Beauty Help Desk.  This is where I can tell you all about my favorite products and what you can do to keep yourself looking great! 

Here is a list of my favorite "prestigious" cosmetics lines:

smashbox, Benefit, Cargo, Vincent Longo, NARS, MAC, Stila and Tarte.  

Just because these are my favorites doesn't mean there are no budget friendly brands out there.  Covergirl, L'Oreal, Maybelline and Physician's Formula have great products.  Remember that there are other factors that go into a great make-up application.   All in all, there are some products I would splurge on and some I would just go to my neighborhood drug store to purchase with a coupon from the Sunday paper.  

I am constantly trying new products and services and so come back for updated information.   

Skin/Prep

Smashbox Photo Finish is one of my favorite products!  It's also a favorite among Allure Magazine readers.  This truly is a great product.  No matter what brand of foundation I use, it always looks great and it's great for everyday use.  For me, I apply Photo Finish all over my face and then I apply a powder foundation with a brush over it.  My skin looks great all day long.  This product does retail for $36 and some might think it's too much, but believe me when I say this product is worth the investment.    

Tinted Moisturizer

Cover Girl's CG Smoother's Tinted Moisturizer is another product I absolutely love!  This product has 3 functions: 1) Moisturizes 2) Contains SPF and 3) Evens out skin tone.  If you're not a big fan of liquid foundation, consider this as an alternative. This is a great product for make-up novices and teens (who are starting to learn about their own personal beauty look).  Some women may need more coverage and if that is the case, I can recommend some great cosmetics lines.

Foundation

Look for foundation with a warm (yellow) or neutral undertones.  Try not to go too yellow, it may turn orange on you.  (I've had that happen to me once before.)  Here are the common types of foundation.  If you use liquid foundation in a bottle, you need to replace it every 4 months.  If you use a pump or a tube, it'll last longer because little air will mix with the product therefore giving your foundation a longer lifespan.  However, you should not keep foundation longer than 6 months.  This is for hygienic reasons and our skin tone changes with the seasons and so you should test your foundation to see if it's time to get a different color.    

Cream-I love using cream foundation for brides and photo shoots.  I find this type of foundation is the best at getting skin to look flawless.  It's great for everyday use, however, if you have oily skin, use this product sparingly.  If you're using a high quality product like Cinema Secrets Cream Foundation, you'll be okay.  If you're using a lesser quality cream foundation the pigments in the product will separate on your skin through out the day.  I use cream foundation on all skin types and I recommend Cinema Secrets Cream Foundation.  It's great for everyday use. 

Liquid-This type of foundation is great for everyday use.  There are so many great formulations out there no matter what your skin type, you'll be able to find one that's just right for you.     

Powder-If you have Normal/Combination/Oily Skin, powder foundation is a great option for you.  There are many great formulas out there, however, the main thing is to find the right color for your skin tone.  If you have oily skin, going to a store where you can try the product is best.  This way you can see if the color of the powder will change colors once it mixes with the oils on your skin.  Touch the powder with your fingers and if the product is very soft, then it'll be pretty smooth going on to your skin.  If the powder is rough and dry, then you might have to work with the powder to get it to look it's best on you.