Buying makeup online can be an overwhelming process. There’s a gazillion brands out there with one hundred million gazillion products. How does a girl know what to get? And what’s with those weird digital color swatches—how are you supposed to tell which one represents your shade?

Fear not, for I knew one day all my internet shopping would do some good (aside from filling the pockets of everyone but mine *smh*). I’ve put together some tips to take out some of the anxiety.

General shopping tips:
1. Buy from a well-known retailer with a clearly defined return and/or exchange policy. You don’t want to get stuck with that too-light foundation or dead-wrong-what-was-I-thinking lipstick.
2. Always google for coupon codes before you hit submit. One of the greatest things about the internet is that there’s so much info out there. You can find anything—like a secret free shipping or 15% off code.
3. Be prepared to buy more than one shade when you can’t pin down which shade is your best bet.
4. Google image is your friend. So is Makeup Alley. Just type in the product you have your eye on and see if a swatch of it comes up.

Makeup specific tips:

Foundation
1. Check out my Foundation 101 post to help you understand your undertones and which formulas work best for you. Then also check out the genius Foundation Matrix created by Temptalia. If you know your MAC shade, you can find your match in other brands with a quick scroll through.
2. Not all brands follow a uniform color guide (some brands use numbers others use names). Warm undertones are also called yellow, peach, orange, and sometimes red. Cool undertones are also called pink, blue, and sometimes red. Confusing, right? Like I mentioned, since there is no uniform color guide for makeup, brands have their own interpretation of colors. When in doubt, buy both shades and return the one that doesn’t work.

Lipstick/Lipgloss
1. Understand lipstick finishes courtesy of MAC
CREME: High impact and high color with lots of shine for a dramatic look.
FROST: Shimmery frosted finish. High shine glamour.
GLAZE: A shiny finish tinted with colour. Gives lips a sexy sheen.
LUSTRE: Slightly sheer, with an ultra shiny finish. Gives lips a high impact, wet, lustre look.
MATTE: Intense colour, matte finish.
METALLIC FROST: Frosted colour with a metallic, high-shine finish
SATIN: Semi-matte finish with lots of colour for soft, smooth lips.
SHEER: Just a tint of colour in this barely there, natural sheer colour treatment.
2. You can find some color recommendations in these past posts: Makeup for Fair Skin Girls, Makeup for Light Skin Girls, Makeup for Asian Girls, Makeup for Olive Tone Skin, Makeup for Dark Skin Girls

Blush
1. The general rule for blush is the darker your skin, the brighter you can go in blush color. Be sure to also check out NARS Blush Guide for All Skin Tones and Blush 101.

Eyeshadow
1. I created a quick guide here based on MAC Eyeshadows—check it out: MAC Eyeshadow Guide and MAC Eyeshadow Highlighters.

I recently revamped the site’s search engine to make it much easier to search for just about anything. This is where you’ll find it:

See it? Hope you find everything you’re looking for!

Why so much MAC? While my kit is filled with brands across the spectrum, I often mention MAC because it’s likely one of the most swatched brands on the internet. So if I say get a blue-based red like MAC Ruby Woo, you’ll be able to find tons of images of it on real people and know what I mean about a blue-based red!

And of course, if you need help, feel free to contact me. I’ll help as much as I can.

Now THIS is a collection. If you haven’t already seen the images from the upcoming MAC/Disney Venomous Villains Collection due out Sept. 30th, then brace yourselves, my pretties. This one is gooood.

(click images to enlarge)

U.S. Launch Date: September 30th, 2010 (online as early as 9/27)
International Launch Date: October 2010

Cruella de Vil

Eyeshadow ($15.50 U.S. / $18.50 CDN)

Sweet Joy Frosted creamy pale gold (Frost) (Limited Edition) (Repromote from Passions of Red)
De-Vil Rich copper (Veluxe Pearl) (Limited Edition)
Carbon Intense black (Matte) (Permanent)

Lipstick ($15.50 U.S. / $18.50 CDN)

Innocence, Beware! Light yellow pink (Cremesheen) (Limited Edition)
Heartless Cherry red (Amplified) (Limited Edition)

Lipglass ($15.50 U.S. / $18.50 CDN)

Wicked Ways Deep fuchsia with pink pearl (Limited Edition)
Devilishly Stylish Light nude with gold pearl (Limited Edition)
Powder Blush ($19.50 U.S. / $23.50 CDN)

Darkly My Dear Dirty brown plum (Matte) (Limited Edition)

Beauty Powder ($25.00 U.S. / $30.00 CDN)

Her Own Devices Cool nude (Limited Edition)

Penultimate Eyeliner ($16.50 U.S. / $20.00 CDN)

Rapidblack True black (Permanent)
Evil Queen

Eyeshadow ($15.50 U.S. / $18.50 CDN)

Her Alter Image Light violet (Veluxe Pearl) (Limited Edition)
Vainglorious Bronze burgundy (Frost) (Limited Edition)
Vile Violet Deep dirty blue purple (Matte) (Limited Edition)

Lipstick ($15.50 U.S. / $18.50 CDN)

Toxic Tale Bright coral (Satin) (Limited Edition)
Sinister Soft brown plum (Lustre) (Limited Edition)

Lipglass ($15.50 U.S. / $18.50 CDN)

Strange Potion Soft coral pink (Limited Edition)
Hot House Deep raspberry with pink pearl (Limited Edition) (Repromote from Strange Hybrid)

Powder Blush ($19.50 U.S. / $23.50 CDN)

Bite of an Apple Soft coral pink (Matte) (Limited Edition)

Beauty Powder ($25.00 U.S. / $30.00 CDN)

Oh So Fair Clean pink with gold pearl (Limited Edition)
Maleficent

Minearlize Eyeshadow Duo ($21.00 U.S. / $25.00 CDN)

My Dark Magic Deep pink with pink pearl / Deep plum with purple pearl (Limited Edition)
She Who Dares Deep navy with blue pearl / Deep forest green with lime green pearl (Limited Edition)

Lipstick ($15.50 U.S. / $18.50 CDN)

Violetta Bright clean violet purple (Amplified) (PRO)
Dark Deed Burgundy plum (Amplified) (Limited Edition)

Lipglass ($15.50 U.S. / $18.50 CDN)

Revenge is Sweet Light yellow purple (Limited Edition)
Wrong Spell Deep plum with pink purple (Limited Edition)

Beauty Powder ($25.00 U.S. / $30.00 CDN)

Briar Rose Soft violet pink with pearl (Limited Edition)

Nail Lacquer ($13.00 U.S. / $15.50 CDN)

Bad Fairy Red with red multi-changing pearl (Limited Edition)
Formidable! Teal green with pink multi-changing pearl (Limited Edition)
Mean & Green Purple with teal multi-changing pearl (Limited Edition)

Dr. Facilier

MAC Magically Cool Liquid Powder

Truth & Light Sheer shimmer that reflects silver and pink (Limited Edition)
Cajun Sheer bronze shimmer that reflects gold (Limited Edition)

Lipgelee ($15.50 U.S. / $18.50 CDN)

Resort Life Off white with pink pearl (Limited Edition) (Repromote from Lillyland)

Greasepaint Stick ($17.50 U.S. / $21.00 CDN)

Slick Black True carbon black (Limited Edition) (Repromote)
French Quarter Dirty black green with multi-colour pearl (Limited Edition)

Pigment ($19.50 U.S. / $23.50 CDN)

Melon Soft bright golden peach (Frost) (Permanent)
Brash & Bold Bright magenta (Frost) (Limited Edition) (Repromote from Makeup Art Cosmetics)
Push the Edge Deep bright purple with pearl (Frost) (Limited Edition) (Repromote from Makeup Art Cosmetics)

MAC I’m So Vain Mirror ($12.00 U.S. / $14.50 CDN)

Compact inspired by collaboration; interior contains standard mirror on one side and magnifying mirror on alternate side. (Limited Edition)

Zoom Fast Black Lash ($14.00 U.S. / $16.50 CDN)

One Shade Deepest black (Permanent)

Source: Temptalia

What’s on your list?

I went to check out the MAC Fabulous Felines collection early this past Saturday. The collection is in three parts: Burmese Beauty (netural–some shades can work on warm or cool undertones), Palace Pedigreed (cooler undertones), and Leopard Luxe (warmer undertones). When I first saw images of the collection, I nearly fainted. I wanted almost EVERYTHING. When I went to see it in person? Not so much.

The collection is pretty cool, don’t get me wrong, but in order for me to part ways with my cash I need things that are unique to my kit and my personal stash. I didn’t see anything that fit this criteria in this collection. However if you’re new to MAC or new to makeup, you’ll benefit from one of the palettes and one of the Superslick Liquid Eye Liners. I swatched the Superslick Liquid Eye Liners on my hand around 1:30 PM when I got to the Pro store and by 10 PM (after a full day of walking the city and shopping) the swatches were still on my hand! I had to use a ton of soap and water and push it off. I didn’t get any of the liners because they reminded me of the Urban Decay Liquid Liner I have. And if I’m going to be a responsible adult, I need to quit making unnecessary purchases…lol.

I did contemplate purchasing Bloodline Pigment, Cunning Lipstick, and Lap of Luxury Lipglass but decided that I already own pigments I don’t use and have my fair share of burgundy/berry lip color. Thank goodness because I’m hoarding my cash for the MAC Venomous Villians collection due out September 30th.

The collection officially launches this Thursday, August 26th (my birthday!) and should show up online either Monday or Tuesday.

For product images and some swatches, go here.

While many runway makeup and hair looks are best left for the runway, there are some totally wearable trends for non-runway walkers like us. Check out a preview of some of fall’s hottest beauty trends. Be sure to check in for updates on how to get the look no matter your age, color, or budget.

Pink-red lips at Dolce & Gabbana

40s-inspired curls at Oscar de la Renta

Deep blue-red lips at Donna Karan

Deep berry lips at Christian Dior

Messy Up-dos at Fendi

Strong brow and liner at Gucci

Curls at Ralph Lauren

Black lips at Missoni

Sharp bangs at Lanvin

Geometric smoky eye and red lip at DSquared

Up-dos and patent leather headbands at Karl Lagerfeld

Smoky blue eyes at Diane von Furstenberg

Wanna get a head start on your fall makeup wish list? Get it with these:

More Christian Dior…

Stay tuned for more Fall 2010 coverage!

If you’ve been saying to yourself that you really need a makeover but have no clue where to start or what to do, you’re in luck! I’ve broken down some tips on how you can get started on a new you.

1. Make an assessment. What is it that you’d like to change? Be honest and be realistic. There are just some things you’ll have to embrace about your looks. Be proud of them—they’re what makes you YOU! Also take a good assessment on your happiness. You might think you need a whole new wardrobe when you really just need an attitude adjustment or change of scenery.

2. Hair. If you’ve been wearing the same hairstyle since the days when Seinfeld was actually on NBC, it’s time for an upgrade. Not sure what will look good on you? Check out Hairstyles to Flatter Your Face Shape.

Wanna experiment with color? There’s a slew of temporary hair color options out there, but make sure your hair is healthy first. And always consult with a professional first.

3. Makeup. The easiest way to do something different with your makeup is to add some color. Consider the color purple if you’re used to neutrals. Purple is universally flattering and you can go easy with a purple like MAC Parfait Amour or all out with one like Make Up For Ever #92. Check out Purple Reigns for more ways to wear purple.

Need more advice on makeup for your skin tone? Check out Makeup for Fair Skin Girls, Makeup for Olive Toned Girls, Makeup for Dark Skinned Girls, Makeup for Light Skin Girls, or Makeup for Asian Girls.

4. Wardrobe. First things first, Clean Out Your Closet. If you have too much clothes in your closet, it hinders you from being able to quickly put an outfit together. Follow the tips in this post to edit your closet down to stylish essentials.

Should you need to add some pieces to your wardrobe, be sure to check out my “Dressing For Your Body” tab above to look for tips on what looks good for your body (put your cursor over the tab and a black drop down column will appear with different categories to browse).

Some other great posts to check out:
How to Get More Mileage from Your Wardrobe
Quick Style Tips for the Mommy on the Go
Fashionista Finance: How to Do More with Less
How to Be Stylish in Your 40s, 50s, 60s, and Beyond
Outfit Ideas
Go Ahead, Honey: Take a Chance!
Wardrobe Basics
How to Dress in a Conservative Work Environment
Recession Proof Style: How to Shop Vintage
How to Be Stylish
Jeans for Every Body

And then of course if you’d like to call in a professional *ahem* ME–check out our style and beauty services! I’m available in the NYC Tri-State area.

As always, if you have a style or beauty question, contact me.