Prestige starter kit -- 5 Ulta/Sephora must-haves

If the endless isles of Sephora or wide-open spaces of Ulta have you at a loss for where to begin, allow me to help. There are so many wonderful products available from trustworthy brands, that it can be overwhelming to pick just a few things. If you're crossing over from drugstore brands, looking to upgrage your make-up, here are a few tried-and-true favorites that should be staples in your beauty bag, whether you'r light or dark, warm or cool. These are some of the items that got me started and unfortunately/fortunately, they were my gateway drug into a whole beauty obsession. Proceed with caution!

Naked palette, Urban Decay. Ask anyone who owns this, whether it's Naked1 or Naked2, this will not only last you years, but will be your go-to for any and all occasions and looks -- from light and neutral to dramatic and smokey. Soft champagne to a daring gunmetal, and everything inbetween including a rich gold and sultry mauve. The eye primer makes a world of difference; your shadow will actually last through the workday and into the evening. When I first discovered eye primer, my world was forever changed. It seriously works!

Stay Don't Stray, Benefit.
With a name so cute, it's hard to resist. But does it really work? Yep, and there's not really anything else like it out there! This product can be used as an eye primer and *drum roll* a base for concealer, meaning your concealer won't crease. GENIUS! And here's the bonus -- it's actually hydrates and brightens around your eyes. You can add your concealer over it for a flawless, seamless gaze or just use it by itself, which I think works great. Plus, Benefit is so much fun to follow on twitter (hello amazing place to work) -- @benefitbeauty.

One Step Correcter, Stila.
This is by far the best primer I have come across. The swirls of lavender, green and peach correct any redness and discoloration, and smooth your complexion, making your face a soft, smooth canvas for your foundation. Make-up will last longer and look better. Next time you're walking past Sephora at the mall (OK, like you would actually walk past it) stop in and just pump some onto one hand and blend it in. Compare the hands. Notice the hand with the product, how bright and soft it is. This stuff works, all ages, all skin types. Gorgeous.

Amazonian Clay Bronzer, Tarte.
Everyone needs a little bronzer. Sweep it on year-round to add contour to your face and a natural, youthful sun-kissed glow. It can be worn over foundation and with blush on top, or by itself instead of blush. It can be dusted in a 3 shape (from forhead outward along the temple, onto the cheeks, and back out finishing at the chin) on each side or simply on the apples of your cheeks. Either way, it looks great on everyone and Tarte's bronzer is very natural, not too much shine, not orange-y, just perfect. The most popular shade is Park Ave Princess, and there's also Hotel Heiress, matte or luminous. If I'm going out with "no make-up" on a Saturday morning, at the minimum I brush some of this on, just to add some life to my face.

They're Real, Benefit.
There's not much to say about this besides: GO. BUY. NOW. If your lashes are stubby and meek, these will make them stand out, and your lashes are already long and lush, you'll look like you're wearing falsies. The brush on this wand perfectly and artfully seperates the lashes and plumps up volume, while holding the curl effortlessly. I can't tell you how many times customers have approached me, looked at my lashes and asked, "Are they real?" honestly believing I was wearing false lashes. I've had the pleasure, on many occassions, of gingerly plucking a box from the shelf and plopping this into their hands, replying "They're Real." *wink!*