by Carol Shaw-Sutton

Created on: February 03, 2009

Personally, I am tired of brands like CoverGirl, Maybelline, and L'Oreal, for example. Instead, I have a love affair with all the latest and most trendsetting brands that can be found in Sephora or your local drugstore. Here are a few I would recommend for those who want to stay current and keep up with the trends.

1. ULTRA SOPHISTICATED HOLLYWOOD GLAM

First of all, I love LORAC. The products by LORAC are so sophisticated! From her wonderful and perfect foundations to her yummy "Mocktails" lip glosses, Carol Shaw's innovative and ultra-creative makeup is used on Hollywood celebrities - Jessica Alba, Cameron Diaz, and Ashley Tisdale are just a few.

2. HOT AND GLAMOUROUS

Second to LORAC would be the hot and super-glamourous Too Faced cosmetics. This company makes THE best lip glosses and colours second to none! Try the uber-cool Glamour Gloss in "Girls on Film" (a neutral beigy brown) and see why it's such a hot item! Another favourite by Too Faced would be the sexy Mirror Mirror lip glosses that come in cute shades named "I'm Perfect!" and "Damn, I'm Hot!"

3. SO CHIC!

For the chic sophisticate on the cutting edge, Cargo cosmetics makes some really super cool and tasteful makeup. I am a big fan of their blu ray pressed powder and blu ray lip gloss, which are made especially for high-definition filming. Cargo also makes an excellent lip colour named Plant Love. The lipstick itself is botanical, and the tube is made out of corn. In addition, you can plant the box and grow plants from it because it contains seeds! Cargo is ultra chic - both sophisticated AND conscientious - what a great brand!

4. PRETTY PLEASE

Want stylish and hip, yet also fresh and pretty? Look no further than Stila. I LOVE Stila's lip glazes, they are so pretty! Stila makeup is also a high quality, makeup artist brand. You'll find the lightest and prettiest colours at Stila, just take a gander at the latest spring arrivals - beautiful shades of pink, aqua, peach, and light plum.

5. THE QUEEN ROYALE

Want perfect makeup but don't want to pay the high price? Try Revlon. I'm amazed and happy at the innovative new formulas Revlon has developed for their foundations. From the new Age Defying Spa Foundation, to their Beyond Natural Skin Matching Makeup, to their regally famous lipstick colours and Super Lustrous lip glosses; Revlon makes any woman feel like a queen with so much to choose from!

6. EARTHY COOLNESS

If you're more into the natural look, or just like to keep things simple and easy, Physician's Formula makes some very nice organic and mineral powders, along with their famous tinted concealers. Their products have won various awards from magazines like Health magazine for example. You may also want to check out their latest "Plump Potion Needle Free Cocktail," it comes in eleven colours, along with a clear gloss and has already won awards from Star magazine.

7. EASY ON THE WALLET

Last but not least, for the lady who wants to look good and yet not pay a high price, look no further than e.l.f. cosmetics. They cost a dollar each (no joke). I would be a liar to promote a brand I didn't try, but I can truthfully tell you that I like many of e.l.f.'s products, especially their mineral makeup line (a total staple) and their wonderful Super Glossy Lip shine SPF 15 lip glosses. You can get a box of five of them for only $5.00! While some things are hit and miss, as with every brand, I cannot fault the products, and I also love their eye makeup like the Duo Eyeshadow cream and of course, the Wet Gloss Lash & Brow Clear Mascara.

These staples of both high to "low end" products are found in my makeup kit, and I highly recommend them to keep your current makeup bag current, trendy, and CLASSY.

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