*** A quick warning to my readers, this is one of the most in depth interviews I’ve done about makeup tips with a beauty expert … I hope you’ll soak in every word!***

Norman, was so incredibly generous with his tips that I really had to cut this post into two parts and I really want to make sure you read all the information he provides because most of us will never afford the luxury of having an expert makeup artist on speed-dial.

You can read part one of my interview with Norman Sands here: My interview with Norman Sands Makeup Stylist and Trainer for NARS Cosmetics

I’ve interviewed a number of makeup artists in the past, but Norman is surely one of the most passionate and also one of the most detailed experts I’ve had the pleasure to sit down with. I knew volumes when it comes to makeup, but this discussion with Norman allowed me to learn so much more.

I also hope you’ll enjoy this interview with Norman Sands makeup stylist and trainer for NARS Cosmetics:

1) Beauty Match: What are the fall 2008 makeup trends at NARS?

Norman Sands:

1. Kohl Rimmed Eyes
2. Clean and Simple
3. Bold Lips
4. Luminous Skin
5. Sunset Hues

Soleil d’Afrique translates to “African sun” and that’s exactly the look you’ll get with Yves Saint Laurent’s new collector powder.

Yves Saint Laurent is the first line of makeup I ever bought when I started wearing makeup at 16 or 17.

I loved the rich shades that were so different from anything on the market and let’s face it … I LOVED the gold case they makeup came in.

These days, Yves Saint Laurent offers a little less bling out the outside, but the colours and shades are as rich as they were when I was a teenager (wow…did I just write that?).

Kanye West’s 2005 smash hit “Gold Digger” (featuring Jamie Foxx) remains one of my favourite workout songs. I’m about to get a bit catty here, but the lyrics are such a tribute to what Heather Mills-McCartney did to Sir Paul McCartney.

It’s really neat that Laura Mercier would use “Gold Digger” to describe their summer 2008 gold collection and give a positive twist to a not-so-positive combination of words.

If you’ve never tried a beauty line before, it’s always best to either try to get free beauty samples, get a complimentary make-up session so you can see what the make-up would look like at your home or take up a cosmetic line on their 30-day free trial offer.

I’ve talked a few days ago about Lauren Hutton’s new makeup line Good Stuff and I just came across a special 30-day risk free trial offer on Lauren Hutton’s Aqua Elements Mineral Make-Up line.

The summer collection, rightfully called Exotica, is now available and although so many of us on the East Coast are still wearing winter gear, it might be a good idea for you to head to your favourite NARS beauty counter to get your hands on these phenomenal colours before they sell out.

When I saw the NARS Galapagos eye shadow, I gasped. This rich chocolate tone does wonders for my darker complexion and it would look killer on anyone who has blue eyes.

I was soooo wrong about NARS. I’ll admit to having looked at their shades in the past and thought: “my, that’s a LOT of intense colours”. NARS shades are very intense indeed because what you see is what you get. The idea is that you might not need to use as much of a particular colour (aka no need to pack it on) as you would with other brands because the pigments in NARS cosmetics are very saturated.

The Shanghai Lily spring collection is sublime! NARS spring collection is so decadent, it’s not even funny.

I’m sure you won’t be shocked one bit if I tell you that in the past, most makeup was formulated for younger women in their 20s. I really had no problems with that concept when I was in my 20s, but the truth is that I’m adding candles to my birthday cake every year and my skin is changing and there are certain types of makeup and colours I just don’t find look all that good anymore.

I’ve always thought Lauren Hutton was a stunning woman because she always had an air of freshness, an intense vitality and a vibe of approachability even behind the heavy makeup required when you are a model posing for top fashion magazines.

I’ve seen Lauren Hutton on many interviews and she’s got a rebellious side to her that has helped her pursue anything she’s set her mind to. She’s said many times in interviews that when she has her mind set on something … not much will stop her.

I was fairly stunned when I found out that Joan Rivers launched a new makeup line. Joan Rivers has been seen for a good decade now on shopping television stations in America, Canada and the U.K. pushing her Hollywood- inspired jewellery which you (the consumer) can buy at a fraction of the price of Hollywood celebrities and moguls. Up to recently, Joan Rivers has been mostly selling bling apart from a few hand care and skin care products, but now she’s selling beauty!

It seems that her colour palettes (which sells for $25) are quite popular. It’s true there is no shortage of makeup palettes on the market … I mean you need only to step into any Sephora store to see that every makeup company has created their own makeup palette.

So what makes Joan Rivers’ makeup palette different?

***Best Beauty Gifts***

Melanie, creator of Dalish Cosmetics, had an epiphany while reading a copy of Elle magazine and decided to create a line of cosmetics specifically targeted to the busy woman on the go. Dalish Cosmetics comes in a small recyclable cardboard canister that is conveniently designed for the gym, business trips, sleepovers or for a complete make-over after work. The ingenious packaging is very handbag friendly and contains every thing you need for perfect make-up on the go. Dalish Cosmetics’ canister include: three blendable concealers/foundations, cream blush, two lip glosses, two eye shadows, a highlighter, mascara and an eyeliner.

***Best Beauty Gifts***

In October we had highlighted Pink Beauty’s contribution to Breast Cancer Awareness month.
But, if you’ve not yet been introduced to Pink Beauty Cosmetics, let me oblige:
Pink Beauty Cosmetics was created by April Jacob. April has been a makeup artist for over a decade and she’s worked with a long list of high-profile clients that include actors, athletes, politicians and CEOs. Her work has appeared in notable publications such as Time, People, Entertainment Weekly and Women’s Sports Illustrated.

There will always be an association for me between April and Bobbi Brown, because I still remember her as the pretty girl who helped me select some of my Bobbi Brown makeup.

***Best Beauty Gifts***

When you think of makeup, you think of NARS, L’Oreal Paris, Christian Dior, Bobbi Brown, Stila Cosmetics, MAC Cosmetics, Chanel, Shu Uemura, Iman Cosmetics, Laura Mercier, Yves Saint Laurent, Prescriptives and Estee Lauder to name a few of the giants.

Theses cosmetic companies have been dominating the market for decades. Recently, a number of newcomers are generating a lot of buzz and a steady base of fans. If you’ve not yet heard of the companies I’m about to share with you … don’t worry. These companies are making a name for themselves by creating makeup lines that are very distinct or simply by solely focusing on one aspect of a few well chosen products.

***Best Beauty Gifts***
The cat is certainly out of the bag. It is not only possible to buy cosmetic products at a very reasonable prices, it’s also possible to offer really great gifts at an equally reasonable price.
e.l.f. cosmetics has a series of really great gift-giving ideas that will not put a dent on your budget.

Some of the really cool gift sets that caught our eye include:

* Master Set: You get over 100 e.l.f. cosmetics products for just $100!

* e.l.f. Professional 9 Piece Master Set: Brush sets are essential for any woman. If you’ve not yet ditched the brush sets that come with your favourite cosmetic products for a more professional set, this might be the time to do so for as little $15.

* NEW Hypershine Gloss Box Set of 8: This is truly the perfect gift! You get eight light-coloured hyper glass-like shine glosses all wrapped up in their pink box … for you or a friend!

***Best Beauty Gifts***

I also thought I was dreaming when I first found out about this cosmetic line because $1 for beauty products was simply unheard of. I mean you cannot even get those prices for damaged container sales or discontinued products, but it seems that an American cosmetic company has figured out a way of offering good quality cosmetics at only US$1.

I’ll say it again, this is THE season to play with make-up!

Laura Mercier has some incredible make-up sets for the holiday, but nothing comes close in terms of sheer decadence as Laura Mercier’s Diamond Collection.

The Diamond Collection is a sparkling collection of five new products: