I’ll try to recommend products of the same type from a couple of different brands, because I know we don’t have everything available to us at our particular locations (I live in Iowa, so I very rarely have much of anything available to me if I don’t travel or order it).  Mostly, I’ll be naming items by Nixie and MAC (just because I’m most familiar with those two brands).

To start out with, every person should have a good foundation.  Unfortunately, we all have different skin types so it’s hard to say what each person should use.  I’m the type of person who likes a more natural-matte finish.  I find the foundations tend to wear better, and longer, and they provide moderate coverage.  Of course, you’ll need the proper brush with your foundation, so I’ll give you all my recommendations with each foundation as well!  My recommendations:
Nixie Oil-Free Foundation — Some people have problems with this because it is a bit runnier than the average foundation.  However, when it dries, you get a really great amount of coverage.  I recommend using this brush by Sonia Kashuk to buff it easily into your skin without getting a streaky look.
MAC Studio Fix Fluid — A few people do break out from MAC foundations, so this won’t be for everyone (and pale ladies like me — beware!  The shades don’t go light enough for me but I absolutely adore the texture).  This one is great to use a stippling brush like the MAC 187.  If you don’t want to shell out the money for that particular brush, hit up your local Kohl’s.  They sell one very similar by Flirt!
MAC Studio Sculpt — This also gives a natural matte finish, and is absolutely gorgeous and I think it wears a little bit better than the Studio Fix Fluid. The 187 brush also works wonderful for this, or they have a powder brush that I love for foundation, the 109 brush.
Revlon Colorstay — They have one formulated for oily skin, and one for dry. I prefer the one for normal/dry skin as the finish is better, and the foundation is a little creamer (plus the one for normal/oily skin kind of smells like paint thinner). A foundation brush would work wonderful for this, here’s one from Nixie and one from MAC.
Some people also enjoy mineral make up. Personally, I’m pretty picky. My skin reacts awfully to bismuth oxychloride, a common ingredient in mineral foundations. Pur Minerals doesn’t have as much of it, plus it applies a little smoother so I recommend that, and Nixie’s loose powder. They’re the only two I have personally tried and liked the coverage. Otherwise, I recommend going to your local Sephora, MAC (they have three different types), or Ulta to try it out, and wear a mineral foundation for a day and see how your skin feels.

Next, you’ll need a good finishing powder.  You want something that will set your foundation for the day, and something for touch ups.  We all know I’m in love with silica powder, so read my blog about where to get them here!  Otherwise I love L’Oreal’s True Match powder (available at Ulta or any drug store).

Two blush shades are ideal for anyone starting their make up kit.  Really, different lipsticks will look better with certain blushes, and same goes with what you’re doing with your eye make up.  Everyone should have a nude color (even a bronzer would work), and everyone should have a nice pink color.
For pink, I recommend Elegance by Nixie or Dollymix by MAC.
For a nude, you have to be careful with your skintone.  Obviously, depending on how light and dark your skin is, you may want to edit this and use a different color.  I like Nixie’s Faithful, or MAC’s Buff or Blushbaby (I love both!  Go try ‘em each out )

Of course, then you also need an eyeshadow base.  As we all know, I love Urban Decay Primer Potion.  Make sure you watch the tutorial on how to get all the use out of your product!

Everyone should have four basic eyeshadows.
Leche from Nixie — a creamy, white-beige.  OR Shroom from MAC — a soft beige.
Manhattan from Nixie — a shimmery gray with a hint of taupe.  OR Satin Taupe from MAC — a shimmery taupe.
L.A. from Nixie — a medium gold.  OR Woodwinked from MAC — a medium gold.
Voodoo from Nixie — matte black.  OR Carbon from MAC — matte black.

Two basic lipsticks would include a classic red lipstick, then of course a nude lipstick!
Bourgeous from Nixie OR Honeylove from MAC — a matte nude color.
Babydoll from Nixie OR Faux from MAC — a neutral sort of dusty pink with slight shimmer.
Daniella from Nixie OR Russian Red from MAC OR Viva Glam I from MAC — different reds!

Then of course, we can’t forget a good gloss!  I like a nude gloss, then a wonderful red gloss to go over my red lipstick!
Candy from Nixie OR Prr from MAC.
Rosie from Nixie — it’s t he best red I’ve ever found from ANY company as far as lipgloss goes.

I’m not too picky, personally, as far as lipliner goes.  Whatever works with the lipstick, and twists up!  I  mean, really, who wants to carry a pencil sharpener around with them?

Edit 2\25\09:  Sorry guys, I left out concealer, eyeliner, and mascara, so I’ve added them now.  Thanks Jessica for bringing this to my attention!

Concealer is of course important for those of us who have things to hide, IE: acne or dark circles.
Nixie Full Coverage Foundation — it comes in a handy pot and I think it’s great.  Again, they’re really the only brand out there that is affordable and pale enough for my ridiculously fair skin (which I’ll explain in a blog later today).
MAC  Studio Finish Concealer SPF 35 — I’ve used this on myself, even if it was a tad too dark, and I adore the consistency.  It’s pretty thick stuff, and stays on for ever.  Plus, SPF 35 is great for our poor little eyes, which have the thinnest, most delicate tissue on our entire body!
MAC Studio Sculpt Concealer — I’ve only mildly played with this the other week when I went to Des Moines for the Motley Crue concert, but I think that it does have a more natural appearance than the Studio Finish, which makes me adore it.  Again, too dark even in the lightest shade for me to purchase, but for anyone who can I highly recommend this one.  Highly, highly, highly.  It looks so natural and covers so well!

Eyeliner is kind of essential.  It can play up a dramatic look, or simply make our lashes look fuller (what lady doesn’t want that?).  Obviously I like gel liners (some say cream, but really are technically gel), they tend to wear longer.  I’ll put my favorite pencil liner down as well though.  No, I’m not a huge fan of liquid.  Gets a tad bit too runny for me!
TIGI Cream Liner — supposedly discontinuing.  Bummer, because I love it.
MAC Fluidline
L’Oreal HIP Creme Liners — available at any drugstore.
Revlon Colorstay Liner — again, available at any drugstore.  I don’t like eyeliners I have to sharpen.

We all need mascara.  If you leave your house with nothing else, put on some mascara and a little lipgloss.  It’ll make you look more awake!
L’Oreal Voluminous (available at drugstores anyway)
Maybelline Lash Stylist — this one is great for you ladies with short lashes since it has a handy comb.  I would recommend wiping excess mascara off on a tissue (I have to every time, or it gets clumpy!) prior to applying.
Maybelline Volum’ Express Mascara — I use this over my Lash Stylist and love it.  Really, I do.  Plus affordable and typically Maybelline is BOGO at Ulta.  Can’t beat that!

I hope my ideas helped, ladies!

I was touched by the acceptance speeches given by the cast and crew of the Milk on Sunday night’s Oscars.  I think in a country where we allow so much freedom, where we’ve elected our first black president, where we’ve overcome so many obstacles that we should have equal rights across the board.  Equal rights between man and woman when it comes to the job front and the fight for equal pay, equal rights between gay and straight men and women who should be able to have a shot at that meager 50% chance of a successful marriage.  If the American dream is freedom, why have we taken so much away?  Hopefully we can stand together and overturn Proposition 8 in California.

So proud that these men took their moment to shine to use it to fight for the rights of others who need their support during these times.

I think it’s sad that people stand outside with signs filled with hate and anger, when most of them seem to be religious…. Doesn’t God want us to love one another?