With all these choices, what’s a girl to do?

Finding the right red lipstick is a not as scary as you may think it is. Just follow these simple steps:

1. Know your skin tone first. If you have a darker complexion, you are most likely to have cool undertones. This also holds true if you are extremely pale. Figure out first if you have cool or warm undertones (warmer undertones include blue, green, bronze, orange and gold).

2. Once you know if you have warm or cool undertones, find the right red lipstick shade that complements them. If you have warm undertones, for example, then find the red lipstick that has orange, bronze or gold undertones. If you have a cool undertones, then find a red lipstick shade that has more blue and gray.

Some Warm Toned Red Lipsticks we Love: Maybelline ColorSensational lipstick in Summer Sunset; MAC Cosmetics’ Dubonnet lipstick is a real deep red with a slightly burgundy tone to it.

Cool Toned Red Lipsticks we Love: MAC Cosmetics’ Russian Red Lipstick is a cult favorite, and a cool-toned matte find. Tom Ford Private Blend Lipstick in Ginger Fawn.

3. Once you’ve found your perfect shade, test drive it first. Make sure you like the texture, the quality and the feel. See if you like a matte variety or a more glossy gorgeous variety.

4. Pucker up and strut that red lip with a pair of sexy Louboutins. Rinse and repeat.

- Charu Suri

The core philosophy of the brand is buildable products with an emphasis on varying textures mixing eye shadows with paints or one of its nine lipstick finishes with a gloss for the glam look. MAC is all about fashionable and innovative makeup options, but there are key products that never go out style and remain top sellers.

MAC’s top neutral lipstick since practically its inception is Twig (fashioned after Twiggy the famous iconic model from the 60’s). This is everyone’s favorite because it highlights the pinkish tone of lips. Russian Red is another iconic MAC color….think Madonna during her Blonde Ambition tour…an amazing statement color. MAC has also perfected long-lasting makeup. And you ask how they do this? Well they “test drive” all their products backstage at over 400 fashion shows worldwide…getting feedback from makeup artists working with diverse ethnicities. Recently after searching unsuccessfully for products that would make my skin look flawless I discovered MAC’s mineralized collection (powder, blush and foundation). What I love about this collection so much is how the powder adheres to my skin – I have been told from a reliable source it is because it is baked – who knew that was possible?

What makes MAC so unique is the passion that the makeup artists share. These are the pros who help make your shopping experience stress free and help you find makeup looks that match your style and mood whether it be your disposition or inclination.

- Elizabeth Reid

Elizabeth Reid has been working in the fashion and beauty industries as a public relations and marketing executive for over 15 years. She has spearheading many successful initiatives and programs for Valentino and MAC among other brands.

Elizabeth joined MAC’s Global Communication Department in 2000 and remained in this role for five years. She holds a BA from New York University.

So, if you wanted to emulate these smoldering icons, would you use a gel eyeliner or pencil? And which one has marathon staying power?

Pencil Liner:

These are great eyeliner basics to carry in your purse. They are easily portable, and all you need is a sharpener (some varieties, like Smashbox Cosmetics, already come with an in-built sharpener). Pencils give great contour and definition, but alas, not a lot of them have serious staying power or provide you with the ability to smudge and create that smoky, sultry look. Some of the pencil liners we absolutely love have that velvety texture. These include Urban Decay’s 24/7 Glide On Pencil which is extremely creamy and waterproof at the same time because it has jojoba oil, cottonseed and Vitamin E. We also love Smashbox Cosmetics’ Limitless Eye Liner with its own inbuilt sharpener. It goes on the eyes like silk.

Gel Eye Liner:

These liners definitely get our vote in terms of staying power. Not only do they glide effortlessly, but they stay on as long as you want them to – and then some. The best part about gel liners is that you can use a variety of brushes to get the thickness and contouring level you desire. We are staunch lovers of MAC Fluidline Gel liners and Maybelline Eye Studio Gel liners. Both of them give you a sultry cat eye and last and last like the Energizer Bunny.

So if you’re looking for staying power, go with the gel liner. If it’s contouring and portability you want, ink your lids with pencils. A combination of the two is a killer idea! We frequently experiment with both to find the right balance and tone for the type of look we’re looking for.

Tell us, which do you use more of? Gel liner or pencils?

- Charu Suri

So, how can you keep your color on all the time?

1. Use an oil-free primer on your face so it will not clog pores. Our perennial favorite is Smashbox PhotoFinish Foundation Primer. Use a light-weight, breathable foundation with SPF as much as possible. We love Korres’s Ginger & Vitamins Water-Based Foundation with SPF 10, which is like Centrum for the face.

2. Use a primer or lip gloss on your eyelids before you apply your makeup. For the eyes, always go toward the sheers rather than matte finishes because they wear lightly and well. We love some of the MAC Mineralize Eye Shadow Duos that give your eyes a lovely, floaty texture (you can vary the intensity according to your specifications).

3. Use a light, sheer blush that doesn’t look as though you’ve been sunburned like Kramer in a Seinfeld episode (fans, you’ll remember which one). We are currently loving Rimmel’s Lasting Finish Blendable Powder blush in Sorbet.

4. For the eyes, use a smudge proof and waterproof eye liner. We love Maybelline Eye Studio’s eye gel that simply doesn’t come off! It’s like wall paper for the eyes (in a good way!). Also remember to use a nice strong waterproof mascara, like Covergirl’s LashBlash Waterproof Mascara.

5. Although you may be tempted to swipe some long-lasting sheer color on your lips, use a lip balm with SPF.

6. Finally, layer on a mineral powder all over your silky makeup to keep the colors and product finishes in place. We love Jurlique’s Rose Silk Finishing Powder that refines the complexion and helps reduce unnecessary shine.

That’s it folks! Easy as watering the plants — really! Melt-proof makeup is a cinch so go on and dazzle them on the beach (or wherever your sunny travels take you). Tell us, how do you melt-proof your makeup?

- Charu Suri

“I started by applying mark For Goodness Face Antioxidant Skin Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 to Kristen’s skin as a moisturizing base. I followed by applying mark Face Xpert Flawless Touch Makeup in Nude with the mark Foundation Brush to even out her skin tone. Next, I used mark Good Riddance Hook Up Concealer in Fair/Light around her nose and under her eyes to even out her complexion and mark Powder Buff Natural Skin Foundation in Nude to set her face. To liven up her cheeks, I dusted mark Good Glowing Mosaic Blush Custom Color Palette in Hush Baby using the mark Angled Contour Face Brush.

To bring out Kristen’s eyes, I started by smudging mark I-mark Custom Pick Eye shadow in Retro Peacock layered with Corset to the lids. I used the mark Hook Up Eye Shadow Brush to apply the color and then the mark Angled Contour Eye Shadow Brush to blend upwards towards the brows. I then lined the inner rim of her eyes with mark Eyemarker Color On Line in Enchanted Forest. I finished off her smoky eye by smudging mark I-mark Custom Pick Eyeshadow in Corset along the lower lashes followed by two coats of mark Make It Big Lash Plumping Mascara in Raven.

I wanted Kristen to have a simple pink lip to balance her dramatic smoky eyes, so I used mark Dew Drenched Moisturlicious Lip Color in Pink Posey. The lipstick is super creamy and has lots of pigment to keep Kristen’s lips moisturized and looking gorgeous throughout the night.”

Sounds like this dark angel knows what she’s doing.

- Megan Sarah Johnson

Our makeup artist, Lillian Rose, used the following products from the collection to simulate the look above, and also give it a fresh twist with the evening cat eye.

For the face

Lillian used the incredibly lightweight Teint Idole Fresh Wear Foundation.

For the eyes

Lillian used the Color Design Sensational Effects Eyeshadow Smooth Hold in Trendy. She also used the Lancome Definicils Precious Cells Mascara to give lashes lift and length.

For the cheeks

Lillian used the Ageless Minerale Brightening Mineral Powder Blush with White Sapphire Complex for the slightest hint of color.

For the lips

The electric color that makes the lips stand out is from the new La Laque Fever Gloss in Electric Pink. It goes on beautifully and stays on with all its glittery sparkles. The shade is a perfect tint of raspberry pink. Delicious! If you want, you can layer delicious Juicy Tube lip glosses over your lips for extra shine.

The Bronze Riviera Collection has so many more items in its arsenal and you can shop them here.

-Charu Suri

Photo Credits: ChangoBi Photography

Makeup artist: Lillian Rose

Check out the sexily bronzed look sported by our model, Robbie Ballen and the sunset-colored eyeshadows created by the magic hands of our makeup artist, Lillian Rose. The photographs are done by the brilliant and talented ChangoBi.

To get this look, Lilian applied MAC Cosmetic’s Face & Body Foundation all over Robbie’s face to get that perfectly bronzed, beach tanned look. Then she used the Creme Bronzer all over the face, which sits so beautifully and weightlessly on the skin without looking patchy.

Then Lillian used the gleaming lustre drops (limited edition) on the face to give some gentle, glowing sheen.

She used two eyeshadows, in Sand & Sun (a light peach, matte color), and Sweet & Punchy (a bright green in a velvety pearl finish) over the eyes to give them a uniquely multi-hued look, and used the eye kohl in Float on By underneath the eyes to make them extra vivid.

Finally, the lips came alive using two To the Beach lipstick shades: Thrills (rosy copper with gold pearl frost), and Funbathing (a mid-tone bronzed plum).

Have a gorgeous weekend beach vacay! Rock it.

- Charu Suri

Credits:

Photography: ChangoBi

Makeup Artist: Lillian  Rose

Model: Robbie Ballen

The Tom Ford Private Blend Lipsticks are twelve essential gems that will decorate the most sensuous part of your face. Ford himself has said, “There is no more dramatic accessory than the perfect lip,” and we agree. Gwen Stefani, Lady Gaga, Liz Taylor all agree.

The personal color palette of the Private Blend Lipsticks spans all shades of the color spectrum, from bare nude to fire red to deep brown. I love each of the names…they sit like honey on the tongue, and wear like silk on the lips:

Black Orchid…Blush Nude…Bruised Plum…Cherry Lush…Ginger Fawn…Moroccan Rouge…Pink Dusk….Smoke Red…True Coral…Vanilla Suede…Warm Sable…

Typically, lipstick cases have rounded edges. These gold-accented ivory cases evoke the Private Blend flacons and have the TF icon stamped on each lipstick bullet.

Are the lipsticks moisturizing? Yes. They sit like layers of pigmented aqua on your lips. This is because they contain rare and exotic ingredients like soja seed extract, Brazilian murumuru butter and chamomilla flower oil to create the lustrous texture.

Only a deeply privileged woman will choose and wear this iconic lip color. Be jewelled.

- Charu Suri

Editorial Disclosure: Samples were provided for consideration

Thank you Alison! Now, it’s your turn. Don’t you have a makeup question for Alison?  Well here’s your chance!.

ASK Alison anything by posting your question on BeautyStat’s wall on Facebook HERE. You’ll be entered to win a $50 Gift Certificate from Saks.com.

Just DO IT and be pretty.

As we expected, Makeup Forever’s new waterproof Aqua Creams stole the show. These are versatile WATERPROOF colors that are so multipurpose that they’ll transform your entire face single handedly. We’re talking color for the eyes, lips and cheeks!

The pigments are so rich that pros and consumers alike will love these smudge proof and tear-proof colors that won’t crease or run. The formula contains evaporating oils that make the pigments really adhere to the skin. We love that it comes in 21 shades. Shown above is the shade #21 for eyes and cheeks.

Three Custom Color debuted their Getaway Collection of lipsticks in a brand new formula that lasts and yet is highly emollient. Formulated and fortified with vitamins and oils, these lipsticks moisturize yet provide rich color. The shades evoke the tropics: Bora Bora is a vivid fuchsia, Santorini is a rich raspberry with a silver shimmer, Copacabana is a bold coral with gold shimmer, Majorca is a warm paprika with a soft bronze shimmer while St. Tropez is a sandy peach-beige with champagne shimmer. The Getaway Collection will debut in June at www.threecustom.com

Our favorite airbrush foundation has long since been Temptu Pro. The brand is launching new blush colors for summer that is inspired by nature in bloom and by fruits and flowers. The shades include Nectar, Peony, Guava and Raspberry.

Other brands that debuted at the show include our favorite lip tars by Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics , versatile eyeshadow pigments by Dinair Cosmetics and body art by Mehron.

- Charu Suri