Here is a little of what I know from my years of being in the industry...

Make up is a personal choice; what works for myself may not work for you and vice versa. For example, here are a few products that I am using right now in my personal make up bag;
- Revlon liquid liner (this is a staple for me ladies)
- Mac Painterly Paint Pot (a primer for eyeshadow)
- Pupa mascara (it norishes my lashes when I wear it)
- Cover Girl Wetslicks in Guava Splash (a gloss with staying power)
- Tweezerman Eyelash Curler (this tool is essential for everyone)
- Kevyn Aucoin Essential Eyeshadow Palette #2 (the eye combinations are endless)
- Cover Fx in E20 (for those lovely areas you need to conceal)

Now you might be saying to yourself that you've tried the Pupa mascara and it made you look like you had "raccoon eyes". Well if you like to use Loreal's Voluminous mascara I can tell you that it ends up all over my brow bone by mid-morning...not a pretty sight!
So you see, we all have our own personal preferences, our likes and our dislikes plus it doesn't really matter what the brand name is or how much you spent, you know what you like and what works PERIOD!

I also believe it's vital for us to touch base about basic skin care techniques. Being a licensed aesthetician I have learned just how important it is to care for your skin regularly.
No matter how good your make up looks, if your skin is neglected no amount of cosmetics can conceal what's underneath.

~ DO cleanse, tone and moisturize DAILY!
Make sure that you are using the right product for your skin type.
~ DON'T sleep with your make up on, I've learned it ages your skin considerably.
(ok, if you've been out dancing all night with girlfriends & you're just too exhausted when you get home, guilty as charged, just don't make it a habit!)
Our skin is the body's largest organ so learn to care for it as best you can, no matter what your budget. Are you uncertain as to the exact needs your skin might have or just what product to use?
Then I would like to suggest a skin analysis and regular facials with your personal aesthetician (like me:) will be beneficial to you and your skin!