Get More Gorgeous! Makeup Tips from Celebrity Makeup Artist Sonia Kashuk

If you are an habitué of Target like yours truly, then you are very familiar with Sonia Kashuk's incredible line of affordable yet luxurious cosmetics. Sonia launched her eponymous line at Target in 1999, making her the first make-up artist brand available to the masses. She is a true trailblazer in the beauty world.

I'm pretty predictable when it comes to my makeup routine: powder foundation for coverage and to reduce shine, mascara, and lip color. If I'm feeling really wild, I will add a little shimmery eyeshadow and some blush. Yep, I'm in a makeup rut so I jumped at the opportunity to attend a makeup master class hosted by Sonia. All of us brave ladies (including Sonia) wiped away our makeup and began with a clean canvas. Here are a few of my favorite products and tips gleaned from the sensational Sonia.

Prime It or Lose It - I never really bought into the whole makeup primer thing but Sonia presented a compelling case for her Primer Vitamin Serum ($17.99). Think of primer as insurance for your makeup to make sure that your foundation lasts. Like the name implies, Primer Vitamin Serum contains skin-friendly vitamins C, E and B. It also has salicylic acid which promotes cell turnover. Apply the primer after your moisturizer for a smooth and longer-lasting finish.

Lash Out - Mascara is a must-have and Sonia Kashuk's LASHIFY makes long pretty lashes a cinch. Very travel-friendly, one end of the LASHIFY case contains mascara and the other has a lash comb. Tip from Sonia: Skip mascara on your bottom lashes, it tends to make your eye area look dragged down instead of lifted and alert. And, always curl your lashes before applying mascara.

Blushing Beauty - I have a friend who insists that every woman over the age of 30 must wear blush. Maybe she has a point. Blush does instantly brighten up the face and enhances cheek bones. The secret is to find a subtle color that makes you look naturally flushed and not like a drag queen. Beautifying Blush ($6.99) is available in six flattering shades.

P.S. Sonia, has a great team of makeup artists working with her but I want to send a special thank you to the amazingly talented (and devastatingly handsome) Edward Cruz. Edward did my makeup a few months ago at another Sonia Kashuk event and helped me to fine tune the look you see in this photo. Gracias Edward! xoxo