Sometimes, you just need a second opinion from an expert — maybe it's Mom, maybe it's your BFF, maybe it's a stranger in a fitting room. But when it comes to beauty Qs, you should go straight to the source, and preferably a source who knows her stuff, to get the best advice.

And with warm weather headed this way, we're guessing you've got a few burning questions about what should be in your cosmetic kit. So, we tapped some of the area's savviest makeup artists to tell us all about the products they can't live without come spring, and offer up some easy-to-follow advice on how to use these lotions and potions like a pro. Read on for an insider's look into some of the most well-stocked kits in town, and get ready for Beauty School — any exams you face there, you'll ace, we promise!

Abigail de Casanova

Graftobian Hi Def Glamour Creme Foundation
"Extremely versatile, and it meets the modern standard of HD makeup application for photography and video. If you are planning to spend a night out taking photos, this is a great choice. It can be as thick or as light as you want it; just add moisturizer to liquify it a bit. [It's best if] used with an HD foundation brush, and remember only to use as much as you need for coverage — spring calls for fresh-looking skin."
$14.99, available at Graftobian.

Make Up For Ever Waterproof Eyebrow Corrector
"[This is] my new favorite product. Pick a color a little lighter than your eyebrow color; only a tiny bit is needed, and it needs to be applied with an eyebrow brush. The key here is not to be heavy-handed — just try soft strokes with very little product, I promise it will go a long way. It is waterproof, excellent for rainy, humid days, and will be really useful when hitting the beach this summer."
$20, available at Sephora.

Almay Liquid Line Eyeliner
"If you think you are not good at making a straight line, this eyeliner might change your mind. The brush handle is very short and easy to use. I recommend black for a more defined cat-eye look, and brown for natural lines. For a spring twist, just add a colored line on top of it — lately, I have been adding a coral liner on top to warm things up, but it can also be green, blue, purple. It is really up to how adventurous you feel."
$7.29, available at Almay.

Inglot Cosmetics Face Blush
"My favorite is AMC Blush #58. I have found that this rosy color warms up many complexions. It has a long wear and gives a natural, flushed color, which is perfect for spring. Use a medium blush brush, dip it into the blush, and always tap to get rid of excess product. Place it softly on the cheeks and blend — the key with blush is to blend it enough so that it looks soft, but not blend it so much that it takes the product out. Tap a tiny bit on your forehead, tip of your nose, and chin, just for balance."
$12, available at Inglot.


Photo: Courtesy of Abigail de Casanova

It's an inevitable holiday happening — the last-minute shindig or the friendly gathering you (oops!) forgot to pencil in. While we can't help you handle flaky party hosts or manage your Google calendars for you, we can arm you with the best tips and tricks you need to get party-ready in minutes. We consulted with MAC Cosmetics' senior makeup artist Keri Blair recently and watched her work some holiday magic on one of our lovely contributors. The result? Two party makeup looks that you can pull off in less time than it takes to make your way through the crowd and to the bar. And that, dear friends, is a holiday miracle.

It happens every year — the excitement of changing leaves, cold-weather clothes and holiday festivities whips us into a seasonal euphoria and we almost forget that winter is heading our way. The first telltale sign that the times — and the temps — are a-changin'? Our summer tan disappears faster than an It Bag at a sample sale. Whether we're sporting a real-deal glow or something faux (but still fabulous), having a little hint of color is like a skin care stamp of authenticity: It tells the world, why yes, we did get outside and enjoy ourselves over the summer! Don't lose hope, our pasty, pretty friends — we've corralled the best cosmetic must-haves to warm up washed-out complexions and keep you looking gorgeous all winter long.