Everyday Baby Steps

Where do you buy your makeup? I must confess I'm a catalog or beauty counter girl, but I think I'm missing out on a prime shopping experience. I've heard of Sephora for years but just recently began shopping the site. Sephora has the best of the best brands, and I do a lot of shopping online anyway. What a convenient way to feed my addiction get my makeup and beauty supplies. What I also like about Sephora is that they have a rating system and reviews you can read before deciding to make a purchase, which is fabulous for moms on a budget.

What really got me to snooping around Sephora was an article I read on TotalBeauty.com listing the 22 Best Sephora Beauty Buys. (Don't even get me started on how much I love TotalBeauty - I'll save that for another post!) The list includes so many amazing products, each with a rating and review from a TotalBeauty.com reader. I'd like to try all 22 of them (Wouldn't we all?), but here's a list of the five I think would be most essential for busy moms.

NARS Blush

I chose NARS Blush because blush is such a key item in a makeup regimen. A good blush adds glow and color to a woman's face and can make a dramatic difference in the skin's overall appearance. I was also influenced by the written review which said that a little goes a long way. I always want to get a good value for my money. I think I'll try the reader's shade choice of "Orgasm". I've read that it's absolutely amazing, and, really, I kinda just like the name!

Sephora Kohl Pencil

I'd recommend buying this eye pencil because it's economical, and eyeliner is definitely a must-have makeup item. Remember that Bobbi Brown says pencil liners are fastest as well, perfect for moms on the go. The reader review says this eyeliner is easy to apply and goes on smooth. Sounds like a winner to me.

Demeter Fragrance Library Hawaiin Surf Cologne

Summer's coming, and it's definitely time for a new, lighter fragrance. I think every woman should treat herself to a signature scent all her own. It really makes a difference to my mood to be able to treat myself like this, and a great smell really does wonders to lift my mood, my energy, and my spirts on frazzled days with the kids. The reviewer says this cologne smells like you're at the beach, but it's not heavy. I certainly can't afford a trip to the beach this year, but I think even I can afford the $20 for this little luxury!

Philosophy Purity Made Simple

A good cleanser is essential. Skin that's healthy sets the stage for your makeup. If your skin doesn't look good, it doesn't matter what brand of cosmetics you use - you simply won't look your best. I've used Philosophy products in the past and have just loved them. I wouldn't hesitate to try anything from the Philosophy line, and this cleanser looks just right for my combination skin.

Shiseido The Makeup Accentuating Color Stick

I so want to try this color stick! Yes, I know I already listed a blush, but stick blushes are actually my very favorite for their ease and precision of application. And this product can also be used on eyes and lips. You all know how I feel about multitasking products! This one seems a bit pricey for my budget, but I'd be willing to pay the price for something that does it all. I've learned that a multipurpose product can really save you on busy mornings.

There you have it, my picks for the must-have products for moms. This is in no way an advertorial for Sephora or for any of the products mentioned. I really enjoyed my time browsing the Sephora site and wanted to show you which kinds of cosmetic products, based on my experience, are worth spending the money on. Have you tried any of these brands? What do you recommend? I'd love to hear your suggestions!

Photos courtesy of Sephora