48 Hour Makeup Countdown! Exclusive Interview With Beauty Expert Nadine Jolie

Nadine Jolie. A name synonymous with brains, beauty, and blogging. Author of the wildly successful "Confessions of a Beauty Addict" and the modern girl's beauty how-to book "Beauty Confidential: The No Preaching, No Lies, Advice-You'll-Actually-Use Guide to Looking Your Best", Ms. Jolie also blogs daily (www.nadinejolie.com), writes for Vanity Fair and many other online publications, and has appeared on the Today Show.

As we prepare to re-enter the makeup world alone after being away from it for for so long, we knew we were in need of some expert advice. Ms. Jolie recently took time out of her trés busy schedule to answer a few questions for us. We couldn't be more grateful!

With your hectic travel schedule you must be an expert packer. What are your top 5 beauty travel products?

-- When I travel, I try not to skimp on quality! My skin and hair are finnicky, so I pack a mini bag with travel-sized skincare from Arcona, toss in mini haircare products from Bumble and Bumble, and bring sample vials of perfume. I never bring a hairdryer, but I will throw in a mini hairbrush and travel flatiron! (The hair looking good is very important!)

The mercury is rising! What is your best beauty pick(s) for the summer months?

-- I'm currently loving Arcona Reozone 40 sunscreen, which has a hint of tint, great broad spectrum protection, and won't make skin break out. Sun protection is obviously essential, as is a great cleanser: I love Nude Skincare Cleaning Oil, which works amazingly to take off all dirt, oil and makeup--even (especially) on oily skin! Finally, I shun the sun but still want color, so self-tanners are my best friend year 'round. I love Jergens hint of color tanner/moisturizers, L'Oreal Sublime Bronze gelee, and Sevin Nyne tanning mist.

What is the one product that it worth splurging on?

--I'm utterly obsessed with LiQWD haircare, which is nanotechnology based and makes my hair look Gisele-sexy!

What would be your advice for our readers who wish to buy their makeup online or at the drugstore? Finding a great shade of lipstick or the perfect mascara can be really hard to find when you can’t try it on.

--Read beauty blogs (like mine, NadineJolie.com!) And check out review sites such as MakeupAlley.com and TotalBeauty.com, which feature reviews of products from real gals. You'll get the honest dirt and can then head to the store and pick products directly.

Recently, we ran a poll asking fans what was the one product they could not live without. Mascara won by a mile. What's yours?

--Hands down, Bare Escentuals bareMinerals SPF 15 foundation! I LOVE it!

We are almost at the end of our year without buying makeup and are definitely ready to replenish. If you were going to come shopping with us in NYC on May 15th what would you suggest we buy?

--I eschew trends in favor of a makeup "wardrobe" of staples. My suggestions for products you'll use everyday, forever: Bare Escentuals foundation, Bare Escentuals Warmth bronzer, NARS blush in Orgasm, a MAC eyeshadow quad in plum or brown, Lancome Definicils mascara, Bare Escentuals Buxom Insider Liner in black, a MAC eyeshadow brush, and Maybelline Shine Sensational lip glosses.

Bonus Question! Clearly after a year of not shopping we will be raising a toast (or two, or three)! What’s your favorite cocktail?

--Women after my own heart! My weakness is a vodka martini, extra dirty. Yum, yum, yum! Congratulations, ladies!

For more on Nadine Jolie and even more on what's hot in beauty, please visit Nadine's blog at www.nadinejolie.com.

Love, A&P