Help me buy some new make up !

[pigwitch]

I'm just about to start work after being a sahm for 7 years. With my first wage I want to treat myself to some new make up after having to make do with dried out old crap for years. I'm not really sure which brands to go for so I was wondering what everyone else used.
So which foundation, mascara, blusher and eyeshadows do you buy? How about BB creams? Which other beauty essentials do you swear by?
TIA

For me I like Bobbi Brown for things like cream blusher, eyeliner, lipstick/gloss etc.

My last posh foundation was Clinique, cheaper was a L'Oreal one.

Urban Decay naked pallets get a very good review here but never tried them.

Mascara I use Collection 2000 for everyday and Dior Show or YSL Faux Cils for posh.

Also MAC for eyeshadows (brighter), eyeliner and cream blush and lipstick/gloss.

Dr Jart does a nice BB cream foundation thing.

Thanks Superflyhigh.
I've used Clinque foundation but it was discontinued a while ago. Ive also heard good things about the Urban Decay naked palletes but im not sure id know how to apply them.

What sort of budget are you looking at?
At the cheaper end is Sleek, and MIU from Superdrug. Might be worth experimenting with their palettes of colour first before spending £££ on bigger brands.

I want to get some nice good quality stuff as for the first time in ages I'll be able to afford to. I was thinking I could go to a counter in a department store and let them experiment with colours etc. That way I wont make an expensive mistake if they match the foundation etc.

I would recommend Clinique better than foundation, Urban Decay Naked 2 palette and Benefit They're Real mascara to start with. I like long lasting make up with out it being cakey and have found these to be my wonder products. I've yet to settle on a blusher or lipstick that I love though.

Mac blushers and lipsticks are really good, plenty of colours and finishes to choose from

Mac blushers and lipsticks are really good, plenty of colours and finishes to choose from

Mumelie - it may suit you but a friend of mine who's a fan of Benefit tried They're Real Mascara and wasn't impressed so I'd maybe try it first OP.

OP - Pallettes - depends if you want daytime or evening look - some pallettes combine both some don't.

You can also I think get pallettes made up (Shu Uemura and maybe Bobbi Brown) - you also don't NEED pallettes - you can get a highlighter (normally creamy white/oyster coloured), a one for the inbetween area and then 2 dark ones for lid just above.

Bobbi Brown and I think MAC do sort of charts (like a picture) that shows you where eyeshadow goes etc - a bit like paint by numbers! that would help you. also depends are your eyes small, deep set etc? Bobbi Brown also do free makeover lessons (or you can pay I forget).

I would book and appointment at Mac and tell them the sort of look you're after. The cost of the appointment is redeemable against purchases and they can recommend stuff for you. I really like mac as it had a good colour payoff- I hate wishy washy colours!

Have you looked at Lisa Eldridge's website? Lots of recommendations there.

Trish McEvoy stuff is the best. Selfridges, Harvey Nicholls and Liberty do it.

I am using a tinted moisturiser, which is brilliant. Really good coverage, but looks lovely and dewy.

Lots of fab advice thank you everyone. i'll take a look at that website Sarahbeeny