One of my favorite cosmetic activities, besides getting samples, is having my makeup done. When you find a good artist with a nice line, you not only have fun and feel pampered, but you can pick up a few handy techniques and color ideas. I had one of those great afternoons this week at Portland's very first Trish McEvoy counter.

The Trish McEvoy line had been fairly hyped-up in my mind as just another boutique line, like a knock-off of MAC or Bobbi Brown. It was supposed to have great brushes, but that was all I ever heard about. After my experience at Trish, I think this line is a definite contender in the world of higher-end cosmetics. The artists are knowledgeable, the product quality is great, and the color selection is good, and growing.

The one thing that stood out right away as my makeover session began is that Trish McEvoy is known for makeup brushes for a reason; not only are they very nice and come in tons of shapes and sizes, but every product and technique has a brush to go with it. For someone who isn't used to using brushes, this can be a bit overwhelming and may make you feel like you can't achieve the "look" without them. Thankfully, the regional artist from San Francisco who did my makeup didn't push me to buy anything, and even gave me tips on how to use the brushes I already own in new ways.

Of the products she used on me, I liked the Face Essentials Kit the best. For $35, you get a blush (which can also be used as eye shadow), two eye shadows, and a powder liner in a handy mirrored compact. Each of those items bought separately would cost almost twice as much, so this is a great deal if you find a kit of colors you like and would use. My other favorite product was the lipstick, color #74, a light raspberry-red color. The texture was great and the color actually lasted most of the day with out touching up (which I couldn't do anyway since I didn't buy it!). The only product that almost worked for me, but missed the mark by the end of the day, was the creme powder foundation. I think if my skin were a bit drier, it would have worked, since the coverage and color #2 were beautiful, but by evening it looked shiny and a bit cakey around the eyes. Overall, I would definitely recommend a visit to a Trish McEvoy counter near you to get your makeup done, see what you think of the products, and learn a few techniques. You can find Trish McEvoy products online at ibeauty.com.

Being the Aveda devotee that I am, I did something this week that I never thought I would - I tried a different brand! I had been curious about Kiehl's Creme with Silk Groom hair styling lotion for months, so during a trip to my local Saks 5th Ave. store, I picked up a sample and gave it a shot. For my mind-of-their-own waves, this product really made them behave, and the creamy consistency helped with my winter frizzies, too. If you've got hard-to-handle hair that isn't superfine, which can get weighed down easily by something this emollient, try a sample of Kiehl's Creme with Silk Groom and see what you think. Just one sample tube should last at least two weeks!