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 recently 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 products online at ibeauty.com .

Natural Tint Foundation Oil-Free $35.00
Unlike most oil-free foundations I've tried, like Bobbi Brown oil-free and Laura Mercier oil-free, this one from Trish is very fluid, not thick, and spreads very easily without caking or drying too quickly. The coverage is enough to hide what you want to hide without looking or feeling like a mask. If you've got oily, normal-to-oily, acne prone, or even combination skin (oily T-zone, normal cheeks), this is a great foundation choice.

Essential Cleanser $37.00 for 8 ounces
This cleanser has the identical ingredients as Cetaphil lotion cleanser, a popular gentle skin cleanser that runs about $7 for 16 ounces at most drugstores! Don't waste your money on this completely ordinary product. If you need a gentle cleanser for dry or sensitive skin, and you don't wear much makeup, get Cetaphil instead.

Glycolic Lotion $37 for 2 ounces
The Glycolic Lotion was a nice enough AHA lotion, but not worth $37. Philosophy's "The Damage Is Done", Alpha Hydrox, Avon Anew, or Neutrogena Healthy Skin could all do the job just as well for a lot less money.

Exfoliating Mask $30 for 2 ounces
For an all-over oily skin type, sometimes a clay mask is just what the skin needs to feel clean and refreshed. This one from Trish McEvoy will do the job to absorb oil and leave the skin with that super clean feeling. While this mask is a fine choice, I have a hard time recommending that anyone spend $30 for it, unless for some reason you really believe in what the Trish McEvoy line is all about. My old favorite Sea Mineral Mud Mask from Garden Botanika is just as good for a lot less money; you can get a 4 ounce jar for only $12.50.

Luxury Girl palette ($55)
Every once in a while I like to treat myself to something decadent and special, and for me that often means cosmetics! I own maybe two or three Trish items, so when I spotted this palette compact, I knew it was for me. The 3x6inch compact houses warm beige, cashmere (a medium rose pink) and deep amethyst eyeshadows along with weekend and mauve shimmer lipsticks. All the shades are gorgeous on any skintone and create a polished look with just a few shades. You can toss the compact into a purse, briefcase, weekend bag, diaper bag, whatever! Trish's quality goes without saying - creaseless shadows, creamy lipcolors. I highly recommend this palette as a nice treat for yourself or a fellow cosmetic enthusiast.

You can find Trish McEvoy products online at ibeauty.com.