A cosmetics junkie since her mother would allow her to play with her products, Sarah Baumann taught herself to do makeup 15 years ago—thanks in large part to Kevin Aucoin’s gorgeous makeup manual Making Faces. After a stint at Nordstrom’s Clinique counter, she settled into the role of regional makeup artist for Laura Mercier. Although she’s now busy editing three regional bridal magazines and covering the shopping, style and beauty beats for METRO magazine, she still makes time to hook friends up with flawless wedding-day makeup. Like any product junkie she bounces around for fun new products, but is fiercely loyal to these tried-and-true keepers:

Christian Dior Hypnotic Poison eau de Toilette – I believe in wardrobing fragrances because often women want cleaner fragrances for day and sexier ones for evening. I dabble around with lighter scents, but this is my true signature and has been for over 10 years. Jasmine, musk, vanilla—it’s spicy but sweet and I’ve always gotten compliments from those who get close to it, too.

Armani Eyes to Kill Mascara – I never understood why people paid $30 for a tube of mascara (I thought I was getting the same effect with my $14 tube, after all) until I snagged a sample of this. I didn’t even know mascara could DO this! Put it on, layer it, and your lashes will never be bigger or more lush. Getting asked if you’re wearing fake lashes when you’re not? That’s worth every penny.

Mario Badescu Vitamin C Serum – I am skin care obsessed, and being in my late 20’s, I’m looking for products that will help me prevent the signs of aging without making me break out. This antioxidant-packed serum is a perfect pick-me-up. I’ve been using it every other night, and my skin is more even toned and overall refreshed looking. (Meaning I can wear less foundation. Hurrah!) And at $45, it’s a total advanced skin care steal.

Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Concealer – All of Laura Mercier’s foundation products are amazing, but I have an emotional attachment to this all-over face concealer. It has a dry consistency, which means it really stays the day, and it’s perfect for either spot concealing or covering larger areas of redness or darkness. On a light makeup day, I’ll just pop this on with blush or bronzer and a sweep of mascara.

Laura Mercier makeup brushes – Without the right tools, putting on makeup is infinitely more difficult and much less fun. Good brushes apply just the right amount of product exactly where you want it, and are made of high-quality fibers that are gentle on the skin. Seriously, if you invest in one new beauty thing, make it brushes. (Start with a couple eye brushes—a crease brush, an all-over-color, and a smudge brush—then splurge on a good blush brush for a perfect ‘natural’ flush.)

Ahava Mineral Hand Cream – I have a preoccupation with soft hands. My own, that is. Winter or summer, this cream is always in my purse. It’s made with Dead Sea minerals and witch hazel to soften and smooth skin. The scent is perfectly light and fresh, and my hands never feel greasy.

Clinique Long Last Lipstick in “Red Red Red”– “Honey, you really look your best when you’re wearing red lipstick,” says my mother. I finally agree with her, as I rarely get more compliments than when I’m wearing this bright, warm red. After working at the Clinique counter for a spell, and this is the only product I haven’t left behind.

Hair Color: Like many long-haired gals, I have a special (almost unhealthy) attachment to my locks. I’ve been seeing Brianna Stone at Euphoria Salon for years, and not only is she super adept at dealing with my hair neuroses, she’s also a master at highlights (and a complete pleasure to spend hours with). I’ve also had my hair done by Ann Seestadt from Root Salon in Linden Hills (who recently moved back to Mpls from working in NYC salons), and her highlights were completely perfect.

Waxing: When I need a wax, I now exclusively turn to Paige Ferris, the proprietress of pH OREM in the North Loop. Before I found her, I had only waxing horror stories to tell due to my sensitive skin. Now, whatever the service, I get beautiful (and pleasant) results thanks to Paige.

Lash Extensions: I don’t keep them regularly, but when I have the opportunity, I am obsessed with lash extensions. This is one of those services (like waxing) that you don’t want to mess around with, and Amy Presson, owner of Jett Makeup and Lash Bar, is one of the best in the biz.