If you’re in New York, drop by Bloomingdales and Henri Bendel to meet designer Mary Rambin and shop from the Spring 2007 collection of Moë C.L.I.C.K. bags, worn by celebrities such as: Jessica Biel, Courtney Cox-Arquette, Hayley Duff, Reese Witherspoon and others.

You can see the collection at these locations:

712 Fifth Avenue

Sunday April 22nd (2nd floor)

Monday April 23rd (1st floor gazebo)

59th Street & Lexington Avenue

Thursday April 26th (4pm – close)

Saturday April 28th (all day)

Is it just me, or do these bags bear a striking resemblance to the current “bra purse” fad?

Busy schedules often mean a hurried application of standard makeup before we rush out of the house or maybe applying our makeup after we get to the office. This usually means we have stand-by makeup that we always apply regardless of whether it is appropriate or creates the best look. This lipstick, that blush, the usual mascara, even eyeshadow may look great some days and be all wrong for others depending on our clothing choices, the lighting we will be in or even the amount of natural light.

No-one can carry a full case of all possible colors of lipstick, blush and eyeshadow, nor do we have time always to choose carefully. So to avoid the no makeup day, we throw on anything in our path so we can make our daily deadlines.

The solution is to have a few carefully selected makeup products in neutral shades that work well in any situation and lighting. Neutral colors will go with any outfit or color scheme.

The essentials should include eyeliner, mascara, lipstick, and blush. Eyeshadow is optional as the right blush can be used as shadow in a pinch. Choose a neutral shade of blush with only a hint of color - my current favorite is Avon’s Earthen Rose. A light bronzer powder can substitute for blush and shadow as well. Eyeliner in a neutral, brown or brown-black - not a colored liner. Mascara in brown or brown-black. Choose a lipcolor that is a complimentary shade, not too far from your natural skin tones but with a little warmth. If you include an eyeshadow in a pinky beige with a hint of shimmer, your eyes will stand out without being noticeably made-up.

Have these items in a separate small cosmetic bag that fits in any purse and you will be ready to face any day.

Summer means longer and brighter days and more time spent out of doors. Your look should be a healthy glow. You want to accent eyes and lips to draw attention but you needn’t spend too much time applying your make-up and you don’t have to tote around pounds of products. A simple four items tucked into your bag are all you need for that care-free summer look.

1. Care for your face:

The first item in your essential summer make-up bag should be a light face cream with built-in sunscreen. Apply often throughout the day. Wrinkles appear less noticeable when the skin is moisturized and you will reduce the damage from heat and sun. If you want to wear foundation, choose a minimum cover foundation (unless you are blending freckled or uneven skin tones). Use one that has an added sunscreen.

2. Be Cheeky:

Too much blush can look like stage make-up in natural sunlight. How about brushing lightly over the face with a bronzing powder? Applying a light dusting of a rosy blush on your cheeks over the bronzer will give cheeks a natural glow.

3. Give ‘em the eye:

Eyeliner on the top lid only to make the eyes appear larger and define them. Use a natural brown or brown/black. Waterproof mascara for lashes, as humidity can melt make-up and leave dark circles under your eyes. Use natural colors for eyeshadow; earth tones in sand, gold and shades of tan or brown work well.

4. Kissable Lips:

Start with a moisturizing lip balm that contains a sunscreen. Lip gloss with sheer color is great for daylight hours. If you have a tan, you can go brighter, richer, deeper with color without looking “made up”. Stay away from pale frosts, but a bit of shine is always in fashion.

Pack these four items and look naturally fabulous all summer!