The $40 Makeup Brush Set We Love (and 5 Other Finds)

I love the lipcolor magic of Giorgio Armani Lip Magnet ($39), a liquid formula that feels light as water (it's actually a fusion of oils and water) but delivers an intensely pigmented matte finish. I blot it so the color looks more like a stain, but any way you wear it, you can expect it to last from your morning espresso through an evening cocktail.

Makeup artist Bobbi Brown is celebrating her company's 25th anniversary with a captivating tribute to three style capitals: New York, Paris and London. The Bobbi Brown City Collection palettes ($65 each)—with four shadows and a blush—have universally flattering shades, but I had to have them simply for the cute compacts.

Though light floral fragrances are some of my favorites, they can seem too evanescent in the colder months. But Maison Francis Kurkdjian Paris Petit Matin ($215 for 2.4 ounces) is both luminous and bold, a bouquet of lemon, hawthorn and amber. I'll be wearing it all winter (and probably right through spring).

This Exotic Artisan Twelve Piece Brush Set by Sonia Kashuk ($40) is as pretty as it is practical. The bristles are luxuriously soft, and the wooden handles are embossed with a pattern inspired by Sonia's travels in India. I leave my set on display—it not only helps me adorn my face, but does a fine job adorning my vanity, too.

Sonia Kashuk Exotic Artisan Vanity Cup ($11)

Should I switch shampoos every couple of months?

Maybe, says cosmetic chemist Ni'Kita Wilson, if you use shampoo containing conditioners that help detangle and prevent the stripping of oils. Depending on the level of these ingredients in your shampoo and how often you lather up, the conditioners may build up and leave you feeling as if your hair isn't getting clean. In that case you might switch to a clarifying shampoo like Fekkai Apple Cider Shampoo ($20) once a week.

If you have a question about makeup, skincare, or haircare, ask Val at askval@hearst.com or Oprah.com/askval. Follow Val on Twitter @thisisvalmonroe.