Ed's Note: Meet our new beauty columnist! (No, that's not her at the left. That's Lindsey Wixson.) Contessa Schexnayder is a makeup artist and has been shackled to the beauty industry for over nine years, working for such lines and retailers as Nars, MAC, Bobbi Brown, Blue Mercury, and Space NK. She is a self-proclaimed ingredient know-it-all, and likes long walks on the beach. When faced with hundreds of bottles of lotions and potions, the drugstore aisle and department store can be overwhelming places. Do you need a seven step facial regimen? How worried should you be in your 20s about an anti-aging treatments? Should you just give up in your 40s? We’ll attempt to answer these questions with a handy guide for every age group, complete with product recommendations. Click through for some advice and pointers.

It’s November now. This means that chapped, dry, flaky lip season is upon us. There are tons of tried-and-true lip balms out there. Kiehl’s has been a sought-after classic for years. Rosebud Salve is a favorite of makeup artists everywhere because of its multi-functionality. Burt’s Bees Beeswax was one of the first green offerings, and it’s got a following that can no longer be called “cult.” Aquaphor is the serious brand recommended by dermatologists. And of course---there’s Carmex. These are all fantastic, but if you need a new fix for your lips, here’s a round-up of our faves. They include organic, natural, and multi-purpose products. We did a lot of swiping and wiping for you--now go find someone to kiss.

I’m an organic freak. If anyone dared open my bathroom cabinet they'd be bombarded with Kiehl's, Aveda and bareMinerals. Sure, they’re easier on the