I caught up with prestigious makeup artist Napoleon Perdis (whose clients include Debra Messing, Hilary Duff, and Evangeline Lily, to name a few) while he was in town recently meeting with Target reps. The Australian-born beauty buff just launched NP Set, an affordable line of cosmetics for the girl on the go, available only at Target stores.

Perdis met me in the Chambers Hotel lobby sporting all black (including black sunglasses), just enough bling, perfectly manicured brows, and a Hollywood-esque tan. He's a bubbly guy, and his passion for his products is contagious. Before I knew it, I was sitting on one of the chic Chambers sofas letting Perdis test products on my eyelids, lips, and cheeks. We both oooed and ahhed over the effects they had on my face.

My favorite? The Show Loose Dust Duo, a pair of vivid eye shadows applied with a cool powder pen (shown upper left, $26). So easy and quick!

Check out some of the other products I loved . . .



Prep your skin with NP Set Pre-Foundation Primer ($29) to smooth out skin before makeup application. As Perdis says, "Not to prime is a crime!"

 

The NP Set Runaway Star Lip Gloss Set ($14) would make a cute stocking stuffer. I'll attach one to my key chain so I always have a moisturizing gloss on hand.

 

Not only does it offer long-lasting matte coverage, the NP Set Pasarella Powder Foundation ($30) also contains moisturizing Shea butter and antioxidant-filled pomegranate extract.

Getting to Know Napoleon Perdis:

Q: How did you get into the beauty industry?
A: I got into makeup because I hated the corporate world. I always wanted to be a makeup artist from about sixteen years old. I did my mom's makeup--she was my first muse. I made her look like a drag queen when I first started. I actually finished college in political science and business law. I worked in media, advertising, and law and then left it all to rebel against my parents. I started working as a makeup artist, and then I started my own line in 1995. We now have the largest makeup academy in the world.

Q: What prompted your move from Australia to Hollywood?
A: I was working so much in the USA, coming over all the time to do different shoots and editorials. Then I had Saks 5th Avenue pick up my line, so I moved to New York and set up there. Then things just started to happen. America's the land of opportunity.

Q: What inspires your makeup collections?
A: Runway, red carpet, music videos, celebrity--they're all like art inspirations. I say to women, 'Take the runway, put it in the washing machine, and do it at 30 percent, and then it will be amazing.'

Q: What are your rules for applying makeup?
A: I have three rules when it comes to makeup: I do mascara first because it's a map for the face. The second rule is always use a primer. Not to prime is a crime. The third rule is to use lip liner last.

Q: Tell me about your celebrity experience.
A: I've been working with celebrities for the last thirteen years. Being in LA, I've had the opportunity to work at the prime-time Emmys for the last two years, and that's been amazing. I've worked on Debra Messing, Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Vicki Newton, Miley Cyrus, and Paula Abdul. We were on two episodes of The Hills--they came in to the store. We have a huge following, and I'm just very honored that these women love my line.

Q: What are you working on now?
A: A lot. Bringing out more palettes and primers in my Napoleon Perdis Red Carpet line. Photoshoots, webisode content, and my new TV show on TLC--Get Your Face On at 7 a.m. [Monday through Friday].

Q: What's the concept of the show?
A: It's about me looking for my protege to communicate my beauty message to America.

Q: What can women do to update their looks?
A: Get rid of five items from their makeup bags. Throw them in the trash and get new ones. The second thing is to go and have a makeover and just play. There's no harm in playing--you can take it off!