Reddit mentions of Lauren Conrad Beauty

I second Youtube as a great resource. If you're set on a magazine, I occasionally enjoy Allure magazine for hair and beauty inspiration. You can check out their website as well. If you're a total beginner, I recommend reading Lauren Conrad Beauty. I picked it up a couple months ago because it looked interesting, and while it wasn't particularly groundbreaking, it was a really excellent intro to makeup (as well as hair, nails, and skincare). She goes over various products and what they do, and then shows you some basic looks and techniques. The only thing I really disagreed with her on was primers--she says they're not necessary, but I insist they are, at least if you want your foundation to stay on for very long. The reason I recommend a book is because it's got everything tied up neatly for you, so you're not trying to figure out what to search for on google or youtube in the first place. She doesn't recommend products, but you can visit her website for product recommendations as well as check out the Drugstore HE Master List.

I personally use a lot of drugstore products, and even they add up quickly if you try everything at once. I recommend picking whatever type of product interests you, be that foundation or eyeshadow or lipstick, and gradually building your collection from there. For specific product recommendations, I love Revlon foundations and you can find them pretty much anywhere. Maybelline and Covergirl make some solid eyeshadows, and Sonia Kashuk (Target exclusive) makes kick-ass powders and brushes. Oh, and Revlon lipsticks, especially the SuperLustrous and Matte Balms. But really, just have fun with it. You'll find your favorites over time. The most important thing to remember is that it's only makeup--it washes off. So don't take it too seriously and have fun. :)

How about getting her a book or two on fashion or beauty? For instance, Lauren Conrad (a popular style icon) has two books currently out that she'd probably love and together equal about $20:

http://www.amazon.com/Lauren-Conrad-Style/dp/006198969X/ref=pd_sim_b_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=08S4B38KGSZGHAFHVSP7

http://www.amazon.com/Lauren-Conrad-Beauty/dp/0062128450/ref=acs_ux_rw_ts_b_1862_8?ie=UTF8&s=books&pf_rd_p=1710548762&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-3&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_i=1862&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0NW1GCAYF72ZHWDRPHKJ