hi jessica,
for someone starting out in makeup, i would suggest going with the colors that i find easy to apply. many of the "original' blushes are less heavily pigmented, and so are easy to wear...i'd recommend climax, flirt, poppy, embrace, lady, or petal.
as for eyeshadows, there are so many and in my opinion, almost any of these shadows can be worn as a one color wash, as long as it isn't too dark or too light (although if you're going for a smoky eye, dark works, and i've worn highlighter shades alone before as well). in addition to all the shadows under the "one color wash" page, most of the neutrals, morphing colors, and satin shimmers make great one color eye looks. also several of the new mixed metals palette (under new products or vegan eyeshadows). my opinion would be to not only try to pick colors you think would look nice on you, but also colors that you just
like. if you want some nice colored shadows that aren't too over the top, i think that the MUSE palette that Karen cloned earlier this year are all so pretty---see Jen's swatches of them
here (under Spring 2009 eyeshadows).
as for lip gloss to start out with--any of the black labels, tender, breathless, maiden, gold blush, peace, pout, or precious.
i love the original white perfecting powder. love lure is too dark for me as well, and date bait too pink. i like the original so much that i haven't tried tempt tryst, but it would likely be the best tinted one for someone of your complexion. the perfecting powder is the best powder primer i have found for blurring pores and fine lines. you can wear it alone and it looks nice even without foundation. if you find you have flakies between your eyebrows (i get those too!) make sure you are really moisturizing well (try some of karen's gelled moisturizers and the rose, oatmeal, or green tea and aloe serums) and exfoliate a little bit (microdermabrasion cream and bha or aha toner).
you are going to have soo much fun playing with all of your new makeup
