I need help picking first lighting setup

[CodyJefferies]

Hey all,
I am a makeup artist who has recently decided to try photography. I Have been told I have an instinct for what looks good in front of the lens.....but my expertise in lighting is not so instinctual. I enjoy doing beauty shots and would like to buy equipment to light them as lovely as possible. I feel so overwhelmed when it comes to looking for lighting rigs.It seems like every kit I have read about contradicts what all others say. I have tried the at home DIY shop-lamp type set-ups, seeing good results, but would like to graduate to the next level, utilizing soft boxes to really make my work in hair and makeup look stunning as possible. My photography, right now is just a hobby, so I don't feel it is neccessary at this point to invest thousands of dollars in lighting rigs. Does anyone have any suggestions on what kind of kits are good for what I am attempting to do. I would like something that is easy to set up, somewhat compact for easier storage and transport, and most of all....easy on my wallet. A huge thanks in advance to anyone who replies and can offer some words of wisdom!
Thanks!
Cody

[SusanH1970]

I recently purchased an Alien Bee 400 with a large softbox (32x40", which is collapsible - great for portability). I use the AB400 and a reflector for studio shots and so far am quite happy with the results. All of it cost around $400.

[Murtasma]

What gear do you currently have? What is your budget? I would first suggest going out and getting a book on portrait lighting related to photography.

I suggest you drop considering hot lights and go straight to strobe units. Alien Bee's are very nice unit that have a good price on them. You may want to considering building your own soft box to help save money.

What type of shots will you mostly do?
Head and Shoulders?
Body Shots?
What is your budget?
What is your time investment?

[CodyJefferies]

Murtasma,
Right now, I currently have virtually no equipment, other than my camera. It is a canon Rebel T1i. I have used regular aluminum shop lamps in the past to light videos and portrait style photography for my portfolio I keep at my salon I work at. The results have been less than stellar, but they were good enough to show my work. Besides, it is amazing what Photoshop can do. lol.
I have studied portraiture lighting, and am proficient in the placement and concepts of lighting correctly. I just am ready to move up in the world for lights that are cleaner.
I definitly want strobes as opposed to hot lights. My only problem is being confused by the vast selection that is out there. Like I said in my original post, I consider this more of just something fun for me to do. I don't plan on using photography to make money, so I don't want to invest tons of money into, since the lights won't be "paying for themselves" eventually.
My shots usually consist of shoulders up....paying attention to details of makeup and hair colour and styles. Of course, having lights that are versatile enough to do the ocassional artistic shoot.
My budget is very minimal, roughly $800. I would like some standard things..... softboxes and beauty dish for sure. I am hoping to find a kit than includes all of the things i am lookingsI foror.... stands... refletors...strobes....softboxes. I have found some nice setups that include most of what i am looking for with the exception of the beauty dish, which i will buy seperatly.
I am excited about developing this hobby into something a bit more refined. Thank you to both you and SusanH1970 for your replies to my post. I appreciate it more than you know!
Regards,
Cody