Today we're taking a look at some of MAC's most beloved pigments (intense, often sparkly/metallic/duochrome loose powders used as eyeshadow, mixed into nail polish or lipgloss, used as highlight, etc.) All of today's specimens are quite metallic and sparkly.

MAC pigments are $19.50 each, sold in 7.5 g (0.26 oz) jars — except the pigments from Overrich (now

Just wanted to mention it again: this week’s posts are appreciatively dedicated to the extremely kind readers who donated samples from their own stashes to the swatching cause.

This week we’re looking at a selection of MAC pigments — loose powders most often used as eyeshadows, but also viable as blushes, body highlight, nail polish tint, hair sparkle, sometimes

At any given time, MAC's website probably has maybe 20 permanent pigment shades available. There are maybe another 40 pro shades (these generally have color names, like "Kelly Green." They're sold in MAC Pro stores, by calling 1-800-387-6707, and online at macpro.com — this last option is only available to card-holding professionals). MAC has also released a huge number of

Computer-willing, this week's posts are gratefully dedicated to all the readers who have sent me pigment samples to swatch. Particular thanks to MeredithK02, who donated a ridiculous number of shades to the swatching cause.

Pigments are loose powder eyeshadows, beloved for their intense color payoff, duochrome (two-color) appearance, sparkle, or shine — as well as their versatility. If you’re

Clinique is a first cosmetics brand for many — their makeup is dermatologist-tested (and considered to be teen-friendly), their price points are lower, and their pigment (eyeshadow, for instance) is generally subtle.

Clinique also offers fabulous gifts with purchase, and Nordstrom has one starting May 20. With $25 purchase, you get a cute, springy Trina Turk makeup

I was reading an issue of Glamour recently, when I came across an ad for Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse Foundation — with a tear-out card containing tiny samples of not one, but ALL their shades. Way to go, Maybelline! This is the way to get people to try a foundation (who wants to buy when they’re not sure of

The CEW (Cosmetic Executive Women) just announced its 2009 Insider's Choice Awards winners — the most innovative products of the past year in hair care, skincare, bath and body, fragrance, suncare, and makeup. (Click here for the full list of winners and contestants.)

Congratulations to my friends Armani, who claimed the prestige face makeup prize for their Face

Yesterday's post was starting to get a little long, but I did want to share with you the eye brushes that I use and love. (And possibly save you a little money.)
Let's start with concealer. For a long time I used a flat, domed concealer brush (the bristles are synthetic because it's meant for a cream product) and

One of the problems I have with shopping for brushes online is that the products are always shot in limbo, on a white or black background, with no context to tell you how big they are — or how big they are relative to one another. It's sexy-looking, but not useful.

Just as MAC's foundation naming system is often

[Edit: I originally reported that these lipsticks have no scent. They do, but the testers seem to lose theirs after prolonged exposure to air.]

Let's talk about Rouge G de Guerlain! Guerlain has added a new lipstick to the family: The new formula has Liplift primer built in, which supposedly keeps it from feathering and helps the

Dear Readers,

I really appreciate your support and patience through this incredibly trying episode — regular posts will resume soon (Monday, knock on wood). In the meantime, Mother's Day is May 10 — and if you're stressing about what to get your mom (or mother-in-law) for mother's day, Lancome wants to help.

If you live in NYC, beauty/fashion