I'm an unabashed makeup junkie. I happen to adore the higher end lines (even though my budget really should prohibit my penchant) like Bobbi Brown, Bare Escentuals (on auto delivery for special quarterly color kits, one which I'm expecting today or tomorrow!), Lancome, MAC, Smash Box, Trish Mc Evoy, Armani, Cle de Peu, Stila, NARS, Bella, etc. (although from time to time you can find me in the isles at Target combing through discount store lines too) and am always on a quest for my makeup "Holy Grail" items. I could spend all day in Sephora or at department store makeup counters not even bat an eyelash. I don't know if people are as familiar with another makeup artist to the stars line by Mally Roncal, but if you're not you should be.

Her makeup is very high quality, amazing colors and the packaging is out of this world. All brushed aluminum metal cases with near indestructible hinges full size mirrors and beautiful leatherette cases with a metallic finish or snake skin print. The brushes/application tools are well built too. They are all for sale on QVC.com which is probably the best source for high end makeup for the lines they do carry (which is many of them), as they have packages and discounts that department stores and sights like Sephora can't touch due to fact that they move amazing quantity of product, allowing them to negotiate better pricing, special offerings, deals and easy pay.

Although I own a variety of Mally's makeup, all purchased from QVC on line (TV shopping is not just for cheese-sters and old ladies anymore!) I think her "smoky eye" eyeshadow kits are her real claim to fame. I own several smoky eye kits, they come in browns, navy, black/gray, plum, mauve and green. The milling, blendability and color coordination of the kits is superior. You don't have to be a makeup artist or even good at applying makeup to get it right. The stuff scores high reviews on Makeup Alley, a makeup junkie's nirvana for reviews, swaps and recommendations. I've posted reviews there myself and check reviews before throwing down money on a pricey new on line purchase to see if it's worth the hype.

I have the kit below which is based on the City Chick Smokey Eye Kit in Skyscraper (black/grays) but doesn't contain the black, eye shadow base (which I already have via other kits) and black eye liner crayon. It gives an amazingly beautiful smoky eye in a palette many are not daring enough to try. It can be softened or made dramatic by layering the color. The lipstick is very sheer and gives a gorgeous nude lip by day. At night you can vamp the look up with a highly pigmented red or other dramatic lip color to give you real standout impact. It all fits great in the tiniest of purses for touching up while you're out. How cool is that?