The holidays had me purchasing a slew of new makeup. With various promo emails coming into my inbox on a daily basis, how could I resist the discounts and new product launches? That’s right, I couldn’t.

M.A.C.

I know for many people that M.A.C. is their “Holy Grail” makeup line, and for good reason. M.A.C. offers a full range of products that won’t leave you yearning to stray elsewhere, their prices are actually very affordable for what you get, the quality is excellent and they are always coming out with new collections.

I didn’t get into M.A.C. until well after my makeup obsession began, but I’ve eased into them more lately. These are the things I’ve gotten from them recently:

• Fluidline in Blacktrack
• Technakohl in Auto-de-Blu
• Lipstick in Cockney (Lustre)
• Eyeshadow (Unbasic White and Satin Taupe)
• Brushes (208 Angled Brow, 209 Eyeliner, 217 Blending, 219 Crease/Pencil)

I’m really happy with all of these products, but the top honor has to go to the Fluidline. I wrote a detailed review about it on MakeupAlley. Basically, it’s the best black eyeliner I’ve ever had the pleasure of using. It’s easy to apply (I use the M.A.C. 209 brush), dries quickly and doesn’t lose any of its color richness, and it stays put on my waterline. [EDIT May 21, 2010: It actually doesn't stay on the waterline, and it's not recommended for that use anyway. Kohl is the only stuff for that purpose.] Hands-down winner in my book.

Chanel

Yikes. The name Chanel is synonymous with high-end luxury, so what is a very non-rich person doing buying Chanel things? Well, although the Chanel makeup line isn’t what I’d call affordable, it’s not that bad in moderation. Besides, these are probably the only Chanel items I’ll ever be able to buy without needing financing (however, I’ve made a deal with myself that as a reward for finishing grad school I’ll get a quilted Chanel bag with a chain strap – so timeless and gorgeous).

Here’s what I’ve got:

• Rouge Hydrabase in Coco Red (said to be Mme. Coco’s signature color)
• Rouge Allure in Provocative
• Glossimer in Beige Guitare and Venus
• Lip Definer Pencil in Vamp
• Coco Mademoiselle EDT

Coco Red is perhaps the boldest red I have; it’s up there with the likes of my YSL Rouge Pur in Le Rouge. It’s a blue-based red, which I wasn’t sure would jive with my warm-toned complexion, but it actually works for me. It’s definitely bold and makes a statement, though, so it’s not my everyday lip color. Still, beautiful and it wears well.

Glossimer is sort of Chanel’s equivalent to M.A.C. Dazzleglass. It’s high on sparkle and color, but not as thick and sticky. It is, however, still very long lasting. It’s also flavorless and unscented and comes in a very large palette of colors.

My boyfriend gave me the Coco Mademoiselle fragrance for Christmas. I adore it. It is very feminine and youthful, yet evokes the sophistication of Chanel with its powdery drydown (at least that’s my impression). It’s a light oriental, not like my very bold YSL Elle perfume. I just really love it all around. I’m no authority on Chanel perfumes, but I’d say this one is very accessible to people who are sowing an interest in them. The No. 5, while classic, is a bit strong and mature for many women.

Those are the highlights of my holiday makeup shopping. Did you get any beauty products you were especially excited about this holiday season?