MAC Cosmetics, the premier brand of choice backstage at over 400 shows worldwide, teams up with the lovely Stacey Bendet, hipster, all-around fun girl and designer of Alice + Olivia to create the ultimate playful summer makeup collection. The wardrobe-enhancing cosmetics consist of three new shades of MAC Pigments, three Dazzelglass Cremes first-timers and a trio of spot-on-trend Nail Lacquers. On her collaboration with MAC cosmetics Bendet shares, “We wanted the makeup to be fun and playful, for me clothing and cosmetics should be whimsical, they should both make you smile and feel flirtatious. With that in mind, I wanted our packaging and our colours to be like candy. Everyone loves candy.”

My absolute favorite is the Dazzelglass Cream Gloss in Sparklicious, the most flattering pearly pink that can be worn alone or over any lip color. Also worth a try, I Want Candy. Don’t fear this yellow gloss, it’s magical over Red or Pink lipstick. The Nail Lacquer’s are must-haves. I love So Rich So Pretty on my toes; a darkish shade with enough pop for summer. Morning After looks so fresh and new on fingernails; it’s the perfect shade of peacock turquoise. Clubbing it? Try Partylicious Pigment swept over the eyelid and lots of mascara. Mani/Pedi with Military for soft black touches of suede on fingertips and toes. Have fun!!!

PIGMENT

Later: The deepest black with a hint of purple pearl.

If It Sparkles: Frosty white plus a touch of pink.

Partylicious: Groovy turquoise mixed with silver sparkle.

$19.50 U.S., $23.50 CDN

DAZZLEGLASS CREME

Sparklicious: A creamy, softest pink with multidimensional pearl.

If It’s Pink: Shimmering, hot to trot pink.

I.Want.Candy: Electric yellow with a sparkling edge.

$18 U.S., $21.50 CDN

NAIL LACQUER

Morning.After: Creamy, get-noticed turquoise.

So Rich So Pretty: A party-ready purple with a hint of frost.

Military: Black matte with silver suede.

$12, U.S., $14.50 CDN

The collection is available in stores and online at MAC Cosmetics until August, 2010.

– Andrea Phillips