I finally tried Pat McGrath—and the risk paid off

I’ve been eyeing Pat McGrath’s makeup collection since it launched last fall—and how could I not? The captivating eyeshadow palettes, innovative highlighter formulas and expansive range of lipsticks (and more) are essentially cosmetic porn. But I’ve held off on placing an order because it’s hard to buy makeup sight unseen and I was always worried the hues would be different in real life than on my computer screen. (And McGrath’s products aren’t exactly cheap.) Then, there was a site-wide 25%-off sale and I decided to take a chance.

After poring over the seemingly endless array of lip options, I decided on the Lust: Gloss in “Flesh Fantasy” and the Lip Fetish Lip Balm in “Love Supreme.” Once I checked out, I anxiously awaited the “your order has shipped” email and then I tracked that bitch like nobody’s business until it arrived a few days later.

Well, there was a little snafu with my order… I received the gloss but got the Permagel Ultra Glide Eye Pencil in “BLK Coffee” instead of the lip balm. This actually worked to my advantage because customer service was awesome and they dispatched the balm right away—and I got to keep the eyeliner.

So here’s the verdict… This just might be the best lip gloss I’ve ever tried. I love the pinky-nude hue because it delivers a touch more color than clear without looking the slightest bit opaque. The formula itself is thick and rich—but not sticky—and it has excellent staying power. The lip balm isn’t as great but it’s still good. There isn’t much color to speak of, but it adds a subtle sheen and leaves long-lasting moisture behind. (Truthfully, I think I love the packaging more than the balm itself.) And lastly, the eyeliner was the best accident that ever happened to me makeup-wise. Luckily I like a brown eye pencil, and this gel-based formula manages to be blendable for a short window of time and then once it sets you can forget it. The color stays put without smudging or budging—it’s a total winner.

BEST OF ALL, the sale is still on, so get to it girls! If you can’t find me, I’ll be going through the lip glosses yet again—and placing another order.