Profaces is aptly named; this innovative company offers both professional products and excellent customer assistance. I first visited them to purchase makeup brushes, but my attention was immediately drawn to their eyeshadow colors. These are classic pigments - smooth, soft, long-lasting - no "finger painting" here. These are colors for the woman who is discriminating and wants to achieve a polished look. They are sold in pans (for the very reasonable cost of $7 each) and put together in compacts.

I was surprised by the unique, fascinating shades. I purchased a vanilla hue (great for an all-over base shade), a blue-based grey, smokey mauve, unusual light grey-green, flattering grey-brown, milk chocolate (they liken it to "Hershey's" candy), smokey mauve, black-brown (great idea!), smokey eggplant, and very light pink (recommended for fair skin).

The colors do not come on strongly; with Profaces brushes, you have ultimate control. You control the depth of color, and they can be applied quickly over your eyelid or blended to achieve outstanding effects. I used the vanilla and pink as base colors, from lash to brow, and then experimented with mixing the others.

Simply keep in mind some easy principles: Makeup artist Bobbi Brown says that you should never "fight" your natural eye color by applying the exact hue of shadow as your own color; rather, choose complementary colors (think back to the "color wheel" you learned about in school). That way, attention is drawn to your eyes, not your makeup. Light colors "open up" small or deep-set eyes; dark tones deepen and contour. If you have large eyes or noticeable lines, bags, or creases, stay away from much shimmer and opt for a more subtle appearance. These colors lend themselves well to true artist experimentation. If you do prefer some luster, as I do, then use a dab of an appropriate shade from Lorac's Jewelbox ($37.50) or Philosophy's "Little Black Books" ($37) in the middle of your lid to liven your look.

It's difficult to separate Profaces shadows from their brushes. They were made to work together. To apply my base shadow, I chose their sable sponge applicator ($10), great for any woman, but especially good for a mature one. It allows the lid to be covered flawlessly, with no creases or smudges. (Their large contour brush, $17, does the same job with ease.) The small contour brush ($15) is useful for applying contour shadow or even concealer. Together with their small, firm eyeliner brush ($10), you have optimum control in creating any look you choose. I have used "professional" brushes before, but I have to say that with Profaces brushes, it was as though I had traded in a child's chubby crayon for a fine-tip marker. Their fluff brush ($15) is excellent for blending overall colors. Profaces recommends the use of their tiny angle brow brush ($7) with certain eyeshadows (for instance, "Yellow Brown") to obtain the most natural, soft, yet manicured brow appearance. How clever!

There are far more brushes to try. The Chisel Domette Brush ($12) is also a great tool for blending shadow; the Chisel Blush Brush ($15) makes you feel as if your face has been caressed by a loving hand, not a brush. I disposed of those small, hard blush and eye brushes which most often come with products. No wonder so many women wear their makeup with visible stripes!

Although Profaces offers a skin care line, lipstick compacts, and more (handy accessories like Paper Poudres to absorb shine and leave a hint of powder behind, $6), I opted to try one more product, the foundation. I have used dozens of foundations and must admit I expected little as I shook my bottle of their liquid-to-powder formula ($24.95). The shades are carefully formulated for various skin tones. My bottle came with a free flocked sponge, and as I dabbed it on and blended, I was delighted. It was simply "liquid velvet." Those words instantly came to mind, with such ingredients as beeswax, Vitamins A and E and silicone, I had never experienced anything like it. The finish is flawless; it is matte, yet not cakey. It lasts for hours, preventing the annoying shine "breakthrough" so often found with other bases. I feel beautiful in it, and I also know that its anti-oxidant properties are protecting my skin.

Products by Profaces? Amazing. Exceptional. Lovely. Professional. My suggestion? Visit their site, because great things await you!