I must agree with everyone here that loves MAC. I use their:
Studio Fix Compact foundation,
Chestnut Lipliner (a must have),
Fluid and 'O' lipsticks
Brow Set (does anyone else use this?? It keeps your brows in check all day and night)
As for eyeshadow and more lipsticks, I bought the holiday kits that were available in Nov '00, and they come with an array of colors, but I don't know all the names
however, I figued out you can use any lipsticks as long as you have CHESTNUT lipliner!!
When I was younger and had more money to spend, I bought Clinique mascara, but Maybeline Great Lash works just as well, and it's cheaper.
When I first learned about MAC, I thought the colors wouldn't work..they seemed very flashy and daring, but they are just wonderful. I really like the eyeshadows, because they don't cake-up, and its more "iridescent" than true color, if that makes any sense
I reccomend going to the counter and tell them that you're new to MAC, and what they recommend. Surprisingly, I've always had a great experience with them, in Minneapolis and Chicago..hopefully they are as helpful in other cities as well.