I wear a real mix of brands, but I'm really getting hooked on Paula Begoun's products. Paula is the author of "Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me," and she cuts through a lot of the mystique and hype related to cosmetics. She has skin care and makeup lines, and I think they're very well done at very reasonable prices. She has some great antioxidant and BHA/AHA products for SO much less than department store brands. And ordering online is easy; the website gives great color descriptions, and I've never had trouble with colors I've ordered. You can read some reviews and good articles on her website (cosmeticscop.com). I think she makes a lot of sense!
That said, I DO love visiting the MAC counter...so many eye shadows, so little time!
Allison