M·A·C Nail Lacquers (+ a quick tip from Senior Artist, Keri Blair!)

Determined to take over the world (as if they haven't already), M·A·C Cosmetics has introduced their first permanent Nail Lacquer collection, containing 31 colours and 3 finishes.

While the brand has always has always released nail polishes, this collection goes above and beyond, adding in a few of our favorite shades (hello Girl About Town) as well as the trendier shades (dark, poppy-inspired, glittery, and neutral). With this collection, there's a shade for every mood.

What if you'd like to kick it up a notch? Try using M·A·C's infamous pigements and glitters that not only work well for eyes, but can be mixed with gel to create wicked color combinations. To get a few tips on how to best handle the loose pigments, I've reached out to M·A·C Senior Artist, Keri Blair, to give us the scoop!

MisWYA: Pigments can be a bit messy -- what would be your number one tip for those who are new to using it and may be scared of spilling it all over the place? 
Keri: At a first glance pigments can be a bit daunting, but the payoff is more than worth the few extra steps. Here are some to help keep those loose bits in order.

1. Don’t throw out the little plastic insert. The plastic lid keeps the pigments from leaking out around the edges of the cap, making it easier to transport, especially if you are a girl on the go like me. 
2. Pour out a small amount using a metal spatula or the back of a brush onto a small palette, dish or tissue. (A little goes a long way) 
3. If you are using it on the eyes, prep the eyes with MAC Cosmetics Eye Kohl or Paint Pot so the pigments have something to stick to. Use a flat brush and run the bristles through your finger tips before loading the brush with pigment. The oils from your fingers will help hold the pigment on the brush. 
4. If you are using it for nail art, use a small piece of foil (3x3 square) as your palette, and use a tooth pick or spatula to pour out a small amount before mixing with clear polish or gel. 

MissWYA: Do you have a favorite pigment color or (cool combo for nail designs)? 
Keri: Hands down my favorite pigment is M·A·C Cosmetics Frozen White. I use it every day to highlight the inner corners of my eyes. I also adore pink pearl! For nails, I am obsessed with a mixture of M·A·C Pro Deep Purple and M·A·C Cosmetics Frozen White or M·A·C Pro Deep Blue Green. Most of all I just love the unique and customized colors you can create utilizing this flexible medium!

Follow Keri on Twitter for beauty tips, tricks, and nail art, @MAC_Keri_B!

M·A·C Nail Lacquer collection will be available in North America July 5, 2012 at Nordstorm and M·A·C stores and August 2, 2012 at all M·A·C locations. Internationally, the collection launches in September 2012 at all M·A·C locations.

Disclosure: Samples provided for editorial consideration. Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.