Cosmetic compositions comprising a fibrous pigment having an average diameter greater than 0.2 microns and an average aspect ratio greater than 5, and methods of using said compositions for imparting a pigmented film on skin or imparting a lightening appearance of skin are provided. The compositions optionally comprise from 0.1 to 30% of a coloring agent, selected from pigments, lakes, and dyes. The appearance of skin to which the compositions have been topically applied as a cosmetic film possesses L*, a*, and b* color space values and angular reflection properties closer to those of natural skin than an identical composition wherein the fibrous pigment has an average aspect ratio of less than 5.