Disclosed are pigment powders containing only coated BiOCl flakes, which flakes area) BiOCl flakes having a coating containing yellow iron oxide Fe2O3*xH2O, optionally a colorant, optionally an adjuvant, and optionally SiO2, b) BiOCl flakes having a coating containing SiO2, optionally a colorant, and optionally an adjuvant, c) BiOCl flakes having a coating containing a colorant, SiO2, optionally yellow iron oxide Fe2O3*xH2O, and optionally an adjuvant, or d) BiOCl flakes having a coating containing Fe3O4 and optionally SiO2, to a process for the preparation of the pigment powders, and to the use thereof especially in cosmetic formulations.