Love Hues: Review | Swatches

Love Hues has some *lovely* eyeshadows. I stumbled upon Love Hues while browsing Etsy, not looking for anything in particular. The product images really caught my attention, as they use swatches of the colors as their main thumbnail pictures, so you can tell immediately when looking at the search results whether you're interested or not. A handful of colors really stood out, and after doing a basic Google search and not finding any bad news bears reviews, I decided to give 'em a try.

:::  THE SPECS  :::

I purchased a sample set of 10 eyeshadows for $8.50, and received an extra two samples as freebies. The shop is easy to go through, separated into categories by color and collections.
Details are as follows:

:::  $5.99 for a 5-gram jar of eyeshadow with 1 gram of product, packed by weight.
:::  Sample baggies are available in sets of 5, 10 or 15, and each sample has 1/8 of a teaspoon of product.
:::  Shipping for U.S. orders is $1.75 for the first item and $0.10 for each additional item.
:::  Shipping for International orders is $3.00 for the first item and $0.10 for each additional item.
:::  The shop policies page states that all orders are mailed out within two (2) business days of purchase.

My order was shipped within 24 hours of the purchase, and I received it in a mere two days via USPS. This was one of the quickest TATs that I've experienced thus far.

:::  THE PICTURES  :::

*Swatched over NYX Jumbo Pencil in Cottage Cheese. Click images to enlarge.*
*Additional Note: My camera picked up an abnormally warm tone in the Natural Light pictures, but I didn't want to adjust the colors/balance at all in case it distorted the swatches.* 

{Packaged in a taffeta bag}

{The samples + two extra samples}

{All of the goodies}

{Natural Light - L to R: Dove Grey, Sunrise Pink, Heartfelt Whimsy, Opaline Moonstone, Underwater Chameleon}

{Natural Light - Dove Grey}

{Natural Light - Sunrise Pink}

{Natural Light - Heartfelt Whimsy}

{Natural Light - Opaline Moonstone}

{Natural Light - Underwater Chameleon}

{Photographed with a Flash}

{Flash - Different angle}

{Flash - Close-up of Dove Grey, Sunrise Pink and Heartfelt Whimsy}

{Flash - Close-up of Heartfelt Whimsy, Opaline Moonstone and Underwater Chameleon}

{Natural Light - L to R: Arctic Lilac, Castle Secrets, Magic Happens, Sandcastle, Spring Fling}

{Natural Light - Arctic Lilac}

{Natural Light - Castle Secrets}

{Natural Light - Magic Happens}

{Natural Light - Sandcastle}

{Natural Light - Spring Fling}

{Natural Light - Mystery and The Girl Glows}

{Photographed with a Flash}

{Photographed with a Flash}

{Flash - Different Angle}

{Flash - Close-up of Arctic Lilac, Castle Secrets and Magic Happens}

{Flash - Close-up of Magic Happens, Sandcastle and Spring Fling}

:::  THE OPINIONS  :::

I'm in *love* with Opaline Moonstone. It's an amazing color that's unique yet versatile, and like all of the Love Hues eyeshadows I purchased, it applies effortlessly and blends easily. I'm also fond of Sunrise Pink, which I believe could also be used as a blush if applied lightly. Even though pink is my favorite color, it's a color that usually doesn't look great with my fair skin tone and blue eyes — but Sunrise Pink has worked really well! All of the colors, when worn over UDPP and either NYX Jumbo Pencil or Maybelline Color Tattoo, seem to last all day and long into the night. Overall, Love Hues doesn't have too many wild and crazy colors, but moreso a great mix of shimmery neutrals and some nice color pops. I plan to purchase the full sizes of Opaline Moonstone, Dove Grey, Sunrise Pink and Underwater Chameleon in the near future.

Have you tried Love Hues? If so, which colors were your favorites?

Stay Fabulous!

Past, Present and Future

I should have written this post over two weeks ago, but as everyone knows, things come up. So this has three unrelated topics consolidated into one post, starting with events that happened over Christmas, then an overview of product reviews that I'm currently working on, and finally some fun for the future!

:::  CHRISTMAS 2011  :::

My holidays were spent with family, and it was very relaxing. I had a four-day weekend over Christmas, and my parents and brother made the 180-mile drive from my hometown to where I currently live {which also happens to be closer to the extended family}. We all congregated at my grandma's house on Christmas Eve — all 40-some of us — and just enjoyed being together, eating food and watching the little kids open up presents. My brother, who is a lawyer, had to work the day after Christmas, so unfortunately our family time was cut short as he had to drive back right away. But I'd say Christmas was an all-around success. Side note: I am truly jealous of anyone who is able to see their family and friends on a regular basis {especially on a whim} — don't take it for granted! Some people will never know how hard it is to live hours away from parents/siblings/friends. I try to make the trip as often as I can, because it's important to me, but sometimes it's nice when others make the trip, you know? "The highways go both ways" as my mom says. But, alas, this is nothing new, and I should be used to feeling like this. *le sigh*

Anyway, I received some great gifts from my family and had to share some pictures:

{Charm necklace from my cousin Holly. Love the owl!}

{Looks really nice when it's on}

{Colorful glazed ornament that I could stare at forever, also from my cousin.}

{A gift from my brother - Willow Trees are one of the few things I collect}

{Smallville FTW!}

{Sewing machine from my parents. No idea how to use it.}

I also received some Kindle gift cards, a new wireless printer from my brother, a few Wii games, a robe and other goodies from my Secret Santa. Definitely not intending to brag — I've read other bloggers' posts about their Christmas gifts, and love to see what other people get! I know I'm very blessed and am quite grateful for everything I have.

:::  UPCOMING POSTS  :::

I have a lot of reviews and swatches and stories ready to be written, all sitting in my queue and waiting for the inspiration to strike. Coming relatively soon: Love Hues Review/Swatches, Geek Chic Review/Swatches, Darling Girl part 2 and 3, Persephone part 2, Black Rose Minerals part 3, Meow Cosmetics Review/Swatches, Dawn Eyes Cosmetics Review/Swatches, Silk Naturals Climax Blush Review, My Pretty Zombie part 2, Detrivore Review/Swatches, Evil Shades Review/Swatches, Victorian Disco Review/Swatches and Zoya Review.

Whew. I'm actually really excited about each of these reviews, as I've found so many good indie companies to support!

:::  GIVEAWAY  :::

Yep, that's right! Plans are in the works for a sweet giveaway! I'll have all of the details ready in a follow-up post in the next few days. I'm still debating whether to do it with or without any "follower" requirements, as I'd love for more people to read my posts. But with all of the different blog "feed" programs out there, from GFC to Bloglovin' to simple RSS feeds, I don't know that I'd get an accurate number anyway. But spread the word, and stay tuned for more information!

Stay Fabulous!

Shiro Cosmetics: A Review

Shiro Cosmetics is a fun indie makeup company that prides itself on quality products with a dose of geekery. I found Shiro as I find most indie companies these days — through word-of-mouth and other bloggers. I've seen nothing but great reviews from reputable bloggers, so I couldn't wait to give Shiro a try.

 :::  THE SPECS  :::

I opted for a sample set to start with, which includes 15 sample baggies. Shiro has a great discount offer for samples purchased in bulk, so because I ordered 15, I received a 10% discount. Sample baggies are normally $1 each. Shiro also has mini sizes at $3.00 each {along with a bulk order discount} and full sizes at $5.00 each. The selection is separated into collections, along with a variety of Intertubes lip colors, blushes and face powders. Shipping is as follows {from the Shiro website}:

"Sample sizes and stickers ship for a flat rate of $1.75 regardless of your country. Orders containing anything which is not sample-sized ship for a flat rate of $2.50 domestic or $3.50 international. There is also a priority shipping option for $5.80 (US only). For domestic customers, free shipping is provided for orders of $35 or more. Everything ships via USPS."

I received my order within the stated 5-7 day TAT/shipping time-frame, and everything came packaged quite nicely. Overall the ordering, processing and shipping was smooth.

 :::  THE PICTURES  :::

*Swatched over NYX Jumbo Pencil in Cottage Cheese. Click images to enlarge.*

{The packaging}

{All of the samples + 2 freebies}

{Natural Light - L to R: Jigglypuff, Farore's Wind, Master Sword, Shinigami, S.S. Anne}

{Natural Light Close-up}

{Natural Light Close-up}

{Natural Light Close-up}

{Photographed with a flash}

{Jigglypuff and Farore's Wind - photographed with a flash}

{Master Sword and Shinigami - photographed with a flash}

{Shinigami and S.S. Anne - photographed with a flash}

{Natural Light - L to R: Still Alive, Because We Can, Spinarak, Spiritomb, Huge Success}

{Natural Light Close-up}

{Natural Light Close-up}

{Natural Light Close-up}

{Natural Light Close-up}

{Photographed with a flash: Still Alive, Because We Can, Spinarak, Spiritomb, Huge Success}

{Close-up with flash: Still Alive, Because We Can, Spinarak}

{Close-up with flash: Spinarak, Spiritomb, Huge Success}

{Natural Light - L to R: Bulbasaur, Reverse Psychology, Detective, Meowth, Butterfree}

{Natural Light Close-up}

{Natural Light Close-up}

{Natural Light Close-up}

{Natural Light Close-up}

{Photographed with a flash: Bulbasaur, Reverse Psychology, Detective, Meowth, Butterfree}

{Close-up with flash: Bulbasaur, Reverse Psychology and Detective}

{Close-up with flash: Detective, Meowth and Butterfree}

{Two freebies - photographed with flash - Sudowoodo and Din's Fire}

{Natural Light Close-up}

:::  THE OPINIONS  :::

I think the swatches speak for themselves. Shiro is amazing! Some of my favorites are Detective, Master Sword, Because We Can and Meowth. Detective is a fantastic taupe with a blue duochrome effect. Master Sword is a light taupe infused with silver sparkles. Because We Can is a hot, hot pink/fuchsia with silver shimmer. Meowth is a great overall wash shadow with a bright cream hue and subtle copper shift.

Even though I do have my favorites, I must say that I've used every single color at least a few times since I received them. It's not just the unique color selection that makes Shiro great; the shadows wear very well, are buildable and blendable, and last as long as I need to wear them. I imagine the other Shiro products are just as versatile and dependable as the eyeshadows are, so if you're looking to build up your makeup collection anytime soon, head to Shiro Cosmetics and go crazy!

Stay Fabulous!