Im back!!!! Sort of...

Well, I am back from my glorious week vacation at the beach. We had a great time just laying around and reading!!! The reason why I say Im only sort of back is that I dropped my laptop this morning and totally jacked up the power supply. I am currently typing this with only about an hour worth of battery left. After that Im SOL. So, until I buy a replacement charger or find out that its a worse problem and I need to replace the laptop all together, I will have to share with my husband and use the computer at work :( So, until I figure out a plan I wont be able to post many new pictures at all. In the meantime I will try to figure out something clever to babble about...so stay tuned!

Fyrinnae Endangered is here!!!!

Ok, quick and dirty like...here is what I ordered from the new Fyrinnae Endangered Collection. Not a disappointing color in the bunch, not that there usually is. Im so glad these came before I leave tomorrow!!!! I am pretty sure that the guys at Fyrinnae have a deal with the Post Office...these shipped on Wednesday and arrived here today, from 2000+ miles away! I really look forward to doing some FOTD's with these when I get back.





Javan Rhino and Bali Mynah look the same but they definitely arent!!! Yes, you need both ;)Im really glad I got Orca because its way prettier than I thought it would be.





Tapir is also way prettier than I thought it would be, its very velvety smooth.

A close-up of Monarch Butterfly because its so pretty!



And I ordered these in addition because I didnt have them yet, surprisingly! Oberon is way more purple and sparkly IRL. One Night In Belfast is 10 times prettier than the swatches on Fyrinnae.com!


Since these are smaller and harder to read: AM Archmage, One Night In Belfast, Oberon, AM Conjuror

Updates...

Sorry that I havent posted anything new since Monday. A) I have no idea how many people are actually reading this besides Kay ;) and B) I have been busy preparing for a week vacation that begins on Saturday (praise the Lord). Im hoping to post some new things when I return.

About my Archetype situation...I contacted Holly 4 times via email and never heard back so I filed a Paypal dispute. I then gave her an additional 4-5 days to respond and still heard nothing. So, this morning I escalated to a claim. I really hate to do that, but really, why not just respond to me and say that she is really overwhelmed etc. and will get my stuff to me eventually? I would have accepted that. I think the saddest part is that I now do not get to own "Yowie the Night Beast". I really loved the name of that eyeshadow!!! I think that that would be an appropriate nickname for my cat Charlotte. Anyways, once I hear anything else I will be sure to post it here.

One more thing, my latest Fyrinnae order shipped yesterday. I got about 80% of the new shades and a few old ones. I am crossing my fingers that it will come tomorrow so that I can do some quick and dirty swatching but we will see.

Teal and Brown FOTD, with falsies!

Here is my first full FOTD...I dont do those often for many reasons, but here goes! Sorry that I skipped the blush and lipcolor. I just didnt get around to it. I got this look from someone on youtube that does some really amazing FOTD's and I will post a link to her if I get her approval. My first time using false eyelashes too :) Enjoy the metric asston of pictures. FYI, my hair isnt quite as bright red IRL, for some reason the flash really makes it look bright :)

Without Falsies












And now With...









What I used:



NYX Teal Glitter Liner
MAC Shimmermint Shadestick
Clique Cream Shaper Duo in Mink
WnW Palette (bottom color in middle, palette is upside down though)
Stila Palette (middle and dark eyeshadows)
MAC Blacktrack Fluidline
MAC Teal Pigment
MAC Grain Eyeshadow
Ardell Lashes - Demi Pixies (I think)

My 2nd Archetype Order :(

Well, I ordered over 3 weeks ago and have nothing. I understand that some people have waited much longer, however, I have emailed them with a question about my order 4 times now with no response. I dont think that is a good sign! I hope it doesnt sound like I've jumped the gun but I filed a Paypal dispute today. I hate to have to do that but it sounds like she has disappeared on more people than just me and I want to make sure I get my money back before its too late. Anyways, I will post updates when I have them. I guess now I have to see if she answers at all or if I need to escalate the claim. Poo :(

Sites I love :)

Just thought I would take a moment to give more info about the sites I love...just for the heck of it!

Makeupalley - I have been a member now for almost 5 years! If you have never visited it is the most helpful and damning website for those who love cosmetics. Between the reviews, pictures, message boards and swapping...what more could you ask for?!?! By the way, I am Angel2247 there :)

Specktra - I love Specktra because there is a slightly edgier vibe and because many of its users predominantly use MAC as well. There are some super talented girls and guys there! I am Deathcabber there.

Threadless - I collect a lot of things...and Threadless t-shirts are one of them. I currently own over 20! I love the entire concept of the public designing shirts and the public choosing which are best. Also, anything limited edition usually lures me in ;) One negative for me though...recently Threadless starting using their own shirts rather than American Apparel and they do not fit my spare tire as well. Guess thats my problem, right?? ;)

Fyrinnae- I think my love for them is obvious! They offer such a wide range of bold and neutral colors that are always unique and rarely boring. Not to mention that they actually have fun names for their shades...no Dusty Rose here!!! And finally, the guys who own it are truly top notch.


Etsy - there are no words for how awesome Etsy is. Truly. Anything handmade you can dream up is probably already for sale...and usually at a very affordable price! Not to mention, if you get really crafty yourself, you can sell there too. I have bought bath and body products, jewelry and other accessories there and never been disappointed!

The Animal Rescue Site - Finally, this is my daily attempt to be charitable...If you click just once a day you can provide .6 bowls of food to a shelter animal! Now, I know that sounds like a scam, but lets hope not. So, save this link in your favorites and click for pets!!!

Smoky Purple EOTD

Here is my attempt at a bold yet smoky purple EOTD!





What I used:
WnW cream E/s - pink - as a base
Fyrinnae Sennyo - lower 1/2 of lid
Fyrinnae Lemmus Sibiricus - upper 1/2 of lid
MAC Grain - blended up to brow
Fyrinnae Fyre and Ice - crease
MAC Parfait Amour - lower lash line
L'Oreal HIP Eggplant - top liner
Jordana Blackout - bottom liner

***note, I did photoshop a little of this because I did a really messy application, just wanted to be honest about that!

Yellow Eyeshadow Swatches

Today I got a request for a recommendation for an eyeshadow that is similar to MAC Chrome Yellow but with shimmer...so, I decided to swatch all of my yellow eyeshadows :) I apparently own a few, and I didnt even venture into gold. Hey, you never know when you need to wear yellow!



L-R: Fyrinnae Banana Mochi, Fyrinnae Magic Missiles, Taylor Made Minerals Sunflower, MAC Chrome Yellow, Fyrinnae Leo

These are all a bit more shimmery IRL, but the pic doesnt show it!

Green and Yellow EOTD

My offering for today...an uninspired Green and Yellow EOTD. I tried 4 different looks last night and didnt like any of them that much...this was the best. Sometimes you just don't have it!







Used UD Graffiti, Fyrinnae Leif, Fyrinnae Dragonmagic, MAC Chrome Yellow and Clinique Cream Shaper Duo in Mink/Sable (Love this!!!!)



I really wish Clinique would make the colors in the CS Duos permanent...they are so nice!! I got 2 Mink/Sable and I'm very glad I did. These are so creamy and they last pretty well too.

Brushes

I've been asked to post what brushes I use...so here goes! I really thought I had a ton of brushes until I laid them all out, now...not so much.



(brand unknown, from Ulta) flat liner, (brand unknown)liner, Japanesque(from travel set), (brand unknown, from Target)taklon concealor, Sonia Kashuk eyeshadow, SK eyeshadow, SK Blender (has a pointier tip all though it doesn't look that way, SK Blender, SK Special Edition Blender, MAC 219, MAC 217, MAC 187


Out of all these brushes, my must haves are the SK Eyeshadow, SK Blender and the MAC 219. I use these for every eye look. If you have trouble defining your crease due to eyelid shape like me...the MAC 219 is a lifesaver. I really need to own 2!

Fyrinnae EOTD - Aztec Gold

Just thought I would share a gratuitous EOTD that I did last night. I am thinking of sending it to Fyrinnae as another gallery submission :)











Here is what I used! I need to upgrade on my teeny sample of Choco Cake Mix!!!

Eyeshadow Primers and Bases

Today I thought I would take some time to write about using various products as a base for your eyeshadow. I've found that to get the most staying power, color and opacity out of your eyeshadow you must use a primer and a base. I know this seems like I'm adding an extra step but in my experience it really can help! Now, what do I mean by this?....

First, choose an eyeshadow primer that works for you. This is the product that will keep oil from causing your eyeshadow to smear and evens out the tone of your eyelid. For me, these only slighty even out my eyelid color as I have very dark eyelids. I personally have tried MAC Paint in Bare Canvas, Too Faced Shadow Insurance and the almighty Urban Decay Primer Potion. In my opinion UDPP is the best, however it can be very drying to eyelids and subsequently can cause eye irritation for a very select few people, such as myself. However, as you will learn, my left eye is sensitive to EVERYTHING. For everyday use I have been using the TFSI. So far, so good, it just doesnt last quite as long as UDPP.

Secondly, I choose what I call a base for color. There are tons of products that can be used for this. MAC Paint Pots, MAC Shadesticks, MAC Fluidliners, Fyrinnae Inks, and even things like Wet N Wild Cream Eyeshadows. You may ask, why do the first step and not skip right to these? For me, wearing any of these alone is just asking for creasing about an hour later.

So, the complicated part to this....not all bases work with all eyeshadows. I know, pain in the arse. Luckily Ive used trial and error to take the guess work out of it for you! Here is a list of what works with what the best. You will note that Fyrinnae and Taylor Made Minerals are the main eyeshadows that doesnt really work well with some things. Their unique texture is the culprit. Do to them being more powdery, they bind too much to things especially Shadesticks and you will not get even color.

MAC Shadesticks - MAC pressed eyeshadow and pigments, UD pressed eyeshadow, The She Space, Archetype
MAC Paint Pots - MAC pressed eyeshadow and pigments, UD pressed eyeshadow
Fyrinnae Inks* see note below - Fyrinnae, Archetype, Taylor Made Minerals
Wet N Wild Cream Eyeshadows - MAC pressed eyeshadow and pigments, UD pressed eyeshadow, The She Space, some Fyrinnae, Archetype, Taylor Made Minerals
NYX Cream Eyeshadow Pencils - MAC pressed eyeshadow and pigments, UD pressed eyeshadow, The She Space
Rimmel Shake it Up Liquid Eyeshadow - MAC pressed eyeshadow and pigments, UD pressed eyeshadow, The She Space, Fyrinnae, Archetype, Taylor Made Minerals
Urban Decay Liquid Eyeliners *not completely tested as of 06/09/08

So, there you have it. By no means are these rules, they are pointers...please feel free to try whatever works for you! As you can see below, sometimes it makes a difference and sometimes not...sometimes the camera just doesnt pick it up either :P



Left is MAC Bitter - bottom swatch on skin, middle on TFSI, top on MAC Pharaoh Paint Pot
Right is MAC Parrot - bottom on skin, middle on TFSI, top on MAC Sea Me Shadestick



Left is Fyrinnae Shallow Sleep - bottom swatch on skin, middle on TFSI, top on Fyrinnae Turquoise Tease Ink

Right is Fyrinnae 1.22 Gigawatts - bottom swatch on skin, middle on TFSI, top on Fyrinnae Captivating Cobalt ( I actually like this better just on TFSI)



Left is Fyrinnae Finnegans Wake - bottom swatch on skin, middle on TFSI, top is on Fyrinnae Charismatic Cream

Right is Fyrinnae Optimism - bottom swatch on skin, middle on TFSI, top is on Fyrinnae Lewd Lavender


** When using Inks: the Color Changing Inks are a lot more oily and do not work as well. With the standard Inks, make sure to pat them on the lid, let them dry a little and then apply the eyeshadow while the Ink is still slightly tacky.

Archetype Cosmetics Review

Just thought I would take some time to write my thoughts on Archetype Cosmetics. I head about them on MUA about the same time as most people and was tempted into an order around mid March. They have samples availale for .25 cents that come in a zippered baggy, they are about 1/8 to 1/4 tsp. Many people hate getting sample baggies but I never find them messy to use I just forget I have certain colors!

Anyways, as far as customer service I think that there are some problems. Archetype was flooded with orders around when I first ordered. My order came within 2 weeks, but many people waited between 3 weeks and a month with little or no communication from the owner (even when they sent inquiries!). Archetype also does not send out any confirmation that your order has been shipped, which I personally do not like but I digress. For some reason I have been tempted into ordering a second time...we will see how that goes!

When I got my order I was over and underwhelmed all at once. The sites swatches and descriptions aren't terribly accurate but the colors are still very pretty and unique. Many have a duo color quality to them and/or shimmer that makes them unlike most colors you have ever seen. Make no mistake, these are not for the faint of heart or for those who insist on being "work appropriate" at all times, they are SUPER sparkly. My only qualm is that these really need a colored base under them such as a MAC paint pot or Fyrinnae Ink to really bring out the depth. So, after all that blabbing here are the swatches.




Persnickety, Torn Fishnets, Zeljana, Back to the Sea, Bengal, (not sure), Unseelie Court, Spook, The Oak King, Old Eire, Obssidian Butterfly, Full size color (not sure of name)



Poison Pen, Smoking Mirror, Queen of the Nile, Fool In the Rain, Seelie Court, The Gargoil Trees, St Alia of The Knife, Mausie



Child of Hounds, Erics Song, Venus Fly Trap, Ornaments Of Gold, Spook (for the second time apparently, oops!), Integras Dog II, Liliths Daughter, Red Death



Exhisit Corpse, China White, Autumn Leaves, Black Dahlia, Weeping Willow, Green Fairy, Dark Ouija, Twilight Aeval



Betties Bangs, Momento Mori, Turquoise Serpant, Ghost Dance, Katerina, Sly, Burning Water, Fuschias For Simon



Silumtoo, Midnight Aeval, Feathered Serpent, Cicatrix, Sex and Candy, Papaver Somnifer, Corpse Candle, Integras Dog I, Soap Bubble

Fyrinnae Endangered Collection Preview

Here are swatches of 2 of the new Fyrinnae Endangered collection. I got them as freebies for sending in a pic using only Fyrinnae products which will hopefully make it to their gallery! (shown below) Thanks so much guys at Fyrinnae!!! I cant wait to purchase most if not all of the other colors once they are all up. I really cant wait to get Javan Rhino and Blue Whale...and of course it is pretty cool that they are donating a portion of the price of these to WWF!



Sea Turtle is very similar to Oil Spill (discontinued) but is a little sheerer and more shimmery.
Okapi is pretty unique!



What I used for the EOTD, the Ink was used as an eyeshadow base. I will post some thoughts on that later!

Fyrinnae Swatches

Now, these are horribly out of date, this is only about half the colors I own but this is the best I can do for now. Many of these colors are discontinued as well. I will try to get a comprehensive list together of what I own soon!


Blues


Browns


Greens


Light Aquas


Light Pinks


Peaches


Pinks


Purples


Reds


Teals

Silvers


Yellows