Hi-Fi Cosmetics: UNPLUGGED

Moving update!

2011-01-18T14:07:00.000-06:00

Due to some unexpected travel I have to do for our move, I will be closing down the shop at the end of the month instead of on the 9th as previously noted. (I'll update my last post to reflect this change.) I'll be accepting orders thru January 31st and shutting down at 12:00 AM on February 1st.

ALL ORDERS WILL BE FILLED AND SHIPPED BEFORE I PACK UP MY OFFICE. (This is part of the reason I'm shutting down a few weeks from my actual move. I want to have time to get all the orders out the door before I have to pack everything up.) So, if you want to place an order, please do not hesitate. It will ship before February 25th. GUARANTEED.

I'm still hoping to re-open sometime in mid-March, so keep your eyes peeled for the official date!

Again, I want to thank you all for sticking with me through my crazy military life. Luckily, this should be our last move for a very long while, so I'm thoroughly excited.

IMPORTANT!!!

2011-01-10T17:49:00.001-06:00

***Items in red have been edited/updated from the original post.

Yeah, I know I'm terrible about keeping this thing updated... But I came back to post this today, because it's important.

I'M MOVING AGAIN!!!

Yeah, not what you wanted to hear, I'm sure...BUT...it will be my last move for a VERY long time!

As most of you know, I'm an "Army Wife"...and it just so happens that after we just moved to a bigger place (in September '10), my husband's military job transfers him to another office. 300 miles away.

This move is...well...interesting.

It just so happens that my ex-husband (who lives in the exact area we will be moving to) recently took a job in Austin, TX. He starts this job in early March, and offered to let me buy "our" house back for the mortgage payoff. (Odd arrangement, I know...but a SWEET deal.) My husband (the current one...LOL) started his new job today and will be staying at the armory or with friends until we are able to physically relocate into the house at the end of February when my ex moves out.

This is going to be a stressful time for me, as my husband is gone, and I have to handle the housework, children, packing, and preparing for this move...alone... All while trying to run my business. Granted, this will be my third time having to do this (in the past two years), so you would think I'd be a professional mover by now. LOL.

I feel even more bad for my husband, who is basically bumming it right now...living out of his office and/or with friends (as opposed to staying in a hotel) to help us save up some money for this sudden and unexpected move.

Anyway...with all that said, this is how business will be running... (I've made a bulleted list so you won't miss any of the details.)

I'm doing some major multi-tasking these days, so turn around time will be slightly longer than usual. I will post regular updates on my Facebook page.
I will be taking orders through Monday, January 31st. The shop will close down (only temporarily, of course) at 12:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 1st. The Etsy shop will still be there, as this is only a temporary hiatus, but it'll be in vacation mode so no new orders can be placed.
I will continue filling orders and will not pack up my office until ALL ORDERS have shipped. (So, never fear...your packages will ship out before the actual move takes place.) This is part of the reason I'm closing down several weeks before I actually relocate...to give me time to tie up all the loose ends (without worrying about a constant flow of new orders pouring in) before packing up my supplies.
I will be traveling a lot over the next couple of months, so the number of post office trips I make per week will decrease. (I currently make 3-4 trips per week.) The days I am home will be spent filling orders like a mad woman (LOL), and my travel days will likely be the days I use to ship out packages (since I'll already be on the road and all).
During this time, it is strongly suggested that you correspond with me via e-mail instead of through Etsy. Etsy is just a pain in the butt to log in to all the time (especially if it's just to check messages). E-mail is easy...desktop, laptop, iPhone...it's always easily accessible no matter where I am, which means quicker responses.
It is ESTIMATED that I will re-open somewhere around mid-March or so, however, this may vary, depending on how the move goes. (We have some painting and small repairs to make on the house before I can re-open.) Again...keep up with me on Facebook for the latest update on re-opening.

Anyway... If you have any questions, feel free to comment or send me an email (hificosmetics@gmail.com). I'm so blessed to have such wonderful customers, and I thank you all for your continued patience with my family's military life! It really means so much!!!

Loose Eyeshadow Q & A

2010-12-20T10:06:00.000-06:00

Hey guys!!!

I know most of you that follow my blog, Twitter, Facebook, etc. are not new to the world of indie makeup and loose mineral shadows... However, I've noticed that I've been getting lots of questions from some of my Hi-Fi/makeup newbies. So I thought I'd post a few tips and tricks here on the blog for those who have questions regarding application, etc. (If you're a mineral makeup veteran, you probably already know all or most of this.)

Q: I just received my jar of eyeshadow, but how do I get to the eyeshadow under that plastic thing?

A: Believe it or not, I get this question SO often. When you receive your Hi Fi or Rockstar eyeshadow, you will see that there is a plastic piece inserted into the top. This is called a "sifter". It is primarily used to limit eyeshadow "overflow" and helps eliminate over-saturating your brush. Sifters are also very helpful if you're clumsy (like me), as a jar that is dropped our knocked of the counter without its lid only loses a bit of the product, as opposed to dumping it all out in the floor. Many people do not notice the holes in the sifter, or the sifter "seal", as it is just a clear sticker over the holes, meant to keep it safe and mess-free in transit. Simply find the edges of this clear sticker and peel it off to gain access to the eyeshadow underneath. Ta da! Your eyeshadow is ready to use. Simply turn the jar upside down and tap it a few times on the counter to get some eyeshadow on top of the sifter. If you are traveling or your shadow gets jostled about and ends up with too much in the top, simply replace the lid and tap the jar (rightside up) on the counter to send some of the shadow back down into the bottom of the jar.

Q: My sponge tip applicator doesn't seem to work at all with the eyeshadow. What am I doing wrong?

A: You will find that brushes work a million times better than sponge tip applicators for applying loose shadows. I strongly recommend getting a good set of brushes before proceeding with loose eyeshadow application. The difference in your results will be astounding. MAC brushes are very good, but if you're on a budget, e.l.f. and Sonia Kashuk (both of these can be found at your local Target) make some great inexpensive ones.

Q: Whenever I apply my eyeshadow, I end up in a cloud of sparklies, with hardly any eyeshadow left on my eye. Why?

A: Mineral or loose eyeshadows apply best when patted, not swept, on. Instead of using the typical "sweeping" motion you are probably accustomed to with pressed shadows, try "patting" the eyeshadow on with a flat shader brush. For crease application, where a sweeping motion is almost always necessary to blend, make sure to use a stiffer contouring brush and blend gently. Over blending can make mineral eyeshadows "disappear"...especially if you're not using primer.

Q: ...and I end up with tons of glitter/fallout all over my face by the time all is said and done.

A: With any loose eyeshadow, primer is a must...especially if your eyeshadow contains lots of shimmer or glitter. Some good primers to try are Urban Decay Primer Potion, Too Faced Shadow Insurance, Fyrinnae Pixie Epoxy (specifically designed for shimmery shadows and great for that "foiled" look, without the mess), or Hi-Fi's very own High Impact Shadow Fix (not really a primer, but more of a glittery eyeshadow adhesive...perfect for making eyeshadows more vibrant and making glitter or shimmer adhere to the eye). I've heard our High Impact Shadow Fix is very similar to Fyrinnae's Pixie Epoxy (I've personally never compared them), with the exception of the High Impact being more water resistant...which in turn makes eyeshadow last for as long as 18 hours (yes, I've tested it)...BUT eye makeup remover is necessary for gentle, easy removal. Pixie Epoxy has been reported to be easier to wash off. So I guess it depends on your needs/preferences. :)
Also, even with a good primer, you will probably still get some fallout. I've used many different methods for this, so here are a few:
1. Tap a generous amount of loose powder under the eyes before applying shadow. Any fallout left afterwards can be easily brushed away (along with the powder).
2. Do your foundation AFTER your eye makeup. This way, you can use makeup remover to fix the fallout without ruining the rest of your makeup.
3. If you haven't applied foundation yet, you can put some moisturizer under your eyes to catch the fallout, and then just wipe it away afterwards.
4. Use Shadow Shields (little adhesive "shields" to protect your under-eye and cheek area from fallout). Really convenient if the rest of your face is already done.

Q: My eyeshadow constantly creases every time I use the High Impact Shadow Fix. Am I using it wrong?

A: If the High Impact Shadow Fix is applied too heavily, it WILL crease. My best advice is to use the tiniest amount possible and blend, blend, blend it into the skin. The skin should feel slightly tacky, but not wet or greasy. If you can see a "shine" from the Shadow Fix, you've probably applied too much.

I hope these little pointers help!! If anyone else has any pointers they'd like to share, comment below or send me an email, and I'll add them here (giving you the credit, of course!).

Sale Ends at Midnight TONIGHT!!!!

2010-11-29T08:37:00.000-06:00

Just a reminder for those of you who don't follow me on Facebook...

The 40% off coupon expires at midnight tonight (CST)! If you want to purchase some awesome makeup at ridiculously low prices, then make sure you stop by Hi-Fi Cosmetics within the next 15.5 hours!!!

*hugs*

2010 BLACK FRIDAY SALE!!!

2010-11-23T07:39:00.004-06:00

*drumroll please*

A WHOPPING 40% off EVERYTHING!!! That's right...and it's FOUR DAYS LONG!

Anyway...of course, there will be a few exceptions. (I know...blah.) Due to the excellency of this discount, there are just certain items listed in my shop that will be ineligible for a discount. Sample sizes, already discounted items, etc. The sale will run from 12:00 AM on Friday, November 26 until 11:59 PM on Monday, November 29 (CST).

On to the "exceptions"...

As most of you know, my samples are pretty generously sized and very inexpensive for the amount of product you get. Frankly, I can't really afford to sell them any cheaper than I already am (losing money, etc.)...so...sample sets will be removed from the shop during this sale. (Etsy coupon codes are awesome, however, they apply the discount to EVERYTHING, meaning if there's anything I don't want discounted, I actually have to remove it from the shop.)

Also, the "Any 5" and "Any 10" listings will be removed. These are already greatly discounted, so they'll be removed during the sale as well.

If you'd like to purchase samples during the sale time frame, just send me an email (hificosmetics@gmail.com), and I'll invoice you directly through Paypal. Otherwise, order them before Friday! (Or wait until Tuesday.) Same goes for the "Any 5" and "Any 10" listings...however, I think using the coupon code and buying them individually would actually be cheaper.

Oh yeah... And PLEASE for the duration of this sale... Try to E-MAIL me instead of using Etsy convos. I will be in and out of the office (it's a holiday weekend for me too, you know), but I'll have my iPhone and can answer your emails that way. Etsy is just a pain in the butt to access via cell phone, so I usually just don't. And don't worry, the holiday isn't going to keep me from maintaining the shop. If you notice anything sold out, send me an email, and I'll whip out my trusty netbook and get it relisted for you! <3 (Thank goodness for wi-fi!)

So yeah...everything else...lip glosses, loose glitter, blushes, eyeshadows, gel products, etc... Everything. Is on sale.

Anyhow... I hope to see all of you at some point over this Black Friday/Cyber Monday weekend!!!

Remember...the coupon will be active from 12:00 AM Friday until 11:59 PM on Monday...CENTRAL STANDARD TIME. (I have to manually activate and deactivate these codes.) So, keep that in mind when you're ordering. Especially on Monday, when the sale ends. If you're on the Pacific coast, the sale will be ending around 10 PM Monday night for you guys... Ending around 1 AM Tuesday morning for my East Coast buddies. Internationals...well, you'll just have to do the math. Either way, everyone gets the same amount of time (96 hours) to shop!!!

So make sure to take into account what time zone you're in in relation to mine when preparing for the sale!!!

*hugs*

Lip Swatches!

2010-11-20T10:55:00.000-06:00

Finally got around to it!!! Here's the link to the Facebook album they're in.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=41435&id=114000765290988

My lips are getting pretty worn out from all the swatching, removing, swatching, removing...etc... So I'm just doing a few at a time. I'll be adding to this album as I go. I'm also adding these swatches to their listings in Etsy. (Hopefully, I'll get them all done soon!) *hugs*

HIGH IMPACT SHADOW FIX: What's in it? Is it safe?

2010-11-08T08:47:00.001-06:00

There have been some questions arising lately due to the "big brand" sound of the ingredients list on this products and some speculation regarding the safety of these ingredients. Please rest assured that all of my ingredients are researched in depth before they enter any product in my line-up, and all of them are cosmetic safe.

Here's what's in Hi Fi Cosmetics's High Impact Shadow Fix:

VERSAGEL (easily obtained from TKB Trading): Used to improve emolliency in moisturizers and as a "thickening" agent. Also makes products more water resistant. The ingredients in Versagel are as follows:

hydrogenated polyisobutene
ethylene/propylene/styrene copolymer
butylene/ethylene/styrene copolymer

Other ingredients in High Impact Shadow Fix are as follows:

ALOE VERA GEL: A well-known moisturizer that has been evidenced to stimulate collagen production.

TRIETHANOLAMINE: Triethanolamine is used in a variety of cosmetic and personal care products, including eyeliners, mascara, eye shadows, blushers, make-up bases and foundations, as well as in fragrances, hair care products, hair dyes, wave sets, shaving products, sunscreens, and skin care and skin cleansing products. Triethanolamine is FDA approved as an indirect food additive (aka it can be used in packaging) and CIR approved with concentration limits. The CIR determined that Triethanolamine was “safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products designed for discontinuous, brief use followed by thorough rinsing from the surface of the skin. In products intended for prolonged contact with the skin, the concentration of Triethanolamine should not exceed 5%.” The concentration of triethanolamine in High Impact Shadow Fix is well below 5%.

TOCOPHERYL ACETATE: Also known as vitamin E acetate, is used in a variety of cosmetic and personal care products, including lipstick, eye shadow, blushers, face powders and foundations, moisturizers, skin care products, bath soaps and detergents, hair conditioners, and many other products. Tocopheryl Acetate is FDA approved and has received its GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) rating.

CARBOMER: Carbomers are thickening agents that help control the viscosity and flow of cosmetic products. They also help distribute and suspend insoluble solids into liquid, and prevent the oil and liquid parts of a solution from separating. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has assessed this ingredient as safe to use in cosmetic products. In reviewing acute oral and dermal studies, they determined that carbomers have a low potential for phototoxicity, photo-contact allergenicity, skin irritation and sensitization at concentrations up to 100%.

TETRASODIUM EDTA: Softens water, but preserves a formula as well by improving its stability when it is exposed to air and prevent microbial growth. Tetrasodium EDTA is not a dermal irritant or a sensitizer, and is not absorbed by skin easily.

DMDM HYDANTOIN: An antimicrobial cosmetic preservative primarily found in shampoo, conditioner, make up bases and foundations. There is a small chance it can cause irritation or an allergic reaction on sensitive skin (like many foundations and other cosmetic products do), but it is approved safe by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel.

DIAZOLIDINYL UREA: An antimicrobial that’s predominantly used as a preservative in cosmetic products, protecting them from the bacteria, yeast, and molds known to cause spoilage. It can be found in virtually every type of personal care products including as facial moisturizer/lotion, sunscreen, anti-aging treatment, cleanser, styling gel, foundation, shampoo/conditioner, eye cream, deodorant and mouthwash.

GLYCERIN: A naturally occurring ingredient (also synthetically made) that balances the water levels in skin to facilitate moisture. Glycerin is used as a lubricant and humectant in a variety of personal care products, and as a cosmetic bonding agent for makeup. Simply stated, glycerin attracts water to skin and helps skin to feel smoother and softer. However, studies have found that it not only attracts water to the skin, but also helps skin cells mature properly.

SILICA: Used as a versatile ingredient in the cosmetics and skin care industry because of its ability to serve as a an abrasive, anticaking agent, bulking agent, opacifying agent and suspending agent. However, it is most often seen as an absorbant, because of its ability to absorb moisture and sweat. Silica is seen in many make up formulas because its spherical particles not only absorb sweat and oil, but prevent light reflection, and improve spreadability.

I hope this "clears the air", so to speak.

Keep in mind... In this day and age, you have a lot of people out there saying "this is bad", "this causes cancer", "you'll get a rash if you use this", and blah blah blah. EVERYTHING kills you these days, apparently. It is your job as an educated consumer to do thorough research and make your own sound decisions on what products you use.

I love you guys!!! Thank you all for being so wonderful! PLEASE don't hesitate to contact me if you need any information or details on any of the products I offer.

Change is good... Glam Rock Eye Glitz

2010-10-20T14:36:00.001-05:00

Hey everyone!

Just wanted to post a quick note and let you all know that the packaging for the Glam Rock Eye Glitz is changing!!!

THIS IS A GOOD THING.

I have heard the feedback, and I love that you guys are liking the glitter gels so much... However, I noticed that there was a consistent drying-out issue, common with gel products packaged in jars.

Well, in an effort to remedy this issue, the glitter gels are now packaged in 10 ml squeeze tubes. *YAY!!!* Granted, this calls for a substantial increase in the amount of product received (at least double the original jar amount), so the price has increased accordingly.

I managed to get shipments of tubes in from two different companies, and while the tube size remains consistent between them, there are a couple differences. One shipment has a longer, silicone tip with a longer cap to accommodate it. The other shipment is a blunt, plastic tip with a short, domed cap. I just wanted to make you aware of this inconsistency in case you receive multiple items that don't appear identical. The quantity and quality of product remains the same.

Here's a photo of the silicone-tipped tubes with product in them:

This is what the finished product looks like without the label.

I hope this new packaging fixes the issues you all have been having!!!

*hugs*

SURPRISE!!!

2010-10-13T13:06:00.000-05:00

Yep... It's sale time!!! Here's the info from my main shop announcement:

SURPRISE SALE!!!!
--- Buy any 2 eyeshadows or lip glosses and get 1 item (of equal or lesser value) FREE!
Just mention coupon code SURPRISE and your color choices in the message section at checkout. Please double-check your cart and message section before submitting your order. Sale ends Saturday, October 16th, unless otherwise noted.

Check it out at http://hificosmetics.etsy.com!!!

NEW! NEW!! NEW!!!

2010-09-25T20:10:00.000-05:00

Yep... FINALLY the new collection I've been teasing you all with. I was finally able to get my computer back up and running after our move so I could edit some photos and post the listings. :)

I just KNEW I couldn't NOT do a Halloween collection... After all, I am a Halloween baby! (Yep...born on October 31st.)

I was going to post photos, but Blogger hates me today. So, here's a link to my shop. Just do a search on "Nightmare 2010" to bring them all up. *hugs*

http://hificosmetics.etsy.com

-V

Totally unrelated to Hi-Fi, but you should read anyway. :)

2010-09-24T17:56:00.000-05:00

Okay, so I submitted my husband in Urban Decay's Manhunt! :)

It would just tickle me pink if you all would cast some votes for him!

*hugs*

...a day at a time.

2010-08-20T07:05:00.000-05:00

Hey, everyone!

I just wanted to give you all a quick update and let you know that I'm still alive and kicking. I had surgery on Wednesday, so I'm still on pain and nausea meds...but all in all, I'm feeling much better. Physically and emotionally.

I really appreciate all the thoughts and prayers during my family's time of sorrow. I have the most wonderful customers ever and am truly blessed.

I'm still feeling a little "bleh"...partially due to surgery, and partially due to crazy pregnancy-hormones that are still working their way out of my system...but I'm going to make an attempt to start filling orders again today. To those of you who've been waiting a while... I am SO sorry. On top of already being behind, I totally didn't foresee a surgery in my future...especially the type I ended up having. Hope you all can forgive me! I'm gonna work my ass off all weekend to get the rest of these orders out. (I need them done, too... I have to pack!!!) :)

Thanks again for all your patience, understanding, and compassion. You guys rock.

Sad.

2010-08-14T16:33:00.000-05:00

In light of current and recent events, this post will be brief...

We lost our baby.

I'm still closing down temporarily after tomorrow, since we're still moving, and I'll be reopening as scheduled. Please forgive me if I don't respond to messages, emails, comments, etc. in a timely manner. We're still busy packing, and I'll be going in for some more tests and possible surgery next week.

I'm probably not going to make the big "official" Facebook/Twitter announcement until after I'm done with all the doctor stuff next week, as there's still a slight glimmer of hope that maybe my ultrasound was wrong. They're going to repeat it on Tuesday to be sure before I go in for a D&C on Wednesday.

I'm extremely emotional right now, and I'm doing everything I can to keep up with the demands of my business. Please forgive me if I appear inattentive for the next week or so. I'll still be filling orders and packing up my office, but my online presence may be lacking.

Please keep me and my family in your thoughts and prayers while we go through this. We wanted this baby so badly...but hopefully, after my test results come back, we'll find out that we can still try to have more. (Or maybe they'll miraculously find a heart beat when they do my ultrasound on Tuesday.)

I feel absolutely shattered inside, but every time I look at my two beautiful girls, I realize how blessed I already am. My heart may be broken, but my spirits still stand strong and full of hope. I just need some time to grieve and rearrange some things before I return to the normal, bubbly Veronica again.

Do you want the good news or the bad news first?

2010-07-28T07:15:00.002-05:00

Hey guys... I just thought I'd make a quick post here to announce some stuff.

GOOD NEWS IS...

I'm having another baby!!! Yay! I'm tentatively due in March, but of course that can change after my first sonogram. We're very excited!!! Here's my other two lovelies, Julia (age 6) and Raven (age 2)... They'll be 7 and 3 by the time their new brother or sister is born.

Me and my hubby...

(I was 7 months pregnant with Raven in this photo.)

POSSIBLY BAD NEWS IS...

Due to me being "with child", we now MUST move to a larger home. As most of you know, I currently run my business from a teensy weensy little room in my microscopic apartment, but as of now, that has to change. It doesn't help matters that I am considered to be a high-risk pregnancy, as both of my other children had complicated pregnancies and/or births. Basing this off my history, I'll probably end up on bed rest somewhere around 25 weeks or so (which shouldn't affect my ability to sit on my butt and make eyeshadow, by the way...LOL).

With all that said, our move to a larger home will be fairly quick, as we want to have enough time for me to help out with packing and moving before my doctor puts me on all those medical restrictions... We already have a place, and we're moving around the first of September (to give the current occupant time to move out). I will be TEMPORARILY closing down my shop for about a month so we can pack, move, and unpack. I'll obviously have to be allowed time to ship out existing orders, pack up my office, relocate it, and unpack and reorganize before I can resume normal business. I know, sad face, right?

I know it sucks, and trust me, my lack of income for that month is going to suck harder... BUT I'd much rather sacrifice my income than sacrifice my customer service. You guys are awesome. So with all that said...

HI-FI COSMETICS WILL BE CLOSING TEMPORARILY from AUGUST 16th TO SEPTEMBER 13th so I can move and get settled into my new office space.

If you guys need or want anything, I suggest you make plans to purchase before August 16th, otherwise, it will be mid-September before you can order anything.

SO sorry this is so sudden, but I promise, I'm coming back!!! I expect Hi-Fi Cosmetics to be around for a very long time!!! I'll continue to update Facebook (my personal page and fan page) to keep you guys posted on my progress. :)

Thanks so much for all your love and support!

ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY SALE!!!!!

2010-07-01T18:51:00.002-05:00

Thank you all SO much for making this past year an absolutely amazing chapter of my life!!! I love all my customers, and I truly appreciate all of you for helping me realize my dream. I know I still have a long way to go, but I couldn't ask for more at this point in my business-life! To express my gratitude, I'm having a ginormous sale... Check it out!

In lieu of my insane schedule...I'm just going to post the deets straight from my Etsy shop announcement!!!

ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY SALE!!!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

As a great big thank you to my awesome customers for making this past year AMAZING, I'm offering the following awesome deals:

Buy 5 eyeshadows (Hi Fi or Rockstar) and get 5 eyeshadows FREE!!! (Of equal or lesser value)
Also, buy 2 Lip Glazes or Shadow Fix and get 2 FREE!!!
All other items are Buy One, Get One FREE!!! (Mix and match shades on like items)
Double your haulage!!! Take advantage of this sale NOW!!! The madness ends on the 10th!

As always, please DO NOT add your free items to your cart. Simply note them in the Etsy message section at checkout!!!
++++++++++++++++++++++++

JOIN US ON FACEBOOK!!!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hi-Fi-Cosmetics/114000765290988

ATTENTION: Due to an increase in sales volume, PLEASE allow around 8 BUSINESS DAYS (not counting weekends!) for the orders to ship. Whenever I hold sales, I usually generate about 4x the amount of orders of a regular business day (not to mention larger order sizes than normal), so please allow 10-12 BUSINESS days for items to ship during those times. Most of my products are made to order, and as you know, I am a one-woman show...so I hope you all understand the need for this slightly longer processing time. Thanks so much for your patience and understanding! :)

**********************************************************

Sale! Sale!! SALE!!!

2010-06-11T18:26:00.000-05:00

Yep! I'm gonna be simple and to the point...

If you spend $40 or more, you get 25% off!!! Woo! That's a minimum of $10 off! I know many of you have been checking out the new Labyrinth collection, so this would be the perfect time to buy!

Just remember to put the coupon code 25OFF40 in the message section at checkout, and DO NOT PAY WITH PAYPAL UNTIL YOU RECEIVE THE REVISED INVOICE from me. :)

Hope all of you are keeping cool in this crazy heat! Sending you all hugs...with my mind...because it's too darn hot to be hugging for real. :)

JUST RELEASED: The Labyrinth Collection!!!!!

2010-06-11T17:57:00.001-05:00

This collection of shades was inspired by Jim Henson's "Labyrinth", which happens to be my favorite movie of all time! Not to mention the MUSIC!!!!!! David Bowie is awesome.

Here are the eyeshadows:

And the Lip Glazes:

I have these posted to where you can buy them individually, as an eyeshadow sample set, or the complete full-size set (all 10 eyeshadows and all 3 lip glosses).

What do you think?

Facebook WINNERS!!!

2010-06-02T07:58:00.001-05:00

Here goes!!!

The "grand-prize" winner of FIVE eyeshadows and TWO Lip Glazes of their choice is...*drumroll please*

ASLI ÖZENҪ!!!

(I'll be contacting all the winners via Facebook as well.)

The next four people will receive any THREE eyeshadows of their choice and ONE Lip Glaze!

1. Emily Kittie
2. Casey Green
3. Kelley Hurtgen
4. Saila

The final five each get one eyeshadow or Spotlight Lip Glaze of their choice!!! :)

1. Carol Ann Whitt
2. Marissa Black
3. Wendi Girven
4. Leira Yann
5. Rebecca Storevik

Congratulations to all the winners!!!

Victory Party

2010-05-19T19:18:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone!

I haven't been very motivated to do anything lately (other than work, of course), especially since my husband is gone. I normally put in crazy hours while he's away, but this time around I've actually managed to get in some late spring cleaning. Otherwise, my life is pretty dull, and I'm a total hermit.

Well, last night a friend of mine had a "victory party". He was running for local office (justice of the peace) and invited everyone out to the bar to watch the polls, have some snacks, sing a little karaoke, etc. I almost didn't go, but I decided that I really needed some time away from the kids, and I had donated a considerable amount of funding to his campaign, so it would probably be decent of me to at least show my face.

He didn't win, but it was close!

I live in a tiny town in the middle of B.F.E. Arkansas, so most of the people there were dressed...hmm..."normally"??? (What is "normal" anyway?) In this area of the state (which is MUCH different from the northwestern corner where I used to live), the women are a lot more conservative and "classic", I suppose. You know, they aren't really "in style", but they aren't really "out of style" either... Basic jeans and t-shirt most of the time.

I obviously don't fit in here.

Anyway...I always stick out like a sore thumb. I grew up in B.F.E. Alabama, so I'm totally NOT hating on rural folk (I am one!)... I've just come to realize that everyone here thinks I'm from New York City or something. (Which I find hilarious, by the way...since I've never been any farther north than North Carolina! LOL!) Whatever. The community I grew up in (yeah, it wasn't even big enough to be considered a town) was WAY smaller than here... But I don't think I've EVER fit in anywhere. No matter where I am on this side of the Bible Belt, I always seem to have the brightest makeup, craziest hair (which is, oddly, a "normal" color right now), most visible skin/tattoos, and sparkliest clothes/shoes. I always feel over-dressed, and I'm often stared at like I'm an alien or something...but whateva.

It works for me, though. As Mena Suvari said in the movie American Beauty... "There's nothing worse than being ordinary."

Here's the look I did...

EYES:

I used the following:

Hi Fi Shadow in Polka Dot Bikini (VERY light application in inner corner)

Hi Fi Shadow in Epidemic (inner half of main lid area)

Hi Fi Shadow in Crazy Little Thing (outer half of main lid area)

Rockstar Loose Eyeshadow in Backstage (outer corner and crease)

Hi Fi Shadow in Lullaby (as highlight and lightly applied over Polka Dot Bikini)

Other products used:

Hard Candy Take Me Out liner in Ahi

Mary Kay Ultimate Mascara in Black

Kiss Me liquid liner in Black

Lashes from eBay

Finally, a *real* smile for you!

I also used Hard Candy Painted Lady lipstick in Perfect 10 and NYX blush in Red...oh yeah...and a cream highlighter than I randomly decided to mix one day. I might have some of these up in my shop soon if there's an interest.

AND...for once...I wore a tinted moisturizer (e.l.f.) and *gasp!* powder (something I custom mixed for myself)!!! Most of you know that I rarely ever wear anything other than blush or concealer on my face, so this is a date to remember! LOL! And I apologize for the craptastic hair... I had to make the kids dinner before I left, so I ran out of time.

Anyhow... Did anyone else do anything fun last night?

One Weekend a Month, Two Weeks a Year...

2010-05-17T21:05:00.003-05:00

Hey everyone!!!

As a lot of you know, my husband is gone for his annual training for a couple of weeks. And well... I miss him. He's only been gone since Friday, but I seriously feel incomplete without him here. (Go ahead, you can gag now. LOL.)

By the way, that whole National Guard thing... "One weekend a month, two weeks a year"... Yeah, that's total crap...if you're active duty. My husband is full-time Guard, so he's gone A LOT more than that.

BUT ANYWAY... We do this little thing when he's gone where we send each other photos of what we're doing. I'll send pictures of the kids, cell phone "self-portraits", and maybe a few that are on the slightly "racy" side (hehe)... And in return, I'll get some of the same "self-portraits" and pictures of him and "the guys" chilling on the humvees, etc. Well, today he was missing me (aww!), and he wanted me to send a picture of myself.

I always feel so guilty, because I'm usually bare-faced with raggamuffin hair and sloppy clothes when he comes home from work. The minute he steps through the door, he can see the day's work all over me...covered in glitter, toddler smears (of who knows what), and a very stressed out look on my face. He's usually greeted with, "Thank goodness you're home! Watch the kids for me so I can finally shower!!!" or, with car keys in hand, "Hi, honey. I have to run to the post office. See you when I get back." Needless to say, unless we're going somewhere special, I don't usually get dolled up for him... As a matter of fact, he sees me "au naturale" (not in the good way) a lot more than I'd like.

A few years ago, things could not have been more different. I used to wear makeup constantly. I would get up early in the morning and put on "my face" so he wouldn't have to be subjected to a sallow, zombie-fied me. I used to do my hair during the day and put on a fresh face of makeup before he got home just so I could be presentable for my hard working, loving husband. Well, all of that was before baby #2 and self-employment came along.

So I guess I'm just feeling a lot of guilt lately. I know my husband loves me no matter what I look like, but I feel like it's sort of "my duty" as a wife to not "let myself go". A woman should always want to be desirable and attractive to her husband. SO... (after all that long, boring crap) I wanted to be pretty when I sent him my picture today.

All products (unless otherwise noted) are Hi-Fi Cosmetics.

This is the look I did...

My camera's flash sort of washed me out in the full face photos. The one I actually ended up sending him was on my cell phone with no flash, so it was a little less washed out.

EYES:

On my eyes, I used:

High Impact Shadow Fix (all over lid, from lashline to brow)

Hi Fi Shadow in Hail Caesar (inner corner)

Rockstar Loose Eyeshadow in Sound Check (middle of lid)

Rockstar Loose Eyeshadow in Sex, Drugs, & Rock 'n' Roll (outer "V")

Hi Fi Shadow in Beautiful Nightmare (crease)

Hi Fi Shadow in Lullaby (highlight)

I also used Hail Caesar, Sound Check, and Sex, Drugs, & Rock 'n' Roll on the lower lashline.

Used Kiss Me liquid liner in Black. On brows, I used a generic dark brown pencil and e.l.f.'s brow kit in Dark Brown. Lashes are from eBay.

LIPS:

I used Spotlight Lip Glaze in No Day But Today over Isomers Maxi Lip 2. (I think that's what it's called.)

Here's a close-up of the Lip Glaze:

Here's a couple more pics of my face:

I'm a little washed out in this pic, but I was also wearing Get It On gel blush, as always, on an otherwise bare face. (I always feel weird saying that. I always feel like I've missed a step or two! LOL.)

I apologize for the wonky-looking lashes. As you can tell, one of my brows was surgically "lifted" when I had to get a large gash sutured as a child. Now I have one hooded eye (my natural eyes) and one not-hooded eye (due to my doctor's handiwork). So it always makes makeup application difficult...not to mention penciling in the brows (because they are shaped differently now). My lashes always look craptastic and unbalanced because of it. How crappy is that? (Maybe I'll get the other eye fixed to match one day...LOL.)

Jumbo photo!!!

My camera refused to show the spectacular sparkle of these shadows.

Also, here's a question you guys might be able to help me with... My natural lashes are pin-straight (very similar to Asian lashes) and impossible to curl or blend with falsies because they grow downward. Any suggestions?

Anyway...I was pretty happy with this look, and my husband raved and raved about it once he received his photo. :) Now I'm just ready for him to get home. If I'm lucky, I might be able to go see him next weekend. (They might be giving him a 24-hour pass.)

What are your thoughts on this look? Do any of you have men in the military or that travel for their jobs? If you do, how do you keep yourself occupied (and sane) while they're away?

Facebook Giveaway!!

2010-05-14T20:14:00.001-05:00

Okay, the title kind of gives this one away...

ONE PERSON will receive FIVE of their favorite Hi Fi or Rockstar shadows and TWO Lip Glazes of their choice!

FOUR others will receive THREE of their favorite shadows and ONE Lip Glaze!

FIVE more people will win ONE shadow or Lip Glaze of their choice!!!

That's a total of 10 WINNERS!!! (I told you it was a big one!)

Here's how you get entries:

1. "Like" Hi-Fi Cosmetics on Facebook (click here to see my fan page). (One entry)
2. Go to the photo albums and comment on the pictures of up to three of your favorites. (Up to three entries, one for each comment left after 8:00 PM CST, Friday, May 14)
3. Share the link to your blog or video review/tutorial/etc. (Two entries for each link or video posted. For tutorials and/or FOTDs, you must focus on Hi-Fi or use Hi-Fi products for the majority of the look.)
4. Share your Hi-Fi photos on the Hi-Fi Cosmetics Facebook wall (or Fan Photos section). (One entry for each photo.)

At the deadline, I will organize and number all entries. I will then do ten random drawings using random.org, drawing the "grand prize" winner first, the group of four next, then finishing up with the final five. This will ensure a completely unbiased, random drawing for the winners. :)

So, anyway...there are lots of ways to get entries! :) I'll be running this little giveaway from 8:00 PM CST, Friday, May 14th until 8:00 PM CST, Friday, May 28th. That gives you two weeks. :)

I hope to see lots of entries!!! Good luck to you all!!! :)

Introductory Sale!!!

2010-05-12T09:49:00.000-05:00

Wow... Long time no post!!! I've been super busy lately with tornadoes (!!!), unexpected guests, and my husband's crazy military schedule, so I greatly apologize for not posting more FOTDs, updates, etc.

Anyway... If you guys are on my Facebook fan page, then you know about all the new stuff that's been coming out. Check out these photos for a peek at the new Rockstar Loose Eyeshadows, which are basically the same awesome quality of the Hi Fi Shadows, but packing more of a glitter-tastic punch. This new line runs at $5.99 apiece, which is a little more than the $4.99 for Hi Fi Shadows...but since these are so packed with amazing sparkle-goodness, they cost me a little bit more to produce. Either way, it's still an awesome deal!!! :)

Also, if you're looking for something to make those sparklies stick, try out my new High Impact Shadow Fix, which is especially formulated for loose shadows (esp. those with lots of glitter, sparkle, etc.), but it can be used with any shimmery shadow...even pressed ones. However, it's not so awesome for mattes, as it can cause an uneven or patchy application. Just an FYI... This product rocks my face off!!! (To see this product in action, check out these photos.)

Now... On to the sale!!!

I'm doing a special "introductory offer" on the Rockstar Loose Eyeshadows from May 9th until May 23rd!! That gives you two weeks to load up on these spectacular shadows!

Here's the deal: Buy 1 Rockstar shadow, Get 1 Free **OR** Buy 2 Rockstar shadows, and get a tube of High Impact Shadow Fix or a Spotlight Lip Glaze for FREE!!!

You decide, and there's NO LIMIT!! As always, DO NOT put your free items in your cart. Simply mention in the message section which shades you'd like for free. :) Simple. No waiting on revised invoices! *yay!*

Hope you guys enjoy the sale, and remember it ends in 11 days!!! Start stocking up now! :)

Taxes!!! Ugh.

2010-04-19T15:32:00.000-05:00

Hey... The hubby and I just got done with our taxes, which turned out to be an ordeal that took me away from filling orders for a few days. I'll be making a big trip to the post office tomorrow, so if you think you should have received your order by now and haven't, there's a good chance it will be shipping then. SO sorry for the delay.

Product Information - Hi Fi Shadows NOT APPROVED FOR LIP USE

2010-03-27T14:07:00.001-05:00

While all of my Hi Fi Shadows are considered multi-purpose, the following eyeshadows contain ingredients that are not approved to be used on the lips, such as chromium oxide or ultramarines.

Beautiful Tragedy
Brandy
Can’t See the Forest
Cheap Tricks
Chicago
Crash Around Me
Decibel
Deck the Halls
Distortion
Don’t Forget the Violence
Jenny
Lithium
Morbid Faith
My Pride
Pixies
Plush
Prophecies & Curses
Queen of Disaster
Revanche
Rising Tide
Slave to Money
Struggle for Control
Terror From the Depths
The End
The Hydra
Wild Thing
You’re a Criminal

As always, feel free to email me at hificosmetics@gmail.com with any questions!!!

Product Information - Hi Fi Shadows Containing CARMINE

2010-03-27T13:40:00.001-05:00

Here is a list of all Hi Fi Shadows that contain the ingredient CARMINE, meaning these shadows are NOT VEGAN.

Aphrodisiac

Beautiful Nightmare

Bittersweet

Butterfly Wings

Dismembered Constellation

Drunken Kiss

Eat Me, Drink Me

Five O’Clock

Happily Ever After

In Bloom

Last Dance

Love Hurts

Midnight Hour

Miracle Mile

My Valentine

Night Fever

Pins & Needles

Rich Girl

Screaming for More

Taste Like Valentines

Hope this helps all my vegan and carmine-conscious friends!!! :) *hugs*