Moving update!

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!!!

***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

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!!!!

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!!!

*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!

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?

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

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!!!

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!!!

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