Pursuit of Fabulous: Review of Innocent +Twisted Alchemy and April 2014 Monthly subscription.

Hello lovelies!
       I am back again, after a recent bout of bronchitis which decided to share itself with the WHOLE Dreadful household (all FIVE of us came down with it--yay  -_-), with a review of Innocent+Twisted Alchemy. Innocent + Twisted is a name that I kept running across in the We <3 Indie Cosmetics room and her monthly subscriptions struck my interest. The I+T subscription is extremely similar to other makeup subscriptions that you have heard of but instead of the big box subscriptions, you get mainly her products with samples from other indie companies. Since I love supporting indie and I had heard such good things I decided to check it out.
   Essentially you have basically a couple of  choices when choosing a subscription from Innocent +Twisted Alchemy. First off you will need to decide if you would like to get the samples verses the full size. When people first think of samples I know a lot of you think of baggies but her "deluxe samples" come in clam shells that are literally filled to the brim bursting with shadows or full size shadows which are also filled to the top without sifters.Just take a look at them and how filled they are!

Amaranthine is full sized while Haunted Heart is a "deluxe sample" sized! They are both filled the the brim!

    Then you have three choices on how you want to receive them. You can choose to have  a one month trial trail subscription (ranging from $9.50-$15  plus your shipping cost) , a recurring deluxe subscription which is billed at the same time each month (ranging from $12-16 whether you are US or international) or the recurring full sized monthly subscription which is also billed at the same time each month (ranging from $18-22). Now some of you may notice the difference in price from the trail subscription (1 month) and the recurring subscription which continuously bills the same time each month. The difference is that you are paying for shipping with the trail subscription verses with the automatic subscription the shipping is all ready figured in.
    But now on to the actual subscription, I was a little worried about receiving three surprise shadows since I was worried that I would like them or use them so I decided to pick up the April deluxe trail subscription just to be safe. It came with three gorgeous colors : Saccharine Nectar, Empyrean and Fathomless Chasm .

Look at the gorgeous packaging!  Linda  actually does the drawings! O.O

Packaging of the April 2014 subscription. Look at the adorable top labels!

  The purple paper included with your subscription details the colors and their listed ingredients as well as the featured samples that are included with your monthly subscription and their websites. Finally LAST but not least there is a COUPON code (yes, you read that correctly and you KNOW how much I love getting makeup at a bargain) off your next order!

April 2014 Deluxe Sample 

   The first color, Saccharine Nectar, is a soft shimmery light orange with subtle hints of gold. While a lot of people may shy away from anything orange related this colors is simply beautiful and perfect for neutral looks.  The second color , Empyrean, which is delicate and shimmery blue with hints of silver sparkle. Last but not least is Fathomless Chasm which is simply are gorgeous almost metallic steel blue gray and of course turned out to be my favorite of the three. Now a lot of people with the April subscription received a badly blended batch of Fathomless Chasm due to a bad blender which she has thrown away and purchased a new one. The owner Linda, has apologized for this issue and issued refunds to those that received a bad batch. I was one of the lucky ones and I managed to receive a Fathomless Chasm that doesn't have issues.

   I also picked up another color Amaranthine , which is a simply stunning dark violet red duochrome (as you know I have such a weakness for duochromes). I+T also added another jam packed sample of Haunted Heart that is a lovely mid tone blue with hints of purple and multicolored shimmer. (**See the full size verses size photos for those two colors**)  But enough of the chatter and on to the actual swatches!

Swatched over Milk and taken WITH a flash

Swatched over Milk in IN DIRECT sunlight

Here is an eye look done with all of the colors I received from Innocent + Twisted Alchemy to show you how lovely these colors work together

As I mentioned earlier, not only did you receive a coupon code off your next order from I+T there were also a bunch of lovely samples from other indie companies to try which is an added bonus since I love trying things before buying. Now on to pictures of the lovely samples that I received in this month's subscription..

Tangerine Dream from Candii Blossom Cosmetics

The Beast You Made from Antimony Blue

Celtic Sunset from DreamWorld Hermetica

Ossuary from Detrivore Cosmetics which is now distributed by Shiro

Raspberry Tart from Little Sparrow Cosmetics

Sample Swatches L-R : Detrivore Cosmetics (from Shiro), Candii Blossom Cosmetics, Dream World and Little Sparrow.

  The samples were a wonderful addition to the subscription. Ossuary by Detrivore was a gorgeous neutral matte light tan color. It had to be taken with a flash since it was so close to my complexion. Tangerine Dream from Candii Blossom Cosmetics was a light shimmery tangerine color with lots of sparkle. Celtic Sunset from Dream World is a rich deep brown with lots of sparkles and a slight greenish tint. Raspberry Tart from Little Sparrow Cosmetics is a bright raspberry red tinted balm just perfect when you want just a hint of color on your lips. which fits it perfectly. Finally last but not least was the amazing scent of The Beast You Made from Antimony Blue, it is was described on the site as, "Forests of birch trees and evergreens, carpeted with thick green mosses and hung with the misty, electric haze of a summer thunder storm. Tart red fruits and sweet yellow berries cut the fog like lightning, melting against something alive and warm. This blend contains rainbow moonstone to strengthen out ties to the natural world, awaken long-forgotten intuitions, and soothe the wild beast within,"  which fits it perfectly. It is a combination of a fruity, earthy smell with a hint of musk which isn't too overpowering and the full size bottles contain chips of gemstones which is fantastic!

    Now finally on to the ratings for I+T...

Color/Pigmentation 9 out of 10 bats
  Like I mentioned before, I managed to luck out and receive a good batch of Fathomless Chasm and I haven't had any issues with the color using it, swatching it and blending it out. I did a series of tests after the first reviews came out about the issue with the color. All of the colors I received were simply gorgeous, applied well and blended easily.

Affordability 9.5 out of 10 bats
   Innocent+Twisted Alchemy's prices is simply a seal for the amount of product you receive in the jars and clam shells. (I highly recommend placing the clam shells on a white sheet of paper and tapping the top to keep all of the gorgeous goodness inside but if there is spillage you can put the spillage back in your clam shell with the paper ^_~) With full size jars priced at $6.00 and deluxe samples filled to the brim for $3.00 this price honestly can't be beat.

Shipping/ Turn Around Time 9.5 out of 10 bats
    I was super pleased with the shipping and turn around time. I placed my order on the 26th of March and knew that it wasn't going to be shipped out until either the 31st of March and I received it in my hot little hands on April 2nd. I could be more pleased. Everything was packaged nice and securely with to problems.

Customer Service 10 out 10 bats
   While I super hesitant on giving 10 out of 10 bats for anything since I don't care for constant perfect scores in anything (*see my reason why in my other reviews) I believe that Linda of I+T really deserves this. She has shown extreme professionalism with is issue that arose with some batches of Fathomless Chasm. She not only has posted the negative reviews on her Facebook page for her customers (new, old and potential) she also offered a public apology and even offered refunds. That shows me what kind of company this is, one that is dedicated to creating the best product that she can and acknowledging any mistakes and learning from them. So Linda of I+T deserves a perfect rating on customer service because THAT is what customer service and professionalism is.

Overall 9.5 out of 10 bats

    As I mentioned earlier in this SUPER long review, I was initially worried about picking up a monthly subscription since I was concerned with not liking the colors chosen or being able to use them. I was completely surprised and this was an excellent experience with a monthly subscription as well as with the other two products I received from her. Everything was simply fantastic from the color and pigmentation, the amount of product for the price, super fast shipping /turn around time and the excellent customer service.  I would not hesitate to recommend Innocent + Twisted Alchemy to anyone and I am all ready planning my sights on my next order.

Until next time lovelies!

       

In the Pursuit of Fabulous: Review of Notoriously Morbid

Hello lovelies!
   After a bout of invading in laws and strep throat which refused to go away, I am back and this time I am reviewing an indie company called Notoriously Morbid. Notoriously Morbid is one of those rare gems in the indie world that not only has amazing products but also an amazing turn around time. They pride themselves of making wonderful shades with a darker twist which sets my little goth heart aflame.  I am not sure how I discovered them but I am so happy that I did. On their facebook page they state that, "Notoriously Morbid offers a line of indie eye-shadows and other cosmetics that cater to those morbid at heart." So how could I not check them out? They no only appeal to my gothic love with their series Lost in the Lodge based off one of my favorite tv shows off all time, Twin Peaks and an entire line of blushes called Ripper's Rouge, which appeals to my obsession with Jack the Ripper. But they also appeal to my gothy geek side with their brand new Slay Me collection (Wave 1 and 2 are out now and must be mine..but I digress) based of Whedon's Buffy the Vampire Slayer.  So when I noticed that Carrie offered a blogger package I jumped at the opportunity to try out a variety of colors and she even offers what she calls Free Friday (where she offers something free after a certain dollar amount is spend...sometimes it is free shipping, other times it is a lip balm, or a shadow--it varies Friday to Friday) and I got a free Coffin Kisser with my purchase.

The coffin kisser is missing due to being abducted by Mr Dreadful. 

For my first order I picked up the beauty blogger package which includes one full size product (my full size was Snow Queen Returns) and five sample baggies (I chose a rainbow of colors) as well as full size products to appeal to my gothy geek from The Doctor Collection ( The Doctor's Wife, Crimson Horror, Silence and Vashta Nerada).  There were even two samples one was even from an unreleased collection (Crack in the Pavement) which isn't set to release until June. Just take a look at these swatches...

All swatches were done over NYX Jumbo pencil in Milk


Tempest, from the Show a Little Burlesque Collection, is a soft metallic peach color. 

Velvet Hammer, also from the Show a Little Burlesque Collection, is a stunning metallic purple with red and blue sparkles.

Cin's Sins, from the Scary Tales Collection, is gorgeous bright blue with hint of silver sparkle and a slight violet shift.

More Weight, from the Gallow's Hill Collection,  is a lovely medium metallic brown with a hint of silver.

The Doctor's Wife, from The Doctor Collection, is my other favorite from the collection of colors I received. It is brilliant semi matte dark blue with a hint of sparkle. It just makes me think of the Tardis every time I look at it.

All swatches were done over NYX Jumbo Pencil in Milk

Stake of Holly, from A Dark Christmas Dream Collection,  and is a  light green with blue sparkles. 

Kompanion No. 9, from the Doctor Collection, is a light grey with a slight pink/red sheen when applied.

Silence, also from the Doctor Collection (can you tell that I am a Doctor Who fan?), is a dark green with a slight hint of metallic shimmer. 

Vashta Nerada ,from the Doctor Collection (and one of my favorite episodes), is a softer black with a hint of red sparkles that show up when applied. 

Crimson Horror, from The Doctor Collection is possibly my favorite of the lot since it is such a beautiful dark metallic red. (I am such a sucker for reds)

I have also swatched the other colors in a  previous post which can be found here. In order to prevent this being the longest blog review ever I will allow you to go back and take a look at them there. So one with my final thoughts and ratings..

Color/Pigmentation 9.8 out 10 bats

  As you can tell from the swatches that the color pay off from theses shadows in simply intense. All of my swatches are done over Nyx Jumbo Pencil in Milk (since that is what I always wear when I do my eyes)  and the intensity is just amplified! Some of the colors are deceiving in their containers all you have to do is simply apply them and you will see their brilliance. 

Price 9.8 out of 10 bats

  I love a bargain. Period. I am on a tight budget 99% of the year so I am always looking for the best bargain for my little buck.Notoriously Morbid not only offers different sizes the shadows (ranging from baggie, to mini to full size) all at a decent price. And on top of all of that she offers her Free Friday special, and honestly who doesn't love free because even if it is free shipping you can add another shadow on to your order so how awesome is that?

Shipping/Turn Around Time 10 out of 10 bats

  If you have read my blog before, you know that I am a hard ass when it comes to giving 10 out of 10 ratings. I think that it diminishes the incredible nature of getting a perfect score so I rarely give it. I won't lie, a lot of indie companies really bomb that this particular department. You know it and I know it. But when I see turn around times (TATS) of over three weeks and I can get something mailed to me internationally quicker I will take my money and my business somewhere else. I understand that a lot of them are one person shows with other jobs so it is easy for them to put their indie company on the last for their priorities. This however is NOT the case with Notoriously Morbid. Every time I have ordered from Carrie she has shipped my products out in a week to two weeks. It usually only takes a week however it did take two weeks when she was waiting on an item she had run out of. She immediately emailed me and gave me an update. She didn't leave me wondering where my package was or if my mailman was looking fabulous in drag with my new package of goodies. So color me impressed. 

Customer Service 10 out of 10 bats

  Getting two 10 out of 10 bats is a first for my blog so that should tell you how truly kick ass Carrie's customer service is. As I mentioned before she didn't hesitate with emailing me to let me know that there was a delay in my order due to her waiting on a product and she immediately sent it out once the order came in. However recently there was an issue with a shadow she created that wasn't true to the old formula (something with a new grinder or such) and she immediately made a statement on her webpage for people to contact her that had ordered the shadow from a specific time period and she would replace it with no questions asked. That ladies and gents is kick ass customer service. There was an issue, she owned up to it, made an announcement and took care of her customers with offering to replace the product with no cost to them. There was no debate, she didn't try to hide it or run from the problem. She handled it and took care of her customer exactly how she would want to be treated. This is excellent customer service, period. 

Overall 9.9 out of 10 bats

  My final impression for Notoriously Morbid that this is the real deal. This company continues to produce amazing products for great prices and offers superior customer service and turn around time which makes for a winning combination. I am thrilled with the products I have received and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to anyone. If you are looking for the next big indie company that is going to knock your socks off Notoriously Morbid is it. You couldn't ask for a better combination of creativity, awesome products and professionalism.

In the Pursuit of Fabulous..Review of Zoeva Eye Definition Brush Set

Hello lovelies!
   It is all ready June and Summer hasn't been to kind to me this first week. We took our little Dreadfuls to the beach this weekend and even under the umbrella slathered in SPF 50 I managed to get horrible blotchy burns on my legs, thighs and even a strange T shape burn on my forehead. Apparently the spray sunblock isn't my friend and the sun had fun frying me to crisp. And to top it all off I managed to eat something that caused the sides of my tongue to swell. So I am sure that I sound funny. =/  But the good thing is that I managed to do this review before all of this happened even though you only see my hands which were one of the few things that didn't get a strange burn pattern on them. But I have another "talking review" to edit on a pair of lenses so hopefully my allergic reaction will be gone and my sunburned face will be almost normal.
But here is my first talking product review and I wanted to do it on a set of new brushes, the Eye Definition Set from Zoeva. I used them for a little over a month in order to get a good feel for the brushes. So here is my first YouTube review!

Here is the break down of the ratings just in case you missed out on Youtube

Quality- 9.5 out of 10 bats
  These brushes are soft yet firm enough to do an excellent job of applying and blending makeup and there is NO shedding.

Price-9.5 out of 10 bats
  While the price has gone up since I filmed the review to 20 Euros instead of 16. I still think that these brushes are worth the money. As of right now the set is 26.13 USD but that is always subject to change with the changing market. From when I filmed the review the basically the price went up a dollar a brush. So the brushes are $4.35 a piece which is still a steal.

Shipping-9 out of 10 bats
  In all fairness this is coming from Europe so I think that the time and price are really accurate. You are going to have to wait to get these brushes. They have to go through customs and come from another part of the world so you really can't complain if it takes around 2-3 to get to you. And as I mentioned in the video, shipping a package anywhere outside of the US is super expensive so I am sure that it is just as expensive to have a package shipped here from Europe.

Performance-9.8 out of 10 bats
  These brushes do what they are meant to do. They apply pigments and pressed shadows beautifully.Often with too hard or too soft brushes you can't get enough or get too much pigment/shadow on the brush. These are just right.

Overall- 9.5 out of 10 bats
  Zoeva has designed an amazing product with this brush set. The brushes are excellent. The price and performance of theses brushes are fantastic. Finally the shipping is reasonable. I really am pleased with these brushes and I can't wait to get my next set from them.

In the Pursuit of Fabulous- Review of LashDomain.com

Hello lovelies!
  I have to admit that I have been slacking with the blog but I am back this time with a review not of a contact lens but of a lovely lash company called Lash Domain. I have been wanting to review this company for awhile because they really are fantastic. All of my Red Cherry lashes that I do for my looks have come from them and I have even ordered some of their Lash Domain exclusive brand lashes.You may even see some of my pictures on their site when you go. Needless to say that I am super impressed with their quality and their prices. The staff at Lash Domain are super friendly and always willing to help. The lashes were AMAZING. They were not only super soft but very durable. But if you are anything like me you want to see the product on someone, so here are some of the lashes that I have purchased from them.

Red Cherry Lashes #100

Lash Domain's Madame CEO lashes

Red Cherry Lashes #76

Lash Domain's Cleopatra Lashes

So the break down...

Quality:  9.5 out of 10 bats

  These lashes are not only gorgeous but soft to the touch and super durable. I have cleaned and reused them several times and they are just like new.

Price: 9.5 out of 10 bats

   Their prices are extremely reasonable and they often have sales which makes it even better.

Customer Service: 9.8 out of 10 bats

    The customer service with this company is fantastic. I have never had a problem with them and they have always taken care of me. I can't ask for anything more.

Shipping : 9.8 out of 10 bats

While often shipping is out of a company's hands (especially if things are coming from overseas) I find it really important. I HATE waiting for things in the mail. I stalk the mailman like a ninja for packages and I hate the utter disappointment of not getting my package in a timely manner.The shipping cost was extremely fair and the turn around from my order to in my hot little hands and on my eyeballs was super quick.

Overall : 9.7 out of 10 bats

  This company sells a great quality product with a reasonable price. Their customer service is fantastic and shipping can't be beat. So if you are looking for lashes I highly recommend going there and when you do tell them Dreadfully Divine sent ya.

**Now some of you may wonder or even ask, "Dreadful, why didn't you give them 10 out of 10 bats?" In all honestly, I rarely ever give 10 out of 10 for anything. I find that a constant 10 out of 10 really diminishes the superior rating. Perhaps I am slightly jaded from years of retail but I want my readers to know that I am very through and honest with my ratings. So know that each review the product or company really worked to get that review number from me. ^_~**

Until next time my dears...