Today it’s all about some of the colors included in “The Legends Collection” and “The Super Effective Collection” by Shiro Cosmetics. I had made this purchase from Caitlin at either the end of February or beginning of March of 2011, so to say this has been in the works is the procrastination understatement of the year… And we’ve just started. I shall get better! I really shouldn’t wait to do reviews a year after I’ve purchased products… But you’re in luck. The colors I have are still in shop and available! All products are 100% Vegan and Cruelty-Free!
Anywho- I didn’t have a lot to spend, so I settled on getting one full sized shadow that I really liked and a 20 pack sample assortment from Shiro’s Etsy Store. I remember there being some delays with packing/shipping orders at the time due to some re-structuring going on within the company. I knew this when I placed my order, so it didn’t really dissuade me from trying the makeup out. Plus- the intensity of the shades I had ogled just absolutely had me… So I purchased and waited. Shipping TAT was around 2 weeks (if I remember correctly), and I did receive my package well within that time. Since then, Shiro’s launched it’s own website for an easier shopping experience.
It arrived safely contained inside a white bubble mailer, and upon first peek, I summarily tore open the package. I couldn’t help myself when I saw the bright colors. Inside were my sample shadows secured together inside a cellophane baggie with brightly colored circles and held closed with a pretty nifty little sticker. Also tucked in there was my full sized jar of “Hearts”, my invoice with a personalized note from Caitlin, and two samples with Hershey’s mini’s chocolate.
All colors have been swatched over My Beauty Addiction’s Shadow-Poxy Eye Primer on the top of horizontal pictures, and on the left hand side of vertical ones. Ok- on to the Swatch Spam now:
Pros:
Pricing: Excellent
Full sized 5 gram jars go for $5 USD, Mini-Jars (unsure of size) go for $3 USD, and all Sample Baggies go for $1 USD.
Other products in her store include entire collections for sale at a discounted price, or to purchase individually if you want only some of the colors.
Pretty New in store is Finishing [Move] Powder for $10 USD and the highly buzzed about lippies she sells called “Intertubes” which can be grabbed up in either Sample ($1.80 for 1.5g in clamshell) or Full Sizes ($6.40 for 5.5g in oval tube). Seriously lemming for some colors commences now…
One of my personal favorite sections of Shiro’s online shop is the Special Collections. Why? Because I’m totally hopelessly in luff and lust with the 5 Kawaiishadow colors ($28 USD) and it will most definitely be on my “Wish List” for my birthday next month. Also, iShadow (3 shadows, $18 USD) is also totally cute for those looking for a more traditional Smokey Eye Kit that’s got a pop of metallic colors. Eventually, that trio will also get into my paws.
If you’re in the mood for a few different assorted things, you can check out some pretty “Heart Container Blushes” which are $8 USD for 7g of product in a 25g jar. Plus- there’s a pretty highlight hidden in that section of her catalog too! Caitlin also has offerings of Perfume Oils, Jewelry, and Accessories including an exclusive makeup bag made for Shiro Cosmetics and awesome stickers!
Customer Service: Great
From what I can tell, and my experience in dealing with Shiro & Caitlin, I’d have to say great. This is not a “ding” against Caitlin or her company at all, it’s just simply because I did not need to contact her in any way in regards to my order. I had my products within the stated TAT, nothing was missing, and I had extras in my package too. I’ve spoken to her on and off through her Facebook Page, and I’ve posted some looks (I totally need to do more) and always had a kind comment from her every time. Based upon this interaction, even as little as it is, I’d have to say any issues that might arise in the future would be handled professionally and quickly by Caitlin.
Presentation: Excellent
My package was well packed, well protected, and arrived undamaged. I really like it when an indie business owner takes the time to write me a “Thank You”, even if it’s just those two words. A little personalized service earns big brownie points with me! I’m not just another customer, another invoice number, another package with a name going out the door.
Packaging: Excellent
To have goodies delivered in a colorful cellophane bag is not required, but was certainly a happy and bright pick-me-up when I opened my package. Everything tied nicely together with the fact that she brands her “Geekery” collections with appropriate matching themes. Aka the Triforce Symbol on the sticker for the full sized “Hearts” I purchased. It doesn’t bleed when it’s wet, I haven’t managed to scratch it even though it’s been in my makeup stash being moved back and forth to Pirate’s multiple times. There was a sifter seal over the “Hearts” jar I purchased, which ensured there was no contamination or loss of product during it’s travels into my possession. I also very much like Shiro’s labels- be it on the bottom of full sized jars, or tacked to sample baggies… Each has the company name, the color name, all ingredients included (and legible!) and whether or not the color is lip safe.
Also- how adorable are Shiro’s Business Cards?! I wish I had more so I can pass them out!
Shipping is offered at different flat rate prices via USPS:
- Sample sizes & Stickers ship for $1.75 regardless of Earth Location
- Mini & Full Sizes and any other Accessories ship for $2.50 USA, $3.50 Internationally
- US Customers Only can upgrade to Priority Shipping for $5.80
- Domestic US Orders over $35 are eligible for Free Shipping
- Packages are provided with a tracking number for your convenience. If there’s a problem, all you need to is contact Caitlin to work out any issues.
Product: Fantastic
Vibrant, long lasting, crease resistant (on me), packed with various glitter, sparkle, pearlescence and goodness… I could go on and on. Nearly each shadow is unique to my stash, and none others I’ve purchased from any other companies match or even come very close to what I own from Shiro. These shadows definitely apply more vibrant over primer, but it’s not a requirement. If you’re looking for a sheer wash of color- you can forego primer, but you still may end up with a bright wash since the colors are so highly pigmented. That’s what Shiro’s known for after all! Applied over a white base, the colors pop even more. Blending these shadows are a dream, and they do not muddy or bald in spots with application like some shadows can tend to do.
I would advise using a glitter-glue base with shadows that are glitter heavy (Pikachu, Moosh, Acid, Veran, Lance the Dragon Trainer, etc.) because it will:
a) Adhere the shadow with the glitter embedded nicely to your lids better and
b) Prevent a massive amount of glitter fallout stuck in your lashes and on your cheekbones.
Con:
Only one “real” con. “Team Rocket” is not the shimmery red-toned purple color as shown on the site. My sample is more of a periwinkle blue to purple shifter. I’m not sure why?! Maybe it’s been reformulated, but that’s pure speculation of mine. Whatever color it is (if it is indeed TR), I still like it very very much!
Otherwise, I have some simple personal preferences and what I like to see with products. I like containers that are sifter sealed, in addition to being heat-sealed with wrappers on the outside. It simply reassures me that nobody’s been into my shadow from the time it was packed and reaches me. I don’t think any kind of shenanigans or contamination happens at all with Shiro, but like I said- it’s just my own personal preference.
I couldn’t get “Hearts” to tap out of the sifter after the seal was removed. I banged it, tapped, lightly went at it… To no avail. Finally, I had to pop the sifter off and take some of the shadow out with a clean sterilized butter-knife from my silverware collection and place it into the top of the sifter. Carefully, I popped it back into place. It’s been tapping out fine ever since! This is not a “con” per-se, just a funny ha-ha moment because I’ve never had an eyeshadow container packed so full of product that I couldn’t get it out by the sifter. Proof that Shiro really *does* fill their jars to the brim!
Glitter Fallout- not a con for me, it’s just part of the game! If you’re not crazy about glitteries getting everywhere- you may not like the amount of sparklies that end up on your cheekbones and/or lashes when you’re done applying the shadows. Biggest suggestion I have for you- pat the color on easily, a little at a time, and use a glitter-glue base, or just pick a different color!
Conclusion: Would I recommend Shiro Cosmetics to my family and friends to make purchases?
Yes, I most certainly would.
These shadows are affordably priced, and the discounts you receive when you order x amount of any size shadows (same combinations i.e., Full Size, Mini or Samples) you can save anywhere from 10%, 15%, or 20%. Entire collections are also offered at a discounted price, since that might help when you don’t know what to order and you just have to have it all.
I honestly love all my Shiro colors, and eventually plan on procuring all the shades she creates. It’ll take a while, but by golly I’ll do it. There are so many unique shades that are formulated, you’re bound to find something for yourself or as a gift for a friend- if you wanted to share of course. There are plenty of glitter packed shadows, but also some pretty duo-chrome shifters and pearlized colors as well. It’s all personal preference- and the selections Shiro offers are extensive. While at first glance it may seem there may be something similar color-wise in another company, when actually worn Shiro really is unique and well worth a try.
Have you tried this company? What are your thoughts and experiences?
x0x0x0 ~*Snarky P
