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I recently had the good fortune to receive some samples from at Linnaeus Cosmetics, to help them kick of their new website (launching Saturday). Yes, they were free, and my people-pleasing instinct tells me I should give them a glowing review just because this was a bit of a gift. But that sort of attitude doens’t help anybody, so we’ll just have to kick that instinct in the face, and keep it honest.
That’s my disclaimer: take it for whatever it is worth to you. Now, on to the review!
I received some rather generously-sized samples of the upcoming Orchid Dottyback collection, including Ru Blu, Truculent, and Reef. Samples were packaged in big ol’ zip baggies, and sent in a card envelope with a cute little bunny stamped on the front. Bun-bun-bun!
For swatches, play-by-play, and general impressions, click on!
Swatches
Swatches were taken dry over Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion
Eyeshadow Play-by-Play
REEF: Shows up red in the packaging, but the colour is actually a nice coral pink. Wears beautifully alone!
RU BLU: A light, cloudless-afternoon shade of blue. Or, as the boyfriend calls it, “Smurf blue.” This is my favourite shade of the lot.
TRUCULENT: A dusty, greyed purple with subtle shimmer.
Application and Wear
We’ll go on and start with the not so hot parts, here. I did notice some patchiness with Reef on one eye, but none whatsoever on the other. I also noticed this once when I did swatches earlier, but not at all when I swatched for the above photo. I’m apt to believe that this might be a disagreement between the eyeshadow and primer, which has happened before with another Linnaeus Cosmetics colour. I’m willing to admit that I’m not the carefullest of girls when it comes to my primer, so… my bad, perhaps?
Besides this on-again off-again problem with Reef, the samples I received were very smooth, easy to apply, and incredibly easy to blend. Generally, when I notice something is “easy to blend”, I also find it has problems with losing its vibrancy during blending – but that wasn’t the case here. All the colours stayed true once they were applied. I consider that a bit of a win.
Staying power of the shadows are also good. The carnuba wax base increases sticking and offers some water resistance, which is great if you have a bad habit of sweating like a freaking man (like I do. Manly!)
Brass Tacks
I would have no qualms making a purchase from Linnaeus Cosmetics in the future. I was already gunning for the Golden Tamarin collection, and the Gemsbok collection looked really nice as well. The new, upcoming Echidna collection has really grabbed my attention, though, and I will be seeking that one out when the new site rolls out. Not only are those swatches pretty, but Echidnas have WEIRD WINKERDOODLES. How’s that for some sexy?
Your Turn!
Have you tried Linnaeus Cosmetics before? What shades do you love? And are you hitting up the new site this Saturday to check out the new collections?
Leave a reply
Marin
July 6th, 2011 at 23:18
Bekka! Thanks so much for posting this! Another Orchid Dottyback Collection swatched…I seriously sent out 2 other collections at random but it seems all the Orchid Dottyback collections found their homes first haha.
I’m *very* impressed with your research on the patchiness with some of the shadows. Phyrra had some issues with Cavort and we eventually figured out that it was clinging to some parts of the primer. I usually spend about 2 weeks testing eyeshadows and tweaking them before I make a larger batch to sell. During that time I wear it with and without primer. I’ve noticed that some shades are a bit more sensitive to primers and will cling more in areas where there is more present. I appreciate the thorough review! Your writing is a delight to read
Miss Bekka
July 7th, 2011 at 01:11
Speedy little fishy!
Yep, that’s exactly the problem I had. It’d apply evenly and smoothly for the most part, but one spot would be “reef overload!” But I know I have a bad habit of using more primer than I really need to, so I figured that was the problem
Can’t wait to try more of your swag in the future… especially some of those contest entries from today. Woot!
zillah1199 (Deborah Patterson)
July 6th, 2011 at 23:36
I have the Gemsbok collection and it is sooooo gorgeous – Kalahari goes with EVERYTHING!
Miss Bekka
July 7th, 2011 at 00:58
Kalahari looks so nice and versatile. My heart is on Tough Stuff. I like blue, and I like grey… so a blued-up grey is way up my alley
Ruth
July 7th, 2011 at 14:05
No. I have not tried them. Yes, I hope I get around to trying them. I need to start a list of all the amazing indie companies to try! x
Miss Bekka
July 8th, 2011 at 14:21
Bookmarks baaar! I have a whole folder of bookmarks of companies to try. This is getting ridiculous! XD
MakeupZombie
July 8th, 2011 at 02:01
Oooo, REEF is calling my name!
Miss Bekka
July 8th, 2011 at 14:23
Mmhm! It’s really much more lovely in person, too. I’d love to see what you’d do with it
Vulcan_Butterfly
July 9th, 2011 at 14:04
Nice review! Also, I must thank you. I now have a YouTube video entitled “THE WORLD’S MOST TERRIFYING PENISES” floating around in my browser history somewhere, LOL!