Luckily I became aware of www.zuneta.com shortly after discovering RBR. (They are a UK online store that features high end and niche cosmetics, and they ship internationally.) When they had a 20% off promotion, I jumped right in with my first order of five RBR eyeshadows and a blush.
Today I'll be giving you a look at the eyeshadows, called Long-Lasting Eyeshadows When Birds Are Singing. (Yes, really. All the shadows are named after bird species.)
I have to say that for approximately 34$ CAD, I was expecting a little more from the packaging.
The design is lovely, both on the box and the item itself, but the quality of the actual materials is nothing to write home about. Basic black plastic, indistinguishable from, say, Too Faced. I would expect something weightier and more refined, like similarly-valued items from Burberry, Guerlain and Dior. For 34$, I want some bling, and enough heft to take out an eye.
I like the inclusion of a mirror on the inside of the lid.
top row: Unforgettable Oriole, Abyssinian Catbird, Whispering Ibis bottom row: Delicate Hummingbird, Bejeweled Skylark |
They pick up really easily, to the point where you have to tap off the excess or you risk some fall-out. They actually do better with softer brushes, as my usual laydown brush (the MAC 239) was almost too stiff, creating a little divot on the pan with just one dip. Better to use a softer brush and layer for intensity.
Brush mark on the right. |
Unforgettable Oriole - Stunning champagne cream with fine golden shimmer. Amazing for the inner corner, but also makes a lovely highlighter over the cheekbones when applied lightly.
The sheerest out of the five I tested.
Abyssinian Catbird - Antique bronze with a distinct olive undertone. I'm a sucker for shades like this, and this one is exemplary.
The texture on this is even more buttery, and intensely pigmented.
Bejeweled Skylark - Deep, luscious red-brown with copper shimmer, much like Catbird in terms of texture and pigmentation level.
This is beautiful with my brown eyes, and would be stunning with blue ones.
Whispering Ibis - Slightly smoky green with a very faint blue undertone and gold duochrome shimmer. Gorgeous when it catches the light.
This has a slightly sheerer pigmentation, but nothing to cry home about.
Delicate Hummingbird - Lavender-mauve-taupe with fine red-violet shimmer, this is the sleeper hit. It's the perfect non-beige, non-boring neutral.
Used as a wash, it's ideal for adding just a bit of polish during those rushed mornings.
Swatches on bare skin, from left to right:
Bejeweled Skylark, Delicate Hummingbird, Unforgettable Oriole, Abyssinian Catbird, Whispering Ibis.
Indirect natural light. |
Sunlight. |
Artificial light. |
Availability: A bit hard to track down in North America, the best place to get them so far is www.zuneta.com. (They have fantastic customer service, fast shipping and the occasional sales that are worth stalking. I suggest making a wishlist and jumping when they do post a promo, as RBR sells out fast.) They are roughly 34$ CAD with the current exchange rate.
Pros: Dense, buttery texture, long-lasting, silky finish, amazing colors and good pigmentation. Overall aesthetics are delightfully whimsical.
Cons: Packaging could be better for the price, some fallout upon application that requires a gentle hand and/or a soft brush for best results.
(I purchased these from Zuneta.)
(I purchased these from Zuneta.)
LOVE the all! Great pics Maggie!
ReplyDeleteI only got Delicate Hummingbird, but I want more now! Hopefully there's another promo code at some point!
Aw, thank you Tracy!
DeleteThey're so addictive, aren't they? Which shades are you thinking of? I want to try the Delicata and Orpheline blushes and Mountain Bluebird eyeshadow.
Between you and my Lil Sis, Tracy, you'll have me haunting this Zuneta for their next promo (as though I can barely remember my name, let alone look for upcoming sales, lol!)....I'll have to take you girls' word on the quality, as I've never seen these for myself.....but dang it all! I love these indie brands....they usually don't disappoint! Love the swatches, maggie....especially the sunlight shots!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Eugenia! =)
DeleteI waffled for a few months before I took the plunge and ordered these, and it was the promo that finally gave me the impetus I needed to place my order. Especially after reading such positive reviews from Christa at Perilously Pale and from Modesty Brown.
Overall I've been very, very happy with them! I just wish they would step up the packaging a bit.