All too frequently, cosmetic companies promise unbelievably fabulous results. And I personally feel that major mineral makeup companies do this more than other types of makeup, and have built an empire based on partial truths and dissing traditional makeup. I appreciate that indie mineral makeup companies avoid this, and I REALLY appreciate that Alice Cosmetics actually addresses this issue head on. This is what they have to say:
Additionally, there’s no animal testing and they claim to have feather-light makeup that is water resistant, non-reactive, and safe for sensitive skin. Although sometimes I hesitate to order from online-only sellers, Alice Cosmetics has great customer service and a fantastic return policy. There’s $5.95 flat rate shipping on all orders, and you can return within 5 days for any reason that you’re dissatisfied (customer pays return postage, does not apply to samples).
I tested out four eye shadow samples, and also a mineral veil sample. All of the samples come in mini sifter jars--I really like that their samples come in practical packaging, and have a good amount of product as well.
- We promise not to make exaggerated claims about mineral makeup.
- We promise not to confuse cosmetics with a good skin care regimen.
- We promise to bring you the best formulations of mineral makeup on the market and the best new ways to apply it.
- We promise not to cut corners and compromise quality.
- We promise to avoid hype and hyperbole.
- We promise not to dazzle you with made-up words like redensify, bioactives, and mattifiers.
- And we promise not to overpromise!
Additionally, there’s no animal testing and they claim to have feather-light makeup that is water resistant, non-reactive, and safe for sensitive skin. Although sometimes I hesitate to order from online-only sellers, Alice Cosmetics has great customer service and a fantastic return policy. There’s $5.95 flat rate shipping on all orders, and you can return within 5 days for any reason that you’re dissatisfied (customer pays return postage, does not apply to samples).
I tested out four eye shadow samples, and also a mineral veil sample. All of the samples come in mini sifter jars--I really like that their samples come in practical packaging, and have a good amount of product as well.
Alice Cosmetics Eye Shadows
$7.50 for .05oz/1.5g
$2.50 for 1/8 tsp. sample
Pearl Beige-pearly nude. A nice basic highlighter shade.
Caramel-matte cocoa brown. A bit too warm for my skin.
Hunter-shimmery forest green. Really pretty.
Chestnut-deep brown with gold shimmer. Can also be used as a liner.
The texture of all of the shadows is very smooth. The pigmentation is nice for most of them--and as with most mineral shadows, the color is intensified when used wet (all of the swatches below are swatched dry on the left, and swatched wet on the right). The length of wear was average for me when I used primer with them--they lasted all day without creasing or fading. I didn't have any major issues with fallout either.
Lipgloss+Spandex rating--eyeshadow:
$7.50 for .05oz/1.5g
$2.50 for 1/8 tsp. sample
Pearl Beige-pearly nude. A nice basic highlighter shade.
Caramel-matte cocoa brown. A bit too warm for my skin.
Hunter-shimmery forest green. Really pretty.
Chestnut-deep brown with gold shimmer. Can also be used as a liner.
The texture of all of the shadows is very smooth. The pigmentation is nice for most of them--and as with most mineral shadows, the color is intensified when used wet (all of the swatches below are swatched dry on the left, and swatched wet on the right). The length of wear was average for me when I used primer with them--they lasted all day without creasing or fading. I didn't have any major issues with fallout either.
Lipgloss+Spandex rating--eyeshadow:
Alice Cosmetics Buffers/Veils
$14.00 for .23oz/6.5g
economy size $19.00 for .35oz/10g
$2.50 for 1/8 tsp. sample
These are translucent powders that can be used with or without foundation, to give your skin a “finished” look. I tried this in Warm, which is meant for those with yellow undertones. I'm about NC30-35, and Warm was a little light for me. In terms of performance, it does set my foundation and temporarily absorb oil. I did need to reapply, especially on warmer days. I don't feel that it's the ideal powder for me personally (I have REALLY oily skin, and I also prefer my powder to have a bit more coverage), but I still feel that this might be a good product for someone else.
Lipgloss+Spandex rating:
Some consumers might be hesitant because Alice Cosmetics is a private label company, meaning that they do not manufacture and mix their cosmetics themselves, but search out the best products to add to their line.
This line has some hits and some misses, but overall, it's a company worth checking out.
This line has some hits and some misses, but overall, it's a company worth checking out.