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chibimorph said:
Do you have any tips for dealing with clamshells? I have a couple of GCC ones and I feel like I keep losing a lot of powder when I open them. My trouble with clamshells is also why I don't know if I want a sample or full-size subscription from i+ta if I manage to snag one (I could transfer the clamshells to jars... but I really like her label art).
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I personally hate clamshells. I can open them fine, but whenever I close them, powder flies everywhere and I lose product. I'm also always afraid I'll knock them over when they're open and spill everything. That's one of the reasons I haven't bought anything from GCC yet. I usually transfer the clamshells I do get to jars.

 
chibimorph said:
Do you have any tips for dealing with clamshells? I have a couple of GCC ones and I feel like I keep losing a lot of powder when I open them. My trouble with clamshells is also why I don't know if I want a sample or full-size subscription from i+ta if I manage to snag one (I could transfer the clamshells to jars... but I really like her label art).
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I just hold the base super tightly and then wiggle the lid side to side before I wiggle it slowly open (if I can get it open with a circular wiggle, that's best). The only time I've ever lost product in this method was when the lid was loser than I expected it to be and it popped open super fast, so definitely check out the seal first.

And by "dealing with clamshells" I do hope you meant how to open them cleanly, otherwise I'll feel silly. :p /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

ETA: Closing is basically the same procedure, but in reverse, if that makes sense? Basically just avoiding expelling excess air, so close until lid touches base then wiggle down.

 
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Shalott said:
I just hold the base super tightly and then wiggle the lid side to side before I wiggle it slowly open (if I can get it open with a circular wiggle, that's best). The only time I've ever lost product in this method was when the lid was loser than I expected it to be and it popped open super fast, so definitely check out the seal first.

And by "dealing with clamshells" I do hope you meant how to open them cleanly, otherwise I'll feel silly. :p /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

ETA: Closing is basically the same procedure, but in reverse, if that makes sense? Basically just avoiding expelling excess air, so close until lid touches base then wiggle down.
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Thanks! And Haha, yes, I was asking about how to open them cleanly :) /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

Hmm... I've never tried wiggling the cap open (I'm at home for vacation so I can't test it out right now); I've normally opened it with the clasp that they have and carefully/slowly pop it open. I haven't lost too much product but it's definitely messier and more difficult than jars.

kyxli said:
I personally hate clamshells. I can open them fine, but whenever I close them, powder flies everywhere and I lose product. I'm also always afraid I'll knock them over when they're open and spill everything. That's one of the reasons I haven't bought anything from GCC yet. I usually transfer the clamshells I do get to jars.
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Yeah, I feel the same way. The i+ta clamshells are super cute (with their labels), but I'm not sure if I'll be able to remove the sticker to transfer it to a jar (I haven't been able to remove the sticker labels from GCC clamshells so I'm guessing i+ta might be the same).

 
One week to the GDE Deadly Hollywood collection! I will definitely be getting sample jars of everything except the gel liners. I may or may not get the gel liners. Still debating that. I don't have a good track record with them. I'll probably add a few unblended shades with each order until I get them all before DC hits, too.

 
Bflopolska said:
What's the deal with unblended formulae, and why the threat of discontinuing?
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Unblended means straight repackaging. You order a big container of pigment from the pigment company, and that is the color you sell. A heavy reliance on unblended stuff suggests to me a lack of artistry on the part of the company. Blended means you have added a little pink, some shimmer, etc. In the case of GDE, Vee has decided to change to all blended colors she has created herself. Some colors are blended but on the verge of discontinuation because a component in the shade is being discontinued. You can't have a color with violet sparkles (for example) if the one company that makes that shade of sparkle decides to discontinue it. This happens a *lot* in the perfume world, sometimes with no warning, so you don't even have the chance to stock up before it goes *poof*: The only company that makes this one particular mimosa oil goes out of business, or the one person who can make this specific carnation accord dies.

 
meaganola said:
Unblended means straight repackaging. You order a big container of pigment from the pigment company, and that is the color you sell. A heavy reliance on unblended stuff suggests to me a lack of artistry on the part of the company. Blended means you have added a little pink, some shimmer, etc. In the case of GDE, Vee has decided to change to all blended colors she has created herself. Some colors are blended but on the verge of discontinuation because a component in the shade is being discontinued. You can't have a color with violet sparkles (for example) if the one company that makes that shade of sparkle decides to discontinue it. This happens a *lot* in the perfume world, sometimes with no warning, so you don't even have the chance to stock up before it goes *poof*: The only company that makes this one particular mimosa oil goes out of business, or the one person who can make this specific carnation accord dies.
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Good on Vee for maintaining integrity then--she has just won herself one more supporter! I almost swore off Indie products for good after a couple of Etsy vendors (that I put considerable cash into) were found to have sold repackaged micas and, in one case, sold soap dye as eye shadow. I'm now kind of OCD about making sure to find a full ingredient list on a given product.

 
Does anyone know approximately what time of month the VC's are shipped/delivered?  I know it's still a work in progress, and very new, just wondering if there's an approximate date each month.

Also, as much as I'm looking forward to the pigments, my fingers are itching to get ahold of the Glass Apples lip balm. Waaaaaaannnnnt.

 
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My first GDE order in all its magnificent glory. Plus a couple FOTD photos because I am far too excited not to post them! I love all the little extras that are with the orders too. I had no idea that sample costs can be applied to full sized orders or that there was a raffle contest for those who buy from the circus collection! Ultra fast shipping and A+ customer service too <3

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*last photo edited a bit but really brings the colors to the forefront! I have Spider-Sense on my brows and tinting my lipgloss as well* 
 
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So I decided that I actually need the Shiro Nic Cage glosses and eyeshadow in my life. Not want; NEED! So now I just need to save a little and find a reason to break my no-buy for them that won't make me feel so guilty.

 
Also, this thread made me dig out my GDE shadows and I plan on showing them some major love for awhile. I forgot how beautiful and sparkly they are :wub:   I think I need some more now.

ETA: I am on Shiro's website now making a wish list.

I am for sure getting the Nic Cage shadow, glosses, the earth mightiest heroes collection, and the you know nothing shadow (Team jon Snow forever)

Question: Do the clamshells have the artwork on them as well? The main reason for buying the Nic cage glosses is for the funny pictures. Right now I can only afford samples (the shadow samples last me forever though), but I will splurge on the full size glosses to get the Nic Cage label if the clamshells don't

 
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I just got my ITA sub today and oh my goodness, the extras were amazing.  I will be ordering full sizes of Ashitaka from Dusk Cosmetics and Candy Hearts fein Chinovi.  Both were just gorgeous.  And my GDE extra was a color on my wish list...Girlfriend Sweater.

I also got a trade today from a lovely lady who included samples of 9 different GDE colors.  Only one was one I have tried before. It was a GREAT mail day!

 
A quick note for those wondering about Shiro's TAT right now: I just received an order placed in the 5th. It was shipped on the 9th! (Quick delivery from them to me is practically overnight because they're about half an hour from me, depending on traffic.)

 
OH MY GOD. I got my order from Fyrinnae today. I literally squeed with joy when I opened my mailbox. I got 5 shadows, 3 lip lustres and the pixie epoxy. The sample size shadows are really big. I'm super impressed. I've also found my perfect every day fall lip color. I will be beyond a shadow of a doubt buying full size products very very soon. I can't wait until tomorrow to play!!

 
@@MIKAGlam, the clamshells for Shiro do NOT have the artwork on them sadly. I also think it would be easier to work with glosses in full size form regardless. A bit of a pain in the clamshell for me, but they do have a ton of product in them. 

 
@@MIKAGlam The Earth's Mightiest Heroes collection is glorious, absolutely GLORIOUS

My Darling Girl order arrived today... but unfortunately, I won't be back at my apartment until Sunday :( /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

My Lavender Town struggles continue... and I've also been mentally crafting my low-buy allowances for future months in order to accommodate different collections and sales. For September, Aromaleigh's new website should be launched, the Kate's Colors by Dawn Eyes might be up for sale, and hopefully i+ta decides to have a labor day sale again (I may choose to buy a lucky pack rather than the subscription). For October, I read somewhere that this is the last year that Shiro will be re-releasing their Halloween '12 collection (inspired by The Nightmare Before Christmas) so I know I'll want that. November has Black Friday (although Cyber Monday is on December 1... and I'm a December baby, therefore purchasing madness may happen). Indies are definitely wreaking havoc on my low-buy fantasies :p /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

 

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