Best products from r/Indiemakeupandmore

I don't know of any indies that make pencil eyeliners. There are some that do gel liners, which I think are the best of both worlds...the control of a pencil, the smoothness of a liquid. I'm pretty sure I've seen some from indie brands, but I don't own any. Maybe someone else has more info on that.

You need brushes, but they don't have to be super expensive. I use EcoTools and Elf brushes which you can get in drug stores. They do the job fine. Brushes with short, stubby bristles are better for packing on pigment, I usually use this for my main lid shade, softer brushes are better for blending, and narrow, stiff brushes are better for precision application.

As for eyeshadow...first eyeshadow primer sounds like a stupid product, but it will make your eyeshadow last all day without creasing or falling onto your cheeks. I like Eccentric Cosmetics primer, but Wet N Wild's Photo Focus Eyeshadow Primer is pretty good, is $5 and you can buy it almost everywhere.

Most indie brands only offer loose shadow. A few have pressed shadows, but they cost more and you can't get pressed samples. If I were you, I'd get a few mini jars or samples (indie shadow samples come in plastic baggies, it's easier to use them if you dump them into these). Choose a few dark colors, a few medium colors, and a few light colors (colors significantly lighter than your skin to function as highlights), since you're just starting, I'd recommend going for "neurals with a twist" because it's easier to do cohesive looks with a more or less neutral pallette. Shiro is often recommended to beginners, they have a wide range of colors and finishes and very inexpensive samples, My Pretty Zombie has fewer colors but you can get sample sets sent letter mail which cuts down the cost. Watch some basic eyeshadow tutorials on YouTube (I don't follow many makeup channels, perhaps someone else can chime in) or find some blogs with pictures and instructions like this or this and just practice.

how many are you looking to buy? I got a pack of 50 from Amazon for $6. These were the ones I got and I guess the only thing I would note about it is that it's definitely a small mailer. With a pack of clamshell wax tarts, there's probably enough room for one more 10 mL rollerball comfortably. I can shove more in, but these are definitely small. I like them for sunday destashes though since most people don't buy too much so 95% of all the orders fit in there. With larger orders, I recycle the padded mailers I get. You can probably get more for cheaper if you look around, but I like Amazon so.

Edit: Oh and get packaging tape. That's the only acceptable tape. I found that out first time I tried to mail something haha. With those mailers, I don't use packaging tape though because they have a seal, but it's nice to have around. Last tip: addressing. You might already know this, but I didn't before and I messed it up two separate occasions before I remembered. Your address (the "from" address) always comes first and is on top. The address you're shipping to is on the bottom. I kept mixing them up when I first started mailing things because my logic was that you'd want the "To" address on top because that's the more important part right? Nope. "from" address is on top. These days, I put my address in top left, address I'm shipping to in the middle, but sometimes I make a label from notebook paper and for those, I just stack the addresses vertically on top of each other with my address on top.

I'm at work right now, so I can't take any pictures, but if anyone's interested I can add some later. My storage is pretty hodge-podge because I don't have a lot of space, and I'm in the midst of trying to rearrange things in my room as well. I have three of these containers for my indies -- one for just lip products, and the other two for eyeshadows and face products. I also have one of those drawers for mainstream makeup (one drawer for face products, one for eyes, one for lippies). I've moved all my sample eyeshadow baggies to the box my Blackbox came in. I have separate makeup bags full of foil samples and one of deluxe samples (both indie and mainstream stuff).

I keep all of the bath/body products I often use in a two-drawer tower in the bathroom cabinet (daily things are in the shower or in the limited space on my bathroom counter. All of the bath and body products I have backlogs of (whipped/cream soaps, scrubs, lotion and body butters, bar soaps, bath melts, etc.) are in two separate decorative boxes -- a bigger one for full-size products, and a smaller one for the sample/mini sizes. It works since I only need to go in when something needs replacing. My skin glossing oils and body oils are currently on top of my armoire along with a bunch of candles.

For my perfumes, I recently found a pretty keepsake box at Ross; it's cardboard but stiff, and the perfect size vertically for all but my Midsummer Dreams Apothecary full-size bottle of Mermaid. The top lifts up and it secures with a magnet. It's the closest thing to what I was looking for, cheap, and pretty, so I'm happy with it! Right now I have my squat samples in there along with my full-size and bitsy-sized perfumes (they're sitting in two boxes from the Paintbox Soapworks sample soap set) as well as my full-size and sample solids (also contained in a smaller box). My regular-sized vial samples are all stored in bullet containers (I have three and need a fourth) -- I'm so glad I followed that recommendation from others here because it's perfect! The one thing I'm still struggling to find storage for are the longer sample vials that won't fit in the bullet containers. Right now I've got those in the used-up mini-candle jars from Bath & Body Works. I'd like to find something different where I can still stand them up, but I'll probably end up moving those to my perfume box as well.

So, yeah. It's a crazy system but it's what I've got, and I'm constantly trying to improve it. I just have no space for a vanity and little space for storage otherwise, so for now I have to make it work!

Definitely pick up at least a trial tube of pixie epoxy, and here is a blog post (not mine) about how to work with it: http://thepaintedmask.wordpress.com/2010/11/26/technique-working-with-fyrinnae-pixie-epoxy/

I haven't tried Darling Girl's Glitter Glue myself, but it's supposed to be like pixie epoxy but easier to blend with + it works with mattes! So that could also be another option. But you'll definitely want at least one of them as it will help with lasting power and color intensity (not my blog! /u/aikoekadan is the blogger for this one!).

Fyrinnae comes in little jars. What I like doing is flipping it over (bottom up) for a second and then using the eyeshadow that is on the lid of the jar. There's always enough for two eyes completely with leftover shadow for me!

I personally store my loose eyeshadows (and pretty much all my makeup) in these Interdesign clear drawers which I find pretty convenient. The drawers are removable which I find is super nice and here is a picture showing how much they hold.

I'm ready for this question! I have a whole bookmark tab because I'm planning on building a vanity and redoing all of my storage. I'll give you a sneak peak into it (; Let me know if you want more! I have a bit more than a dozen of these things saved.


First up, acrylic drawer organizers!. Much cheaper than most other competition I've seen. I use these to house blush and bronzer and whatnot. If you guys can find a flaw in the first one I linked please let me know since that is what I'm planning on buying!


For samples, lots of people go for ammo boxes but I'm thinking of buying test tube racks/cases such as this or this. There's also a stainless steel options of the later version that look really pretty but are much more expensive and since these will be in drawers...I don't care quite that much.


If you do go for ammo boxes, however, this particular box has been mentioned several times in the past. It won't fit the longer or short and fat samples, but it'll do fine for most others. I don't care for it because of the color options, to be quite honest about it. It's a superficial thing and if you don't care I've seen many great reviews of this box.


For full-sized bottles, I've seen people use cake stands and pretty trays but since perfumes are light sensitive I plan on hanging a spice rack like this one inside a cabinet. Really you can hang it anywhere as long as it's out of light and humidity (so not in your bathroom!).

I'm using the SPF 45 version, although it was $19 when I bought it. I think you should give the cleansing oil blend a shot though! If you know they both work for you, why not?

I find the sunscreen plays nice with my Super Serum, but not as nice with Mama's Helper for some reason. With Mama's Helper it balls up and flakes off, but it settles perfectly with the Super Serum. Go figure.

Chiming in because I'm a loudmouth: I can't compare old sample sizes to new, because I just received my first order, but I felt my samples were pretty generous. For only $1, there's enough there for multiple applications of each product. They shadows are so pigmented and cover/blend so easily, you can get away with using the tiniest little amount. I bet I could get at LEAST ten uses out of each sample - at the very least. Probably more! I got little plastic jars from Amazon because I didn't want to screw around with the baggies, and then I just emptied the baggies into the jars. The circular label stickers from the bags fit pretty neatly on the jar lids, and the sample fills about 1/3 of the jar.

here are the palettes I used, they come with magnetic pans as well!

I used the 1/4 teaspoon sample baggies (got a discount with a coupon code and buying in bulk) and they fit really well. surprisingly well. I think shiro airs on the generous side, because most of the pans were more than halfway full, and I've seen online several places they're supposed to fit 1/2 - 3/4's of a teaspon!

If conformity with other indie jars is not an issue, you could consider bead jars. I have the Darice 30 bead jar (I love the clear case it comes in) which is about 1.5" high and .75-1" wide. They have many other sizes, like this one. If you have a JoAnn's or Micheal's nearby, they often have 40-75% off of retail items coupon you can print out on their website that are shared between the two stores.

I also have a bunch of unused bead jars from the 30 jar set you could have for free + shipping if you don't care about the clear rectangle case.

I actually started buying bath & body stuff on Etsy years before I ever found this sub (or reddit!) I was just looking for natural products for my husband's sensitive skin. Eventually I got into makeup subscriptions, which then led me again to want natural cosmetics for myself...and so found my way here. :)

I don't think I'll ever bother pressing, personally. I'm comfortable using loose product and it just seems like too much hassle for me. I've purchased sample baggies and after much griping to my hubby over using them, he surprised me with a whole bunch of small jars to put them in. :)

Yep! I have this guy.

I haven't had luck with primarily tea scents on my skin yet so I usually just away, but this sounds so nice I'd pick it up for my home! If it works on my skin that's just a bonus. Thank you for your feedback. It's definitely going on my wishlist.

Photo for sizing comparison.

I can't include every vendor's name, there are just too many so hopefully that sizing photo will help you. I haven't included Sixteen92's 2ml sample in a case because I just put mine in the side of the Plano 12 or 16 Gauge box.

BPAL's imps are also 1ml. BPAL full size fits, tight into a 10-12 gauge ammo case.

• For 1ml vials (BPAL Imps, Solstice Scent samples, etc) THIS case works perfect. (Search Amazon: MTM 38/357 Cal 100 Round Flip-Top Ammo Box)
  
  
• For full size bottles (BPAL, Madame Josephine Rollerballs, Solstice Scents full size roller balls) THIS case works. (Search Amazon: MTM 25-Round Magnum Shotshell Box)
  
  
• For Cocoa Pink drams, Smelly Yeti samples, Alchimia Apothecary samples, ThreeTenLabs samples, etc. THIS case works (Search Amazon: Plano Shot Shell Box, 12 & 16 gauge)
  
  
  I hope this helps! :)

Welcome! I too enjoy reading about the mystique and history of perfumery, I know of 3 titles that may interest you:

https://www.amazon.com/Essence-Alchemy-Natural-History-Perfume/dp/1586857029/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=history+of+perfumes&qid=1554130685&s=books&sr=1-1

https://www.amazon.com/Fragrant-Secret-Scent-Mandy-Aftel/dp/1594631417/ref=sr_1_8?keywords=history+of+perfumes&qid=1554130685&s=books&sr=1-8

https://www.amazon.com/Scented-Palace-History-Antoinettes-Perfumer/dp/1845111893/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=Marie+Antoinette%27s+perfume&qid=1554130747&s=books&sr=1-2-catcorr

Alkemia was also my first exploration into the indie fragrance world, which samples did you pick up? (Oh and there is nothing wrong with fishing for extra compliments;) )

Maybe! De-bagging makes things a lot less messy for me, at least. I (and others around here) use Darice bead jars, which are fairly affordable and store nicely. Bonus: the little round labels that Shiro includes with sample baggies fit almost perfectly on the top or bottom of the linked jars.

Thank you! I found them on amazon and you get 50 5g jars which is about the perfect size for the samples. I don’t fill them all the way with wax though so they smell very strong.

amazon link to vials

Yknow, I almost got you some Performance Colors pressed shadows in the exchange, but I couldn't decide what colors to get you.

As far as storage, I found this at my local Micheals. There's also a 30 pc version for a couple bucks cheaper.

If you like Jasmine, sixteen92's Hellebore is so good. You might like Ex Tenebris Lux too.

And if you need brushes, BH Cosmetics is running a good sale right now.

It's a 38/357, like this one! I can't take credit for the idea, I learned it from the lovely women here (: Larger ammo boxes for lipsticks! Why didn't I think of that!? What size may I ask?

Someone here recommended these and they are perfect! I take the label off the baggie and put it on the lid or the side of the little jar. They are screw top, not snap, but so far I am loving it! plus the jars come out so you can rearrange, etc.

For my samples, I store them in this handy ammo case from Amazon. I think another IMAM user originally suggested it and I'm so glad they did! It's like $3 or $4 dollars and holds 100 1mL vials, perfectly.

For my full sizes, I store them upright on a shelf in my vanity. My vanity is basically a walk in closet so no light gets in there and on my perfumes. It sort of just looks like this except I don't have a lip to keep them from falling off o.O I knock into it so many times when I'm doing my makeup and my heart skips a beat. I really need to build a new shelf -_____-

Here are some links for the product in the above comment for different countries:

Amazon Smile Link: http://smile.amazon.com/Eltamd-Clear-SPF-48-Gram-1-7/dp/B002MSN3QQ/ref=sr_1_1


|Country|Link|
|:-----------|:------------|
|UK|amazon.co.uk|
|France|amazon.fr|
|Germany|amazon.de|
|Japan|amazon.co.jp|




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The absolute best solution I have found is--I kid you not--bullet holders, like this one. A vial fits in it PERFECTLY and you can fit a ton in there. I even have an Excel spreadsheet keeping track of what is placed where in mine, color coded for what I've tried, what I want to get full sizes of, and what blends are rare... but I also have a bit of an organizing addiction.

Yep! I bought this and it fits my eyeshadow sample baggies perfectly :)
The Shiro labels go on almost exactly (I suggest putting them on the bottom so you can see colors from above), and I put Aromaleigh labels on the side.

I have this one and love it. You could put one flat piece of bubble wrap on the top of all the imps once they are in there, to provide a barrier between the tops of them and the top of the ammo case.

I keep all my samples in bead storage containers - these in particular. It's the best solution I've found so far. Everything is contained in its own little jar, and since the box and lids are clear, you can see everything at once.

Ok, so, in the theme of Weird Stuff that Makes My Life Better: I wanna talk about my cat door. I know. Who cares. But this little thing means I don't have to have a litter box, which means that I don't wake up and stumble around and have tiny sharp litter shards poking my feet. And my house, frankly, no longer smells like a litter box, which, you know, to each their own, but I prefer it that way.
But here's why it's so awesome! It's an RFID enabled door! So it reads the chip in my cat's neck, the one the vet puts in when they're babies. It'll only open to the animals I've (quite literally) scanned into it.
For dog-havers, there's a bigger one that also has a neat timer function, so you can tell it to only let them go one way at certain times. Here's a link 'cause I'm a weirdo and everyone with indoor/outdoor pets should take a look! https://www.amazon.com/SureFlap-DualScan-Microchip-Cat-Door/dp/B00GAZZIMY/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?keywords=rfid+cat+door&qid=1562174072&s=gateway&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1

I got one of these, it fits deconstructing eden and sixteen92 edp samples perfectly (don't have any wylde ivy). =)

I bought a diffuser on amazon for around $20 and use it frequently with perfume oils I like, but I don't like on my skin. It works great and a little oil goes a long way!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00AKYYSCM/ref=shptrk_scth these ones. The Meow ones are the 5 gram, I think? The acrylic case came with these:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0036C0RT8/ref=shptrk_scth which I would NOT recommend. The threads on the lids don't really match up half of the time and quite a few lids were cracked and wouldn't close at all. The case is super nice though.

[US][SELL][PRESSING PRODUCTS][HAIR STUFF]

Hey kids, got ten of these 26 mm palettes and 72 tins - although I think I have more somewhere, so I'll look around :) Paid around $55, selling for $35 + shipping OBO! Also have a mostly unused bottle of this stuff that I'll sell for $8.

I also have hair oil from Sixteen92 in Blood Orange and Vanilla and Lolita. Barely used, selling for $6 apiece or $10 for both. I LOVE this stuff, but I just chopped off my hair and don't need it anymore!

I recommend buying eyeshadow samples - in my experience, Shiro's samples are actually quite generous. You can store your shadows in bead containers like this: Darice Bead Storage on Amazon or you can buy 5g or 3g jars (from a variety of vendors including Amazon, TKB trading, Coastal Scents, etc).

There is a bit of a learning curve with loose powders, but overall you can use them similarly to pressed shadows.

Also, the Fyrinnae customer service issue has since been resolved (the person creating problems has been fired and the owner has joined this subreddit and is awesome) - you may compile your wishlist as you please :)

seconding this I use these 3g jars and they work pretty well! I purchased from this seller twice and haven't had any issues with any of the jars so far.

I've had a great experience with these jars!

Hmm, I bought my jars from Amazon. And son of a b, I bought them for $12 and now they are $6.93!

Now, they are a bit taller than the normal eyeshadow jars you'll get from companies, but they are cheap haha.

These are the ones I get. They work beautifully!

I use [this] (https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B001F0NU2E/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1) ammo box to store perfume samples. It's the perfect height for storing Sixteen92 sample tubes too!

I also bought my jars from Amazon, but I know places like TKB trading also sells these jars in bulk.

I mostly use the bead trays from Michael's for samples, but for full sizes/heavy rotation items I stick them in clear plastic drawers like this!

I think my massive clumsiness and propensity to spill everything I touch has gotten me to the point where it's more of an investment in not wasting money on samples I'll never use because I can't open vials without getting the oil inside everywhere. Sort of like how I decant my eyeshadow samples into these http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B002DPINS6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 because I know I will spill those little baggies all over and this way I'm much more likely to use the samples. And I like consistency. shrugs YMMV, of course.

I bought these : http://www.amazon.com/Darice-2025-251-Clear-Container-Storage/dp/B002DPINS6 - my criteria was that the storage needed to be clear. I can stick the labels from the baggies on the bottom of the little jars so that I can tel what's what!

Re: perfume storage, ammo boxes have worked fine for me and they're quite a bit cheaper!

I use these for samples and I couldn't be happier. I have 3 mostly full already and I'm filling a 4th for my sister. You can fit most labels on the lid or the bottom.

On Amazon, the 5 gram jars are usually slightly cheaper than the 3 gram jars.
adon Prime
I also bought the bead container ones, but those jars wear really big. I don't use them for eyeshadow.

The links for the storage organizers:

• Large trays
  
• Smaller trays
  
• Big bath and body tray
  
• Perfume ammo case

Any insight on these? I was planning to pick some up on payday...

Right here! :D

They come as a set; I'm not sure if you can buy them separately, sorry :(

Thank you!

I keep all of my loose shadows in a bead container, seen on Amazon here. I sort all of my shadows based on color, and stack them in an order that doesn't change. So I roll a die to pick which box of smaller containers, then again to see which column to pick, then again to see how far down the row I should go. If I pick a shadow that I've used before (since the purpose is to use the shadows that I don't use) then I roll again.