Hello Waffle Cosmetics Sampler Haul

I'm still on an indie bender, and I promise these posts are going to be showing up here for the foreseeable future. Today's bucket -o- fun is from Hello Waffle Cosmetics. I first saw these on Reddit months ago, but I was too broke at the time (I try to keep a small stash of cash just for buying polish and makeup) to snatch up her samplers of lip balms. Once I finally had some spare cash, I found that the lip balm samplers were gone...but in their place was the amazing Blogger Sampler. It's a little more spendy than most, but holyshityall...there is a lot of stuff here.

I can't believe the quality of indies, guys. How did I manage to live without using this stuff? Why didn't you tell me!

Anyway, I can't gush enough about Hello Waffle. Not only is the owner a lovely young lady (which, I admit, influences me) but 99% of the stuff I got in the sampler was downright amazing. Everything was packaged securely, and nothing leaked...which considering this came from Canada to California is pretty impressive. She uses a slightly heavier bag for samples which makes a difference. The only thing I would change is the placement of the stickers. I had to tear them to get into the bags, which makes me sad. Also, I think she needs to sell Waffle Stickers. I need one.

The only thing I had issue with was the lip balms. Orchid and Vamp are a little bit gritty, which makes me horribly sad because the colors are amazing. Rose of the Vale didn't have that issue, so it might just be a fluke. I think that reheating and stirring these a bit more might solve the issues. When I mentioned the texture to Christine, the owner and maker, she said that it might be from the shea butter in the mix and she is looking into it. The colors are so pretty it is worth trying, regardless of texture. (Hell, even with the grit, I'm still wearing Orchid a few times a week)

Time for swatches!

I got three lip balms: Orchid, Vamp, and Rose of the Vale. Vamp and Rose of the Vale are a little close, at least in artificial light. Vamp looks a little warmer on me in daylight though. The colors are semi-sheer, but easily built up. I didn't find them drying at all, even with the minty fresh feeling they have. If not for the texture, I think all three of these would be in my daily rotation.

The real stars are the eyeshadows. I cannot believe how pigmented they are, even over bare skin. For loose shadows there is minimal-to-no fallout, which is so surprising. (Remember guys, I'm a noob). The duochromes are amazing and shifty. I even think Kai could be a dupe for the coppery color from the Lorac Pro palette. This was my first purchase from Hello Waffle, but it definitely won't be my last.

Full size shadows

Hobgoblin

Hot Cross Bunnies

Chinese Puzzle

left: over UDPP/right: bare skin

Sample Bags

Sloth

Silk

Bae

Envy

left: over UDPP/right: bare skin

Pride 

Red Shoes

Fey

Lust

left: over UDPP/right: bare skin

Kai

Ethereal Voice

Greed

left: over UDPP/right: bare skin

After waiting for the sun, for weeks, I finally got a chance to wear these and photograph them. And it was on my birthday! Hooray! This is my first official 34 year old selfie. I have to add that I wore these shadows over just Too Faced Shadow Insurance, no Nyx Milk was required to get the colors to pop out. I took these pictures after six+ hours of wear, so I am pretty impressed with their longevity. 

10/10 would recommend.

...and not just because there are colors that match my hair.

on my eyes: Chinese Puzzle and Fey

on my eyes: Chinese Puzzle and Fey

The rest of my face:

Nyx Studio Perfect Primer in Green
Urban Decay Naked Foundation in 01
YSL Touche Eclat Radiant Touch in 2-Luminous Ivory
Bare Minerals Mineral Veil
Maybelline Face Studio Master Hi-Light in Nude
Too Faced Shadow Insurance eye primer
Milk Chocolate from the Too Faced Chocolate Bar
Stila Stay All Day Liner in Black
L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara in Black
Tarte Amazonian Clay Brow Mousse in Rich Brown
Starlooks Kohl Pencil in Black
Marvelous Moxie Lip Gloss in Maverick