Review: Rock & Republic Cosmetics

Hi Prime Beauties! I'm excited to bring you a review of Rock & Republic's cosmetic line. You know, the same Rock & Republic of jean and clothing fame. I have been curious about this line for quite some time but the prices prevented me from trying it. I realize this makes no sense whatsoever as I will voluntarily fork over $56 for a Chanel or Dior eye shadow palette--but those are known entities, know what I mean? Rock and Republic was untried and untested--a mystery, or to me at least. So, when my favorite online sample sale site, Hautelook offered R & R cosmetics at 50% off, I jumped! I mean you wouldn't expect any less of me would you? Originally launched in 2008, I've been seeing R&R show up on several discount sites so it makes me wonder if the brand is in trouble. I don't know but I'm going to take advantage of these sales!


I ordered Spank blush and Exile eye shadow on my blogger friend Karlasugar's recommendation. Rock & Republic's packaging is ultra luxe and the sizes are huge! The black and chrome compacts were enclosed in round cardboard packaging with a silver logo--very nice presentation. I feel a little like royalty using these compacts--the logo reminds me of the monogram of someone from a royal family--a mysterious Russian princess whose family was slaughtered in the revolution; Anastasia perhaps? Umm, except her initials weren't RR--maybe her REAL name was Ranastasia Romanov? Okay, whatever.

 

Enough chatter, on to the review! The Contrived Pressed Blushes come in matte and shimmer textures. Spank is a neutral matte true ballet slipper pink blush; it is highly pigmented and applies flawlessly. R&R blushes are $40 at regular price, but I got it for $20 on Hautelook. Even at regular price, you get twice the amount of product in a NARS blush for $25---at $20 it's a fantastic value and comparable to MAC prices. The texture of these blushes is excellent. Spank is a very wearable shade, a wonderful choice for an everyday blush. All of the Rock & Republic blushes are pigmented and most are bright--Spank is the softest of the line.

Saturate eye shadows are $28 at regular price, I picked up Exile, a lovely peachy, goldish bronze shimmer for $14 at Hautelook. Saturate eye shadows come in three textures; matte, satin and shimmer. The texture is medium-soft; soft but not so much that they crumble. This is good shimmer for us 'mature' women--not sparkly or glittery, but a slight shimmer and not to loud. There is a fairly large selection for a new line and there are several nice colors in the line-- I will definitely pick up more of these at the next sale.

Here is a swatch of Spank and Exile:

Originally I thought exile wasn't very unique but as you can see from my swatches, I really don't have anything like it. It looks like a combination of MAC Honeylust or Stila Oasis to me, what do you think?

 

Comparision swatches:

Left to right: Urban Decay Half Baked, R&R Exile, Smashbox 35 mm, Benefit Dandy Brandy, Cat Cosmetics Peace (very coppery). You can see too that Exile has less shine than the rest.

Packaging: ultra luxe and classy, but may be a bit too heavy for some--I'm a sucker for nice packaging

Value: buy from Hautelook, Gilt, Idelli or any of these sites for a great deal! Click here for an invite from Hautelook

Quality: excellent--just as good an any high end brand

Overview: excellent quality, beautiful packaging and great prices--give this brand a try!! I will definitely buy more blush & shadows and I want to try the lip gloss too!

Grade: A

The Rock & Republic cosmetic line includes; Contrived Pressed powder blush, Imitate Mousse blush, Saturate eye colour, Bound Gel eyeliners, Extremist mascara, Luxe Lip Gloss and makeup brushes. Available at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale's and rockandrepublic.com BUT wait for the sample sales!!

REVIEW: Dior Smoky Crystal Eyeshadow Quint--I DIE!!!

It's here! It's here! My long-awaited Dior Smoky Crystal eye shadow quint!! Smoky Crystal is part of the Dior Holiday 2009 collection and I swear when I opened the Sephora box, the sun came out and I heard angels sing. It's stunning, spectacular, stupendous and all those other 'S' words. I can't wait to try it but I'm afraid to touch it so I've been gazing lovingly at it for the last 24 hours. Sigh, I will have to try it soon but first I will take pictures so I can remember it in all its splendor-- yes that's it!

Hmmm, I'm still a bit on the fence. Oh don't get me wrong--it's gorgeous and the shadows are silky soft, very easily blendable and the superb (there's another S word) quality we've become accustomed to with all Dior quints. Another plus--I don't even need a primer or base with this eyeshadow; the staying power is unbelievable. The problem is upon first application the shadows seemed too frosty. I used the silver shade on the lid, the charcoal shade in the crease and a light dab of the purple in the center of the lid. I had pretty much decided it was just too much when....I got a compliment at work on my eyes. Crap! Now I was going to have to try again! So....this past weekend I did try again and I used the pinky purple on the lid, and the charcoal in the crease with the silver applied very lightly on the brow bone and the inner corner of my eye. Guess what? Yep, more compliments AND one of them was from my 21 yr. old daughter--uh, now that's worth something! I said "but it's too frosty and sparkly" and she said "that's what I like about it"! To which I said "but aren't I too old for shimmery, sparkley eye shadow"? to which she replied "yeah, but I still like it". SOLD!!

The Dior Smoky Crystal Quint is comprised of (left to right) a sparkly silver, a charcoal grey, a pinky purple--maybe orchid (?), a light taupe and a pale sheer goldish taupe. These are all in the cool region but since there a few taupe shades so they seem to work for me. The name is a little misleading because you can't really do a traditional dark smoky eye with this quint, however I prefer a more subdued look anyway. I like the pinky purple for a nice pop or to soften the grey a bit. This quint is more shimmery than I would normally wear but since the shadows are so sheer, they impart a nice a sheen that makes my eyes glow rather than glitter. Me likey!

Packaging: The typical elegant blue compact with the Dior logo

Quality: Excellent--the shadows are soft and creamy, blend like a dream, shimmery

Value: $56 for a Dior eye shadow quint is not cheap. However, you are getting five eye shadows of very high quality.

Overall: This is an iridescent formula quint, therefore shimmery. However, it is sheer so it makes your eyes glow not glitter. Smoky Crystal creates a lovely silver or grey eye but has extra punch with the pinky purple shade.

Best For: Anyone that likes high end, high quality eye shadow palettes, cool toned beauties, or if you're like me, you enjoy silver sparkly things.

The Dior Smoky Crystal Quint is part of the Holiday 2009 collection and available at Dior cosmetics counters, dior.com and sephora.com

I purchased this item myself

Put Your Sale Goggles On! Urban Decay Friends & Family Sale

Urban Decay Friends & Family sale started yesterday, 30% off Nov. 9 through Nov. 20th and free shipping with a $50 order. Don't disregard this brand girls, just because it looks too young and trendy. I've talked about these so much and forced my friends buy them that Urban Decay should pay me a commission. Oh well, I guess I'll have to settle for the love and adoration of my friends instead. Anywho,  24/7 eyeliners are the best on the market (with Makeup Forever close behind). They are creamy, super long lasting, glide on without tugging and are waterproof. The shades are quite unique, some with slight glimmer. My pick for a great buy? The Super Stash Set - nine mini 24/7 eyeliner pencils, with 4 new shades. $36 -30%  = $25.20

 
Here's what you get:
Exclusive shades: Corrupt (brown sparkle), Binge (navy), Eldorado (gold) Oil Slick (black sparkle).
Also includes Zero, Graffiti, Ransom, Rockstar, Stash.

My other Urban Decay staple is the Primer Potion--you've heard me recommend it before. The best eyeshadow primer on the market--Too Faced Shadow Insurance runs a close second, but I like the doe foot applicator in Primer Potion's packaging. Your eye shadow will NOT budge or crease and the primer intensifies the pigment in any eye shadow. It is now available in the shade Sin also which is a champagne color that can be worn alone. Every woman needs this! $17 - 30% = $11.90

Check out the eye shadows and lip products too!

Makeup Tip: Metallic Eyes

This fall eyes shine with shades of silver, gold, copper and bronze. I couldn't be happier. Bronze is my very very favorite eye shadow color and I have-- oh I don't know, like, 4,987,204,630 of them. Does that stop me from buying more? Hell-to-the no! Everyone can wear metallics, the trick is to find a hue that suits your skintone. Silver works with cool undertones, copper and bronze with warmer undertones and gold is universally flattering. Here are some tips for sparkling metallic eyes:

• Brush shadow under the eyes as well on the lid
• Apply the lightest shade on the inner corner of the eye
• Downplay lips and cheeks by staying neutral, but don't forget a bit of bronzer
• Use metallics in pairs--silver and pewter, copper and gold, bronze and dark grey
• Use a light hand, a sheer wash lets your eyes shine without looking like a disco ball
• Use a neutral matte shade for the brow bone to avoid too much shine
• Avoid colored liners, opting instead for black, charcoal or deep brown

Shades to try:

Laura Mercier Metallic Cream Eye Colour

Bobbi Brown new Chrome Eyeshadows, available in gold, bronze and pewter
Stila eye shadow trio in Gold Glow (gold, bronze, ivory)
Dior Beige 1-Colour Ultra-Smoothing High Impact Eyeshadow in
Argentic-gunmetal gray shimmer, Gold Touch-golden bronze shimmer


Less expensive alternatives:

Revlon ColorStay 12 Hour Eye Shadow in Copper Spice and Priceless Metals (see my Frugal Friday post here)
L'oreal HiP Metallic Duo in Platinum and Gilded

Try some sparkle and shine this Holiday season!!

Review: NARS Pleasures of Paris eyeshadow palette

NARS Pleasure of Paris Limited Edition eye shadow palette (say THAT 3 times fast!) is a winner. I am definitely a neutrals girl but I'd say this palette is neutral with a kick! Since I have no NARS counter, I ordered mine online from Saks.com. The palette is neither overly warm nor cool which makes it universally flattering for every skintone. In my opinion, this a wonderful neutral palette for us older women; none of shadows are too shimmery or glittery; three of the six have what I consider slight sheen, which I also consider to be perfect for us women "of a certain age". Cordura which looks downright glittery in the pan is not on the lids. The shades are right to left:

Top Row:
Nepal- seashell pink with sheen
Violetta- a pale matte lavender, the least pigmented of the bunch
Demon Lover- matte true purple--not too gray or blue

Bottom Row:
Fez- NARS describes this as velvety cocoa, I think it leans more to bronze but regardless, it’s a gorgeous shade with sheen
Abyssinia- soft creamy pale beige with sheen; this is a beautiful shade as both a highlighter or an overall wash
Cordura- deep sooty brown with gold flecks, beautiful as a liner or for a dramatic nighttime smoky eye

Bottom to top: Nepal, Violetta, Demon Lover, Fez

Left to right: Fez, Abyssinia, and Cordura.

So often with palettes there will be one, if not a few, shades that don't work or won't get as much use as the others. Not true in the well thought out Pleasures of Paris. All of the shadows are pretty enough to stand on their own, but can also work together to create several different looks. Many palettes claim to take your look from day to night, but this one really delivers.

This palette is a smart purchase for two reasons:

1. It’s a good value—a single NARS shadow retails for $22 and the conatiner is so large you would probably never use it up—there are six in the palette for $55.

2. This is a very versatile palette and will not end up at the bottom of your makeup drawer or traincase.

I haven’t had a chance to experiment with this palette too much yet. I’ve done the obvious color combinations—Abyssinia to highlight the brow bone and inner corner of the eye, Nepal on the lid and Fez in the crease with Cordura as liner. This makes a very pretty polished work appropriate eye. Next I tried Nepal as a highlighter, Violetta on the lid and Demon Lover in the outer “V” of the eye with Urban Decay 24/7 eyeliner in Gunmetal—a bit more dramatic look. What I haven’t tried yet but want to, is Abyssinia to highlight, Fez on the lid and Cordura blended into the crease and outer V with a deep black liner for a smoky eye. I really think this would be stunning.

The quality and blendability of the shadows is excellent as I’ve come to expect from NARS products. Pleasures of Paris is Limited Edition and is available at narscosmetics.com, Saks and retails for $55. Let me know if you purchase this what color combinations you come up with!

Packaging: 4/5
Quality: 4/5
Value: 5/5
Versatility: 5/5
Overall grade: A

I purchased this itme myself

New Bobbi Brown Fall Palettes

Earth Metal Lip & Eye Palette
Limited Edition. Natural, shimmering elements come together in this beautiful new palette. Inside the chrome-accented, sleek compact you'll find a flip-top mirror with exclusive Eye Shadows and Creamy Lip Colors, and mini Eye Shadow and Lip Brushes $60  Although these are very beautiful eye shadow shades, I think the palette is deceptively small so I a bit on the fence about this one.

                                        Limited Edition Glitter Lip Balm Palette  
Pretty and pampering. This sleek, chrome-accented palette is filled with four beautiful shades of glitter balm.  Unique balm formula is infused with a mix of pearls and glitter so it moisturizes, comforts, and gives lips a glowy sheen. Includes a Lip Brush  $40 Again, this palette is on the small side, in my opinion.



Limited Edition Goldstone Long-Wear Eye Palette

Made to last from dusk til dawn. Bobbi's new palette has everything you need to create a complete and long-lasting glamorous eye look: two shades of Long-Wear Cream Shadow, one shade of Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner, and a dual-ended Mini Cream Shadow/ Ultra Fine Eyeliner Brush. Perfect for travel, measures 3.23"L x 1.58"W closed $40. I'm waiting for this in mail, I purchased it when it was marked $22 on Macys.com they caught on though and it is no longer available for that price. I will review it when I receive it.

Bobbi's Greatest Hits Velvet Plum Eye Palette

Back by popular demand. The perfect day-to-night eye palette includes an allover base shade, a lower lid shade, a crease shade, liner and a dual-ended Mini Eye Shadow/Eye Liner Brush $40 I bought this palette last year when it was a limited edition and ended up returning it because I just didn't think it worked for me, I may have to look at it again.

Added Bonus: With any $65 purchase receive a free full size Metallic Eye Shadow in shade Penny ($20 value). Enter code PENNY at checkout. Expires December 15.

Dior Smoky Jazz Palette

Dior is the epitomy of glamorous and the Smoky Jazz Palette is no exception.  It is billed as “The Total Eye Makeup Clutch” and it is exactly that. Just look at the elegant packaging!I wish I had a black patent clutch purse just like it, I’d carry it everyday!

Left to right:

• A black gel eyeliner that literally glides on and lasts all day

• A universal a brow powder—this suits me to perfection and I usually use a taupe or blonde brow pencil

• A gray taupe matte eye shadow perfect for a crease shade

• A shimmery (but not glittery) grey brown taupe

• A silvery taupe eye shadow

• And a pearly white topcoat

The palette includes two double ended brushes. One for eye shadow and the other for eyebrow or eyeliner application. I have used the slanted brush for both. It applies the brow powder perfectly and you can get the thinnest line of eyeliner with it. The brushes included in palettes, even high –end ones are not the best and I normally don’t even use them, but I thought the slanted brush in this palette was worthwhile.

I am amazed and how good my eyes look when I use this palette! Even though these shadows are neutrals, the palette can create a number of looks from a subdued work appropriate eye to sexy smoky for nighttime. I like the fact that there is a silvery taupe as well as the greyed brown taupe in the palette to give some options. The Dior Smoky Jazz Palette retails for $65 which may seem a bit steep but consider that it has 4 eye shadows, eyeliner and brow powder—just add some of my favorite Dior Iconic mascara and you’ve created a sophisticated and classic look. This palette is Limited Edition and available at Dior counters everywhere as well as Sephora. There is a second version called Purple Jazz which is a Nordstrom Exclusive.

I purchased this palette myself

To Shimmah or Not to Shimmah?

Women have been told over and over to give up shimmery eye shadow after 35. Who says? I say rules were meant to be broken—with limitations. Even Bobbi Brown who was so against anything shimmery a few years ago has relented. Hence, her Shimmerbrick blushes and Shimmerwash eye shadows.

The trick as always is subtlety. Yes, give up the glitter. I lived through the age of disco, with my spandex leotard and matching wrap skirt, doing The Hustle and I don't want really want to go there---again. I just can't get behind MAC pigments or the loose glitter shadows many brands carry. Not only will glittery eye shadows date you, but they settle into fine lines and wrinkles. I know I have crow’s feet but I don’t have to advertise it for goodness sake.

Now in my opinion,  a little shimmer never hurt anyone. I’m not talking bling bling, but a slight sheen is attractive and makes your eyes pop. In fact, if people are concentrating on your eyes, they won't notice those crow's feet as much. A few brands I’ve tried and like are Lorac, Benefit Velvet eye shadows and Becca. Chantecaille, and Shu Uemura’s pearl finish are also great choices.

This is what I'm talkin' about!

Another option is a combination of matte and shimmer. I always like a bit of shimmer under the brow bone while a matte shadow on the lid looks polished and work appropriate.

Make sure you are using a good eye shadow base, it will smooth out any crepeiness (is that a word?), help your eye shadow adhere and last all day without creasing. A good eye cream morning and night is essential for those of us over 40 to keep eyes hydrated.

Bright colors are trendy and fun, but keep the colors to a minimum if you are worried about defining lines and wrinkles. In the words of Helena Rubenstein: Whether you are sixteen or over sixty, remember, understatement is the rule of a fine makeup artist. And after all, you are your own makeup artist!

Style Snob, MAC's "Taupe" Banana

Taupe is a universally flattering eye shadow shade. It always looks classic and polished, never garish and works with all skintones. It is so popular, that there is a sub-group of makeup junkies devoted to taupe eye shadow. My fellow blogger, Pink Sith is such a junkie. Read her article on the virtues of MAC's Style Snob here. And hurry because it's Limited Edition, like that's a surprise!  They come out with a new LE collection every 3 weeks I swear-- but I digress. You have to buy this eyeshadow!

Photo courtesy of Pink Sith
I purchased this product myself

Smashbox Reign Fall Collection 2009

"Decadent mirrored compacts with 6 baked shadows in both matte and shimmer for higher pigmentation and longer wear. Wear the shimmery shades wet for a metallic, smoky look or dry for a gorgeous wash of luminous color. Use the matte shades as a base, or in the outer corners and crease to intensify a smoky eye." 

I love the idea of matte and shimmery coordinated shades, I think this will make for a very polished eye.  $42.00

The collection consists of two eyeshadow palettes: Majesty is matte and shimmery champagne, cabernet, & black. Monarch looks fairly warm with a matte and shimmery gold, copper and dark brown. A double ended lip liner/lip color in shades current and amaretto, Reign fusion blush, a matte and shimmer blush in a peachy nude, a very pretty lip gloss in Crowned, a peachy pink and Lash DNA mascara.

Chanel Debut: Paris-New York

Created by the CHANEL Makeup Studio in Paris especially for the United States, this essential all-in-one makeup wardrobe now features three new must-haves: two cream concealers and one cream blush. The exclusive colour collection, named ‘Paris-New York,’ also includes two shades of lipgloss, one cream lip colour, three powder eyeshadows, a sponge-tipped applicator and a soft-bristled lip brush.

CHANEL Paris-New York multi-use makeup alette is available exclusively online at Chanel.com.

I have a love addiction to palettes. They are such a no-brainer; everything in one place all coordinated for you. That's why this Chanel palette will go on my wish list. It not only has eye shadows and lip colors but blush and concealer as well, truly one stop makeup!

Chanel Symphonie Blanche de Chanel

Chanel is my one of most coveted makeup brands. When I think of Chanel, a chic,  sophisticated and classy woman impeccably dressed comes to mind. And Chanel's new Symphonie Blanche collection is the makeup she would be wearing.

The White Whisper eye shadow quad features a quartet of shades - silver pink, pearly white, light gold and dark silver for a luminious effect. This quad will take you from day to night in a flash! $56

Fleurs Celestes de Chanel is a gorgeous trio of face highlighters. White, pink and bronze powders provides a natural looking radiance to accentuate the gentle curves of the face and décolleté. The compact itself is a work of art with an arrangement of embossed flowers across a 'field' of snowy white. $65

Nails stand out with LE VERNIS Nail Colour, in new limited-edition Blanc Pétale, a crisp white. $23

The collection also includes Poudre Douce in Rosee, a soft pressed powder with light reflecting pigments, Rouge Hydrabase lipstick in Simply Pink, Le Crayon Kohl eye pencil in new shade Blanc and Intimitable mascara, a favorite of mine. See the entire collection at Chanel.com

Some day a classic Chanel bag will be mine!

Bobbi Brown Limited Edition Nude Eye Palette

Bobbi Brown is the Queen of "Me but Better" makeup; a natural look to enhance your best features without looking too harsh and madeup.  I love that! Her Limited Edition Nude Eye Palette personifies her philosophy beautifully. The shadows are a combination of 3 different textures: soft matte, lightly pearlized, and metallic high-shimmer.

Included Exclusive Shades: Navajo Eye Shadow, Pebble Metallic Eye Shadow, Chino Eye Shadow, Beige Linen Shimmer Wash Eye Shadow, Maple Sugar Metallic Eye Shadow, and Caviar Eye Shadow (which makes a great eyeliner).

The palette is housed in a customizable 3 Pan Palette, so you can interchange them with other Bobbi Brown eyeshadow, lip and blush pans. See the Fall 2009 Nudes Collection at BobbiBrown.com

Deal of the Week - Lorac Starter Kit for Only $18.50!!

Lorac has done it again! This starter kit is a great way to try Lorac cosmetics at a terrific price--$18.50. Founder Carol Shaw (Lorac is Carol spelled backwards), is a makeup artist who found her destiny after having a makeover at a Beverly Hills salon as a teenager. Carol creates treatment based makeup and puts care before color never sacrificing either. Read more about Carol here.

The Starter Kit includes:

3 eyeshadows in Cappuccino-light brown with sheen, Harmony-peach with sheen and Persuasion--creamy beige with sheen.

2 Lip Polishes in Delicious, a mauve shimmer and Bliss, a light taupe shimmer

Front of the Line liquid eyeliner in Black

2 Cream Lipsticks in Eloise and Charity--no descriptions yet

A mini TANtalizer Baked Bronzer--this bronzer has a cult following, no kidding!

A double ended eyeliner/eyeshadow brush

Lorac is one of my favorite brands, they make quality products at great prices. This is not teenybopper makeup, but suitable for us mature women. Even the "shimmer" eyeshadows are very subdued, actually more like sheen.


I especially love the palettes Carol creates, Snake Charmer is my very favorite palette of all time. Give this brand a try!

Clinique Most Wanted - Limited Edition

While perusing the cosmetics counters in my local Macy’s, I spotted this darling palette from Clinique. Aptly named “Most Wanted” it is inspired by the most popular Clinique lipstick shades; Blushing Nude, Black Honey and Raspberry Glace. Each silvery zippered compact features a Colour Surge Eye Shadow Trio and Soft-Pressed Powder Blusher. The Most Wanted Compact is Limited Edition and available in Most Wanted Nudes, Berries and Deep. It’s the perfect size for your handbag and great for touch ups or travel. $36

Introducing Frugal Friday

In this economy we all need to save a buck or two whenever we can. Every Friday I’ll highlight a beauty product that is not only high quality but a great value as well.

Today’s product is Revlon Colorstay 12 hour Eyeshadow Quad. Four silky smooth color coordinated shades that last all day. Honest. There are 18, count ‘em 18 color variations; nudes, neutrals, browns, greens, blues, you name it. I chose Nude Elements which reminds me of the Dior Parisian Lights quint.

Revlon Nude Elements quad swatched. From left to right: pearly white, great to highlight under browbone, nude peach shade: a barely there peach shade, taupe shade: taupe with a wee bit of plum, charcoal shade: a light charcoal shade with a hint of blue. I wore this quad today--the white under browbone, peach on lid and inner corner, taupe in crease and charcoal used wet to line. Very soft and pretty!
Revlon Colorstay 12 hour eyeshadow quads retail for $6.99. I got mine on sale at WalMart for $5 and have seen them at various drugstores on BOGOF (buy one get one free) sales. That's only $3.50 each!!
P.S. Sorry for the bad swatch pic, I need to read the manual for my camera, but you can see my scars from my recent surgery--ewww.
What do you think of this quad? Let me know in the comments.

I purchased this product

Estee Lauder Sensous Gold Fall 2009

Wowza! the model looks amazing! Estee Lauder's Fall 2009 Collection is called Sensuous Gold--warm tones of sun baked nudes and rose, lit with glimmers of gold, flattering on every skintone. I'm sold!

The collection features Senusous Gold Signature Lipstick in Cinnamon, Rose Amethyst, Plum Amethyst and Terracotta, Pure Color Senusous Gold Multi Gloss in Rose Gold and Amethyst, two eyeshadow quads in Rose Gold and Rose Amethyst, two Limited Edition Nail Colors in
Black Amethyst and Rose Gold.

Here's a sneak peak of the collection:

I checked with two of my local EL counters and neither had the collection in so I don't have swatches for you yet, hopefully soon though, I think the eyeshadow quads especially look promising. What do you think of the collection? Let me know in the comments!