[edit 6/2/09: Fyrinnae's website now recommends Inks for use only on waterline, but Sixxmum says she's still using them as normal liners.]

Sixxmum’s Review:
Fyrinnae Inks are the goddesses of liquid liners for the vegan or mineral-inclined set. While they do have their little “quirks,” the problems are far outweighed by the benefits, making them my go-to liner for everyday use and more fun looks.

As with all Fyrinnae products, the packaging is rather plain – they put the focus on what’s inside instead. The clear tubes with metal tops are functional, not fancy. The clear tube is actually a benefit, both for ease in locating the appropriate color and for the “shaking issue” to be discussed later. The brush in the liner is a thin, round brush, with a slightly angled/beveled tip. The liners sell for around $10 each (free shipping at $25) and last for-e-ver. They are working on a smaller container for those who might want/need that for testing or travel. However, if the brush changes, I would still suggest the large size.

The primary positives of the product are color, ingredients, and ease of application. Fyrinnae has developed a range of very pretty colors, ranging from jewel tones to bold reds to more muted taupes and creams. My personal favorite at the moment is Flattery Will Get You Everywhere, a medium cool taupe (so pretty). There is a color for everyone in this line. Ingredients are another thing to crow about in the liners. They contain Isododecane, Cyclomethicone {and} Dimethicone Copolyol, Mica, Carbomer, Titanium Dioxide, DMDM Hydantoin, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate and dependent on color may contain Iron Oxides, Ferric Ferrocyanide, and Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate. So, in general, the ingredients are relatively “natural” and they are completely vegan (woohoo!). I find that they aren’t at all irritating to my easily annoyed eyes. Though I do not use them on the waterline (because that’s just a no-no for me), others have said they work well there too. The final, and possibly most important characteristic is ease of application. I don’t know if it’s the brush or the consistency, but these inks go on like a dream, creating a smooth line that can be smudged for the first while but then sets and stays put all day. These are the only liquid liners I can use effectively. I find laying the brush along the lashline and drawing it across is the easiest application method and is close to foolproof for me.

The problems with these inks are really just… one “problem.” They do separate quickly and have to be shaken very very vigorously to mix before use. If you do not shake them effectively: 1) they don’t apply as easily; 2) they seep into fine lines and don’t create a smooth line; 3) they don’t set up fully; 4) they run/smear. So, basically, shaking well means no problems, but not shaking well enough can mean many. If I start to apply and find that the line is not smooth or that the liner is seeping, I know that I need to cap it up and shake more.

Overall, I would (and have) strongly recommend these liners to anyone who is a fan of liquid liners, or even to anyone who wants to try some cool new colors but might not be the most agile with liquid lining. If Fyrinnae ever stops making them, it’s going to be a darn sad day in Sixxmumville.
Fyrinnae Inks: Dazzling Darkness, Bionic Brown, Lovers Quarrel, Lover’s Quarrel, Lovers’ Quarrel, Colorful Metaphor, Colourful Metaphor, Tinsel Taupe, Brazen Burgundy, Intoxicating, Makeup Sex, Make-up Sex, Captivating Cobalt, Charismatic Cream, Flamboyant Forest, Ninja, Flattery Will Get You Everywhere, Violet Vendetta, Midnight Mistress

Cue Fyrinnae (“Fyeer-ih-nay”), online makeup e-tailer whose line is 100% vegan, 100% not tested on animals. A company after my own heart, they also swatch their products (wet and dry) to help you make those online purchasing decisions.

Sparkle is the hardest thing to capture in picures, and most of today’s shades contain tiny micro sparkles (Tapir and Oil Spill are the chief exceptions). I swatched these shadows dry, with sponge-tip disposable applicators, but — as with most loose shadows, especially sparkly ones — it’s probably best to apply over a base to minimize fallout (I like MAC Paint Pots). Fyrinnae’s website says best results are achieved by pressing or patting on the shadows, rather than swiping.

Faerie Glamour and Mystic (pictured left, Fyrinnae’s images) are both Arcane Magic shades, which means the colors are duochrome — they shift colors as light moves across them. I wasn’t able to achieve this effect this time (bad technique, perhaps). To my eye, Mystic was a soft black with blue sparkles, and Faerie Glamour was purple with blue sparkles.

Fire Opal is brown with copper sparkles; Still Breathing is a striking black with magenta; Sluagh is purple with pink-gold sparkles. Hypercool is black with blue sparkles, whereas Boytoy is black with apple green sparkles. Baby Beluga is ice blue, and Polar Bear is warm gold sparkles that made me think of The Golden Compass. Nijiro is white with those tiny iridescent sparkles (compare to MAC’s Vanilla pigment, which reflects peach-pink-gold and lacks the tiny sparkles).

Tapir is one of the selections in the Endangered Collection, 17 shades inspired by endangered animals, and a portion of the proceeds from every Endangered shadow is donated to the World Wildlife Fund.

Bad news: Oil Spill was discontinued a few months ago (sorry to be a tease — I didn’t realize when I was swatching). Good news: It was replaced by the prettier, more blendable Sea Turtle. Even better news: Sea Turtle is one of the shades from the Endangered Collection.

Fyrinnae loose eyeshadows are between $5 and $6 (for 1–1.5 teaspoons of shadow) — or you can pick up a sample for $1.75. They arrive in clear jars (not baggies, hallelujah!), and shipping is $3 domestic, $3.50 international, or free for orders over $25 — worldwide. Their Lip Lustres (stain-glosses) are $2.50 each; liquid eyeliners are between $9 and $11.

Fyrinnae Loose Eyeshadows: Fire Opal, Oil Spill, Still Breathing, Mystic, Faerie Glamour, Slaugh, Hypercool, Boytoy, Tapir, Daemon’s Tail, Lucky Charmed, Kurisumasu!, Snow Leopard, Lousy Tip, Nijiro, Baby Beluga, Polar Bear