The BH Cosmetics Birthstone Collection presents a vibrant and accessible interpretation of the traditional birthstone concept through a series of eyeshadow palettes. Launched in 2021, the collection features twelve individual palettes, each dedicated to a specific gemstone associated with a month of the year. Priced at $9 per palette, the collection aims to bring the symbolism and beauty of birthstones to a wider audience through wearable color cosmetics. The palettes are characterized by a mix of matte, shimmer, and glitter finishes, offering a range of looks from subtle neutrals to bold, glamorous statements. Each palette includes a handy mirror for on-the-go application.
A Monthly Reveal
The collection was released incrementally, with one palette debuting each month, creating a sense of anticipation and encouraging collectors to acquire the full set. The initial release, Garnet for January, was followed by subsequent palettes representing each birthstone in order throughout the year. The brand actively promoted the collection, encouraging customers to sign up for notifications regarding the release of their corresponding birthstone palette. This strategy capitalized on the personal connection individuals feel towards their birth month and its associated gemstone.
Palette Composition and Finishes
Each palette within the Birthstone Collection contains seven eyeshadow shades, varying in size and finish. A defining feature of the palettes is the inclusion of a pressed glitter shade, intended to add a touch of sparkle and glamour to eye looks. The remaining shades encompass a range of matte and shimmer finishes, providing versatility for creating diverse makeup styles. The palettes are described as being highly pigmented, offering good color payoff with minimal effort.
The Emerald palette, dedicated to May, features lush vegan greens, golds, and browns. The Pearl palette, for June, offers a mix of brown neutrals, luminous whites, and coppers. The Amethyst palette, representing February, showcases royal purple, mauve, and rose tones.
Here's a breakdown of the shades available in some of the palettes:
| Palette | Shade Name | Finish | Color Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garnet | Garnet | Shimmery | Red-pink |
| Garnet | Loyal | Matte | Medium brown |
| Garnet | Go-Getter | Matte | Vibrant red |
| Garnet | Werks It | Matte | Dark brown |
| Garnet | Productive AF | Shimmery | White |
| Garnet | Sensitive | Matte | Nude |
| Garnet | Street Smart | Glitter | Black |
| Pearl | (Oversized Shade) | Sparkling | White |
| Pearl | (Various) | Matte/Shimmer/Glitter | Browns, Coppers, Whites |
| Emerald | Emerald | Metallic | Medium dark bright green |
| Emerald | Total Package | Metallic | Light champagne gold |
| Emerald | Restless | Matte | Dark olive |
| Emerald | Hard Worker | Metallic | Dark bronze |
| Emerald | Stuborn | Matte | Dark brown |
Gemstone Symbolism and the Collection
The collection draws inspiration from the established symbolism associated with each birthstone. The brand description for the Amethyst palette notes that amethyst is “known to bring balance,” while the Pearl palette suggests it will make the wearer “look like a pure treasure.” The collection’s overall concept aims to connect the beauty of gemstones with personal meaning, reflecting the qualities and traits traditionally associated with each month. The accompanying marketing materials highlight the unique nature of each gemstone, emphasizing that “each gemstone is as unique as the wearer.”
Materials and Ethical Considerations
The BH Cosmetics Birthstone Collection is presented as a vegan and cruelty-free product line. This aligns with the growing consumer demand for ethically sourced and produced cosmetics. The palettes are constructed with pressed eyeshadows, and the collection utilizes a variety of finishes, including matte, shimmer, and glitter. The palettes are housed in packaging reflecting the color of the corresponding gemstone, with the Emerald palette featuring green packaging.
The Broader Context of Birthstones
The collection taps into a long-standing tradition of associating specific gemstones with each month of the year. While the origins of this practice are somewhat obscure, it dates back to ancient times. The modern birthstone list has evolved over the centuries, with different cultures and historical periods assigning varying gemstones to each month. The collection’s inclusion of a comprehensive list of birthstones – Garnet, Amethyst, Aquamarine, Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, Peridot, Sapphire, Opal, Citrine, and Turquoise – acknowledges this rich history.
Accessibility and Affordability
A key aspect of the BH Cosmetics Birthstone Collection is its affordability. Priced at $9 per palette, the collection makes the concept of gemstone-inspired beauty accessible to a broad range of consumers. This price point positions the palettes as an impulse purchase or a relatively inexpensive way to experiment with different color stories. The collection’s affordability contrasts with the often-high cost of genuine gemstone jewelry, offering a more accessible way to connect with the symbolism and aesthetic of birthstones.
Conclusion
The BH Cosmetics Birthstone Collection represents a creative and accessible interpretation of a centuries-old tradition. By translating the beauty and symbolism of birthstones into a range of affordable eyeshadow palettes, the collection appeals to a wide audience of makeup enthusiasts and those interested in the personal significance of their birth month. The collection’s incremental release, vibrant color stories, and ethical considerations contribute to its overall appeal, offering a fun and engaging way to celebrate the unique qualities associated with each gemstone.
Sources
- BH Cosmetics Birthstone Collection Emerald for May Eyeshadow Palette - Review and Swatches
- BH Cosmetics Birthstone Collection Amethyst for February
- BH Cosmetics Birthstone Collection Pearl for June Shadow Palette
- BH Cosmetics The Birthstone Collection
- BH Cosmetics Birthstone Palettes
- Gaala Birthstone Jewelry