Turquoise: BH Cosmetics’ December Birthstone Palette

The December birthstone, turquoise, is celebrated in the final installment of BH Cosmetics’ “Birthstone Collection,” a series of eyeshadow palettes released throughout 2021. Priced at $9, the “Turquoise for December” palette offers a range of blues, greens, and browns in glitter, shimmer, and matte finishes, designed to create “free-spirited and smoldering” eye looks. This collection, alongside other monthly releases, demonstrates a contemporary approach to birthstone recognition, linking traditional symbolism with modern cosmetic trends. While the provided sources primarily focus on the cosmetic product itself, they offer a glimpse into the broader cultural significance of turquoise as a December birthstone and its association with Southwestern jewelry traditions.

A Collection Inspired by Tradition

BH Cosmetics launched the “Birthstone Collection” as a year-long project, releasing twelve palettes, each dedicated to the gemstone associated with a specific month. The initiative began with garnet for January and culminated in turquoise for December. The concept aimed to provide affordable and accessible options for individuals to connect with their birthstones through color and artistry. The palettes were released individually, creating a sense of anticipation and encouraging collectors to acquire the full set. The collection’s popularity is evidenced by the frequent mentions and promotional activity surrounding each release.

The Allure of Turquoise in Cosmetics

The “Turquoise for December” palette features an “over-sized sparkling turquoise hero shade” alongside complementary blues, greens, and brown neutrals. The palette includes a variety of finishes – pressed glitter, matte, and shimmer – allowing for versatile eye makeup looks. The inclusion of a mini mirror within the compact palette caters to on-the-go application. The palette’s affordability, at $9, makes it an accessible option for makeup enthusiasts. One reviewer noted the palette is “super pigmented,” highlighting the quality of the color payoff despite the low price point. The palette is described as vegan and cruelty-free.

Birthstones: A Historical Overview

The tradition of associating gemstones with specific months dates back centuries, though the modern list of birthstones has evolved over time. The sources indicate a connection between birthstones and personal identity, with each gem carrying unique traits and significance. Beyond the traditional Western birthstone list, the sources highlight the importance of gemstones in Southwestern jewelry, particularly turquoise, which is “revered for its earthy hues and timeless beauty.” This suggests a broader cultural context where gemstones are not merely decorative but also hold spiritual and symbolic meaning. The sources list other birthstones for various months, including garnet for January, amethyst for February, aquamarine for March, diamond for April, emerald for May, pearl for June, ruby for July, peridot for August, sapphire for September, opal for October, and citrine for November.

Turquoise in Southwestern Tradition

The sources specifically mention turquoise’s significance in Southwestern jewelry. In this context, turquoise is not simply a birthstone for December but a deeply ingrained element of cultural heritage. The sources note that turquoise, alongside red coral for January, represents the “lifeblood of Mother Earth, offering tranquility and clarity.” This connection to nature and spiritual well-being underscores the importance of turquoise beyond its aesthetic appeal. The sources also mention charoite, purple spiny oyster shell, and sugilite as Southwestern alternatives for February, demonstrating the rich diversity of gemstones used in this tradition. Light colored turquoise is specifically listed as a birthstone for March.

The BH Cosmetics Collection and Market Value

The BH Cosmetics birthstone palettes were initially priced at $9. However, resale markets, such as eBay, show the palettes being sold for higher prices, with one listing for the “Turquoise for December” palette at $18.50 (approximately C $25.81), plus shipping costs. This suggests a demand for the palettes, particularly among collectors or individuals who missed the initial release. Shipping costs to international locations, such as Canada, are approximately $25.02 (C $34.91) via eBay International Shipping. The availability of combined shipping discounts for multiple purchases further incentivizes collecting the entire series.

Palette Contents and Shades

While the primary focus of the sources is on the “Turquoise for December” palette, details are provided for the “Garnet” palette as an example of the collection’s structure. The “Garnet” palette features seven shades: Garnet (shimmery red-pink), Loyal (matte medium brown), Go-Getter (bold, vibrant matte red), Werks It (dark matte brown), Productive AF (shimmery white), Sensitive (nude matte), and Street Smart (pressed glitter black). The palette’s versatility is highlighted by its ability to create both daytime and nighttime looks, with neutral shades complementing bolder reds and blacks. The inclusion of pressed glitter is noted as a feature, though some users may prefer to avoid glitter in their eyeshadows.

Purchasing and Availability

The “Turquoise for December” palette was initially available for purchase directly from BH Cosmetics. The sources indicate that customers could sign up to be notified when their birthstone palette was released. BH Cosmetics frequently offers sales and promotions, and some customers were able to receive free shipping on orders over $40. The availability of the palettes may vary depending on demand and stock levels.

Conclusion

The “Turquoise for December” palette from BH Cosmetics’ “Birthstone Collection” represents a contemporary interpretation of a long-standing tradition. While the sources primarily detail the cosmetic product itself, they illuminate the broader cultural significance of turquoise, particularly within Southwestern jewelry traditions. The palette’s affordability, versatility, and connection to a meaningful symbol make it an appealing option for makeup enthusiasts and individuals interested in exploring the symbolism of birthstones. The collection as a whole demonstrates a creative approach to celebrating personal identity and connecting with cultural heritage through the medium of color and artistry.