We're happy to be introducing another makeup reviewer and instructor. Shruti Anand (http://www.youtube.com/user/shrutiarjunanand) is a makeup artist who specializes in makeup artistry for Indian skin and fashion. She has many tutorials for facial beauty as well as body art! She recently pitted the Ben Nye Glam Eye Shadow Palette and the Ben Nye Lumiere Brilliants Palette against the competition. Ben Nye performed VERY WELL in Shruti's opinion and we agree.

She also just posted a fantastic tutorial specifically for Indian complexions for a great evening look. Shruti's style revolves around a flattering foundation coupled with stunning eye makeup designs. Be sure to subscribe to her channel for her continuing series of new makeup tutorials featuring great Ben Nye products!

And, as always, don't forget to check her video descriptions for a coupon code to use on our website for discounts on all Ben Nye Makeup products!

We recently enabled USPS Priority Mail as an alternative to standard UPS Ground shipping. This has allowed our customers purchasing light weight items such as makeup to have a less expensive option to receive their items in a timely fashion. It's been a popular choice but it does have some pro's-and-con's I would like to explain here.

USPS Priority Mail v. UPS Ground shipping:

Tracking: The USPS tracking is much slower to update and less detailed about what is happening to your package. UPS tracking updates regularly so you are sure your package is on its way.

Delivery Attempts: If a USPS delivery attempt is missed, the package will be held at your local USPS branch and a notification card will be left for you. UPS will generally attempt to deliver your package for 3 business days before holding your package.

Expense: USPS is a less expensive option for approximately the same service and timeframe as UPS Ground.

Saturday Delivery: USPS currently delivers packages 6 days a week, Monday-Saturday, UPS Ground is Monday-Friday only.

Weight limit: USPS Priority Mail has a 70 lb. weight limit for parcels, UPS Ground has a 150 lb. weight limit for parcels.

As we have been experimenting with shipping to customers via Priority Mail, we have been unsatisfied with the lack of confirmation of delivery by signature. This is important for both us and our customers to ensure that an order arrives where and when a carrier claims it does. Priority Mail charges an extra fee to confirm by signature that a package has arrived at its destination whereas, this is a standard component of a UPS Ground delivery. As of today, we are rolling that charge into our shipping estimates and will be shipping all new Priority Mail orders with Signature Confirmation. This means you will need to be available when a package is delivered, else you will be required to pick it up at your local USPS branch office.

We look forward to continuing to explore new options to help make your shopping experience better and appreciate your feedback. Click the 'Contact Us' link at the top to drop us a line.

We're proud to be working with Megha of artistrybymegha.com to bring you the Ben Nye Summer Sale!

Batts AVL is offering a 10%-off coupon code for all Ben Nye products from July 18 to August 5. To find what the coupon code is, please check out Megha's review of the Coral and Blush Coral Creme Cheek Rouges, the Lumiere Brilliants Palette, the Wine Berry Lip Colour Pencil and the Mixing Palette. Visit her YouTube channel to browse her archives for other great product reviews and tutorials and don't forget to subscribe to get alerts when she posts new videos!

Megha is an accomplished freelance makeup artist in the Atlanta, GA area and specializes in bridal, pageant and fashion show makeup designs. She also runs the great Spoil Me Beautiful makeup blog. Additional details, including booking information can be found here.

We're testing a new feature this week: live chat! Now you can ask a question and get an answer quickly and easily from any page on our website. Just click the button labeled 'Ask a question!' in the bottom right-hand corner and a chat box will pop up. If you don't see a button, please ensure you have javascript enabled and disable any ad-blocking plugins for your browser. We don't serve ads or pop-ups on our website. 

We'll have a salesperson standing by as often as possible throughout the regular work day (8-5, M-F, Central) but if we're not available, just leave a short message with us and we'll get an answer for you as quickly as possible.