On The Shelf

Overview: NYX Butter Lip balm (marshmallow)

Purchase Price $4 + tax

Retailer Ulta

Check out http://www.nyxcosmetics.com/p-214-butter-lip-balm.aspx for more product info

Product Review:

Always having affordable prices it’s never hard to grab NYX products even on impulse. Your average lip balm can range in price from $3 - $4 depending on brand. NYX has eight colors to choose from with delicious sweet treat names like Brownie, Pana Cotta, and Parfait that may make your mouth water just from their smell. Each one is scented and also housed in a typical lip balm type tube which is very accurately color matched to the balm held inside. The colors range from neutrals to red with nice pinks in-between.

Marshmallow is a yummy scented beige tone balm that is creamy like butter, as the name implies, that glides onto lips. The creamy consistency is definitely from the main ingredients of shea butter and beeswax. The color left me wanting something more, as my lips were left muddy looking instead of having a uniform color. I feel if this had been a lipstick it would have worked better for me. Perhaps I should have went with one of their pinker shades. In any case make sure your lips are properly exfoliated as application of any tint will accentuate the dryness exposing lines and cracks.

Over all I am a little disappointed. I did not see vast improvements in moisture or protection, however, I did not really purchase this for those reasons. Since I am not a fan of tinted lip balms I figured trying it out would not hurt. Having mixed feeling I am willing to try another shade, like I said before maybe in something more pink. NYX’s Butter Lip balm has left me on the fence about being on my shelf. 

On The Shelf

Overview: GlaMER Lips; Seasonal Peppermint Lip Scrub, (USDA Certified) Mint Burst Lip Balm, and 

Natural Beeswax Lip Balm

Purchase Price Lip Scrub $12, Mint Burst Lip Balm $4, Beeswax Lip Balm $3 + s/h

Retailer www.makeupbymer.com

Check out www.makeupbymer.com for more product info

Product Review:

Harsh freezing, and subfreezing, temperatures are all the norm this month which means lips will be dry, cracked, and starving for moisture as well as protection. Now if you’re a follower of this little blog you’ve indubitably seen last year’s intro to GlaMER Lips products. These products from the inspirational mind of Mercedes Porredon-Segal, owner of Make Up By Mer and accredited MUA, have stepped it up a notch to add a completely organic, YES, “USDA certified” lines to her already awesome products! GlaMER Lips products are already natural and mostly use organic materials, however, for those of you who do not know what that extra stamp and certification means here’s a link: USDA National Organic Program. In short the approval received means that all the requirements the USDA has set have been met. Also, this is a time consuming process that is worth going through to show consumers the level of quality in potential products, especially ones that can be ingested or placed on the body.

I made a purchase before Christmas as gifts for friends, and of course myself, which had a seasonal favorite of mine the Peppermint Lip Scrub. This sweet sugary scrub has that zing of peppermint without it being overwhelming to the senses. Opening the trademark black labeled glass jar, complete with wooden spatula for application, is like opening a gift every time I get a new one. Applying a pea sized amount to dry or moist lips to exfoliate is extremely satisfying especially when some should happen to fall into your mouth. After the initial scrubbing pat lips dry and immediately apply a GlaMER Lips Balm to those newly nude lips to lock in moisture.

Mercedes was too generous in sending me, in my Christmas order, her new USDA Certified Organic Mint Burst Lip Balm and the Natural Beeswax Lip Balm to try. The all new packaging was an immediate eye catcher as it was sporting a visible safety seal and new logo placement, along with an ingredients list. Being a huge fan of the previous Cocoa Butter Mint Lip Balm, Mint burst was easy to fall head over heels for. A burst of mint is exactly what you get with the new Lip Balm the second you take the cap off and man, oh man, is the scent invigorating! After application you instantly feel the benefits of the natural organic ingredients as you get the immediate rush from the mint and feel the soothing mix of Vitamin E and non-GMO olive oil and beeswax. Mint Burst was my first ever USDA Organic product and after doing my homework and compiling the potential differences I’d have to say I am more likely to choose the USDA Organic product over just a “all natural” product. Not to say I would not use or buy products without a USDA Organic stamp but if there is a choice I would go with it.

Completely on the level, if not better than, Burt’s Bees Lip Balm I believe GlaMER Lips Natural Beeswax and Mint Burst lip balms are the next thing to BUZZ about with their USDA Organic and all natural cruelty free products! Make sure to check out GlaMER Lips and get some great products for you shelf. Don’t forget to check back often as flavors change out due to seasonal inspirations! 

On The Shelf

Overview: LUSH Catastrophe Cosmetic Fresh Face Mask

Purchase Price $6.95

Retailer Lush – In store only (Local Mall)

Check out www.lushusa.com   for more product info

Product Review:

If you’re an infrequent mall goer or a “mall-rat” chances are you’ve walked past LUSH Handmade Cosmetics. This secret hole in the wall might not have caught your eye but once inside it’s a feast for the senses. Having an array of “Bath Bombs”, hair & body items, natural cosmetics, and face masks there are certainly choices for the fussiest person to be had. Many of the products are natural and vegan but all are cruelty free.

I have longed to try one of their fresh face masks, only available in-store, and now I have. Catastrophe Cosmetic should be called No-more Blues! Being a fan of blueberries for their high vitamin properties and antioxidants this just seemed like a no-brainer. The blend of rose absolute, chamomile oil, calamine and of course blueberries make this a treat for those with sensitive skin. Deep cleaning yet soothing redness and irritation will leave skin feeling soft to the touch. I have noticed healing blemishes that have reduced in inflammation and pigmentation by adding this face mask, weekly, to my nightly cleansing routine. For me this product has been non-irritating to both my skin and around my eyes but more importantly has no offensive medicinal smell at all. If anything there is a slight floral aroma with a hint of the other blended ingredients giving Catastrophe a calming feel.

This product is easy to spread onto dry skin, however, by my third usage a couple drops of water on my fingertips helped application go a lot smoother. You’ll notice blueberry skins in the mix and the blue tint will have you looking like a Smurf for the recommended 10 minutes but don’t fret about staining as I have had no stains appear on my skin. Rinse off with warm water, but before that you’ll notice it starting to flake off and get a little dusty so don’t wear your favorite black tee. With a short shelf life of 2-3 weeks you may be wondering, “Will I use it all before it expires?” Chances are you won’t as I have gotten 4-5 uses out of it before its expiration date. The final mask was on its expiration date and there was no foul odor or mold, remember no preservatives in this product as it is Vegan.

The only downside, if the can be considered one, is the need to refrigerate it. Some may hate beauty products that need refrigeration since they can easily be forgotten like leftover Chinese takeout.

This cool blue magic mask feels very calming and almost euphoric when applied. The price is great for the volume of FRESH HANDMADE product you do receive. Plus they have a trade in container program like other retailers which adds to the awesome “go-green” mentality by recycling. This is a definite rebuy and will have a place on my shelf (in the fridge ;)!

Out Of The Closet

The following Q&A session (like previous Out of The Closets) was done via email. Selda Asan-Rodriguez owner of Nur Makeup Artistry has worked on becoming, in my opinion, a breath of fresh air when it comes to continuing the education of makeup. Personal budgets and fiduciary concerns should be a priority for everyone. However, when you want to learn techniques for professional or personal reasons, and when YouTube just doesn't cut it, her classes are what you need. Check out her blog at www.nurmakeup.wordpress.com for updates on class schedules and further contact information. Don’t forget to follow her at NURMAKEUP and NMAREVOLUTION on InstaGram to see her work!

Thanks so much again Selda for the speedy reply and without further ado:

On Jan 8, 2015, at 7:11 PM, "susiecootie@gmail.com" <susiecootie@gmail.com> wrote:

Selda,

Thank you again for wanting to do this Q&A with me. Please take your time with this as I know you are busy with a great deal of things.
And please feel free to check out my blog to preview previous Q&A's to get a feel for what the actual post will look like.
Www.cootiebeautycloset.com
Again greatly appreciate all that you do, have a blessed day.
💜✨

Susie

1. When did you decide to make such an adventurous leap from being a makeup artist to an educator of the craft?

A: On my birthday Sept 2nd of this year. It was when I finally decided to do what I've been wanting to do for years but didn't have the guts too. I decided it, and in less than 10 min I posted about it on my Instagram page announcing what I was planning on doing. 

2. With what appears to be such a huge beauty industry boom from independent start-up companies to freelance MUAs holding paid events, how did you come to the decision to have your makeup workshops be "pay what you can"?

A: Well I have been in that situation where I would see an artist post their next class and I would get so upset that I couldn't attend due to my budget at the time. I wanted to better my skills and was getting upset that It was to expensive to do so. I remember one night crying because I was missing out on one of my Idols makeup class, and said to myself " I will not be the reason someone cries for not being able to educate themselves if I ever become good enough to teach classes" So, I decided to do something no one else has ever done and create a price tag of " YOU DECIDE" 

3. Having such a supportive following on InstaGram and other social media must be greatly motivating. Have these platforms been instrumental in making people aware of NM Revolution's other important message of philanthropy? 

A: Yes! Completely helpful.

4. I'd like to say CONGRATULATIONS on your pregnancy! It is somewhat stressful to worry about the possible side effects of makeup/beauty products, without being pregnant, from allergic reaction to damaging skin. How has being pregnant changed your makeup/beauty regimen, and what advice can you pass along?

A: Thank you so much. Oh I've been very conscious of what I use on my skin even before I got pregnant but more so now. I avoid wearing makeup as much as I used too. I would wear makeup just to stay home. Haha I know that's crazy, but now I'll wear it if I have somewhere important to go. And I transitioned to Cover FX products . They are less harsh on the skin. Also I use coconut oil to cleans my face. And to moisturize. I'll use a Honey and Lemon mask twice a week. (Homemade) I try to use products that are more natural as possible. 

5. Seeing that 2015 is starting strong with one of your workshops dated for January 25th, what else is in the works for Nur Makeup?

A: Ahhhh so much more that I can't talk about yet.. But it's definitely just the beginning for my NMA REVOLUTION. I can tell you that ;)

I want to sincerely thank you for your time and inspirational approach to sharing your knowledge of the beauty industry. I am so excited to see what the future has in-store for Nur Makeup! 

Thank you so much for being interested in my journey.. I appreciate your time in writing your questions and I hope I was able to help ;) xoxoxo 

On The Shelf

Overview: NYX Doll Eye Mascara Volume

Purchase Price $9.50 (Received as gift)

Retailer Multiple

Check out www.nyxcosmetics.com  for more product info

Product Review:

Mentioned on my 12 Wants Of Christmas this mascara made it to my lashes but not my shelf. However, there’s a 50/50 chance it might make it to yours. Make sure you specify which version you want as there are THREE; lengthening, volumizing, and waterproof.

The facts, this mascara has vitamin E and a blend of oils to keep lashes from drying out. With continued usage I haven’t had any of the typical mascara concerns like lash breakage or clumping. There are a great number of highlights to this product which include; solid black shade, non-irritating, non-flaking, non-smudging, but most importantly wear-ability, you can wear this from morning to late night. Now, the down side, mind you this was with the tube I USED. Claiming to have, “nylon fibers to extend eyelashes to almost faux proportions” was not seen. The formula was a bit dry for my taste, making slow application a must for even coverage. In my opinion my results were not a true “Doll Eye” or even volume adding. As a great basic mascara this product fits the bill. I was anticipating a real “wow” for an end result but this product fell short. I’m really torn about this one because I do like it as a basic mascara, but that is not what it promised. Plus, in my case I feel a price tag of $5 would be more appropriate considering its short comings. 

FYI : Brand updates, Launches, and Events….

(image from nurmakeup.wordpress.com)

A Revolution is starting….

Selda of Nur Makeup Artistry, aka nurmakeup on social media, has taken her passion for beauty to another level. Being a certified makeup artist who continues her education with classes has decided to share her knowledge with the rest of us. Having great success with many clients and a growing social media following, specifically IG, she knew many could benefit from viewing her artistry. Selda has since made the leap into the role of educator by holding her own classes. These classes will primarily focus on beauty makeup but with a flair for fashion, which goes hand in hand with makeup. So look forward to seeing how fashion is incorporated in her classes along with other aspects of the health and beauty industry.

You might be wondering “What’s the cost?” And, “What makes her classes any different from other MUA’s/company’s events?”

This is where the REVOLUTION happens: You decide the cost. YES, YOU!

This humble woman is asking each student to bring a sealed envelope to class enclosed with the amount that he or she can afford. Honestly, I’ve NEVER heard of such a generous offer. I’ve seen many famous social media artists and brands offer classes that range from $400 - $600. Frankly, that cost is out of any average makeup enthusiast’s budget. Selda, having felt the pinch of personal finances on choosing to continue makeup education, set out to create a new standard not to deter anyone from learning. The generosity doesn’t stop there. If you are fortunate enough to register for a spot in one of her classes she asks for one additional item. An item that can be donated to either the homeless or children’s hospital.

This inspiring “pay it forward” of makeup education and charity is simply refreshing! I hope others who are in a position to create change follow in Selda’s footsteps to truly broaden minds. Follow Nur Makeup Artistry @ www.nurmakeup.wordpress.com for her blog or nurmakeup and nmarevolution on  InstaGram. 

On The Shelf

Overview: Healthy Sexy Hair – Soy Tri Wheat leave in conditioner

Purchase Price $17.95 + shipping

Retailer Ulta Online

Check out www.sexyhair.com  for more product info

Product Review:

“New Year, New You” might even include a “new do”. This mini-review might give your locks that extra love they need to maintain those freshly cut ends.

Sexy Hair products are everywhere, from my shelf to sponsoring the NYX Face Awards. I became a fan from their Big Sexy Hair line of sprays, all thanks to IPSY and their Glam bags for the introduction. Knowing that Sexy had a “healthy” line I found it time to venture that direction, and it has not been a disappointing trip yet.

First, I noticed the sweet invigorating scent of this light weight spray that did not dry onto my hair leaving a crunchy stale texture. Next, regardless of when I use this product either on dry or damp hair it gives great results similar to Redken’s Split End Treatment. My hair soaks it up and it even helps to detangle and tame simple frizz. Last, but not least, are the ingredients that are packed into this bottle; soy, Pro-vitamin B5, wheat protein, cocoa extract and more that all aid in conditioning, strengthening, locking in moisture, and giving your hair that healthy shine.

Having a price tag near $20 might seem a bit much but, for such a well branded company and the size/volume of this product this is on par with salon comparable leave-in conditioners ounce to dollar. Plus there are $5 bottles that you can try before committing to a larger purchase. Also, with a variety of retailers between coupons and promotional deals the cost drops even lower!