On The Shelf

Overview: Marc Anthony Dream Waves Beach Spray

Purchase Price $8.99 + tax

Retailer Local Ulta

Check out www.marcanthony.com for more product info

Product Review:

Spring could not be getting here soon enough for this chickadee to remind me warmer days are certainly head. But to shake those wintry blues away, and almost fast forward to summer, the heavenly coconut aroma of this spray will magically teleport you to your very own beach front bungalow…well at least your hair.

This spray is simple to use on out of the shower wet hair or dry as can be morning bedhead, as I’ve done both. On wet hair I get more refined curls and spraying on dry hair has given me that simple beach wave look this product boasts. I’ve seen a friend with poker straight hair achieve the easy beachy tousled hair with no problems. It definitely adds shine to those no shampoo days too, which is probably from the “hydrolyzed silk” and pro-vitamin B5. As the Dream Waves mists onto hair it does not weigh it down or leave it dull and crunchy the way other sprays sometimes do. So if you are looking for that true “beach hair wave”, look no further Dream Waves delivers!

To sum up: 1. Affordable. 2. Product delivers on promises. 3. Demonstration on the Marc Anthony website on how to use (click link above). 4. Coconut smell is not overly chemically artificial. This was truly a dream addition to my shelf!

On The Shelf

Overview: Physicians Formula Sexy Booster Ooh La La Sexy Eyes Trio

Purchase Price $12.95 + tax

Retailer Multiple (CVS local)

Check out www.physiciansformula.com for more product info

Product Review:

Physicians Formula is a company where the products I’ve bought were always dermatologist approved. Even though this trio was given to me it is as well dermatologist approved. Finding drugstore alternatives for cosmetic counter eyeliners always is a task. Add in the fact most “good” ones are usually expensive and you may wonder, what can be left? Again, want to say thanks to the co-worker and reader of this blog who gave this set to me.

The Sexy Eyes Trio is very appealing as it stores so neatly into a “provocative pouch” always ready for on the go action! Having your choice of three different types of liners means you’ll most likely love at least one of them. First up was a retractable pencil liner, which was my favorite. It lined the upper and lower lids perfectly and worked well for the inner rims without any smudging. Surprisingly I feel it could last a full 24 hours on upper lids, let’s say in the form of a cat-eye, without major issues. Next the Kohl Kajal was smooth to apply but smudged a great deal. I always seemed to mess the tip of the crayon like liner whenever recapping for storage. Last, the felt-tip eyeliner, for me, was a no go. Mine was completely dried out from the minute I tore into it fresh from the packaging.

Out of the two that I was able to use I had no issues with sensitivity or irritation to eyes or skin. This truly is a “hypoallergenic” product as promised along with being gluten and paraben free. I would say a good try for any shelf and the results I had would make me confident to try one of Physicians Formula full size eyeliners. 

On The Shelf

Overview: 1995 Lipstick and Buttercup Lipstick

Purchase Price $19 ea + tax and S/H

Retailer www.gerardcosmetics.com

Check out www.gerardcosmetics.com for more product info

Product Review:

1995 is a signature lipstick in the Gerard Cosmetics lineup thanks to Jaclyn Hill. If you’re a makeup junkie you most likely follow social media outlets and have seen Gerard Cosmetics on a face here and there, especially lips. Their lipsticks caught my eye for many reasons but first and foremost are the colors. 1995 is a creamy matte neutral tone with a hint of brown “inspired” by the 90s grunge runways and teenage angst. This color is perfect for any throwback look or use for modern twist. I have had no issues with this lipstick staining or drying out my lips. The color last almost all day but touchups are easy as the color glides on with the lightest touch. I have found 1995 to pair great with MAC’s Soar lip liner.

Buttercup is another Jaclyn Hill Collection color offered by Gerard Cosmetics. Having a creamcicle scent adds to this wonderful nude pink color. Unfortunately this color was a spot on match to my natural lip color, so applying it made no difference. However, my friend who is more medium skin toned with more rose colored lips tried it on and it gave her that instant POP she was looking for.

Sure wish Gerard would expand enough to partner with a retailer where I could test colors before buying, just so there are no repeats of my Buttercup experience. But it looks like 1995 will be on my shelf for as long as I can get it.

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