Search Results for: beautycounter

10/03/2017

Beautycounter Makeup Review

I’ve reviewed skincare offerings from Beautycounter before but ya know what? I’ve never reviewed their makeup offerings. Weird right? I had to change that so here we are.

Thanks to my friend Kelli Weber, I was able to try a whole slew of Beautycounter makeup for review. I’ll be giving you the scoop on what is solid and what is…soggy? I’ll be showing you a very natural, no-makeup makeup look I created with Beautycounter products as well.

If you’re not familiar with Beautycounter, it’s available through direct consultants as well as in some retail locations. Their whole mission is getting safer products into everyone’s hands, which includes skincare, cosmetics and baby care. They have an infamous “never list” which are ingredients they deem to be harmful and will not be found in any of their products.

Along with their founder, Gregg Renfrew, they lobby in Washington for more regulation in cosmetics and personal care. Beautycounter is also a member of the Counteract Coalition, an alliance of companies pushing for the Personal Care Products Safety Act. Other brands in the Coalition include Josie Maran, Vapour Organic Beauty and Vintner’s Daughter.

Beautycounter has quickly become the go-to, upscale natural brand via partnerships with Target, J.Crew and a pop up shop in Nantucket. I’ve reviewed the brand previously in these posts I’ve also mentioned it as an option in this post.

What I Tried

Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer – #2
Tint Skin Foundation
Touch Up Skin Concealer Pen
Color Pinch Cream Blusher – Hibiscus
Color Contour Matte Bronzer
Volumizing Mascara
Lip Conditioner in Peppermint
Sheer Lipstick in Coral

What I Loved

I genuinely enjoy both Beautycounter options for complexion correction, Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer – #2 and Tint Skin Foundation. I would always opt for foundation, as my skin isn’t good enough to get by with tinted moisturizer alone, but the sample of Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer – #2 matched better than the Tint Skin Foundation sample. That’s what I’m wearing in the look below. I can recommend either of these, depending on your coverage preference.

I also liked the Touch Up Skin Concealer Pen. It offered more coverage than I expected, especially for under eye circles. It’s reminiscent of YSL Touche’ Eclat. It blends out nicely and doesn’t feel sticky or heavy.

The Sheer Lipstick in Coral was a magical color on me. I’m dumb and didn’t take a pic but take my word for it. For yellow undertones, this shade is wonderful. I’ve used the shade Twig on a client and it’s a beautiful nude, as is Terra.

The Color Contour Matte Bronzer is a cruelty free, cleaner version of Benefit’s Hoola. I am not a daily, or even weekly bronzer wearer. I really dig this though for a few reasons. It’s matte, first of all. Also, it’s not uber-pigmented, which actually makes it easy to build. I also like it for a transition color in the crease.

The Powder Blush Duos delivered a nice amount of color and surprisingly long staying power. I liked both Tawny/Whisper and Flamingo/Apricot. I swirled both shades together in each.

What I Didn’t Love

As you’ll see in the photos below, the Volumizing Mascara was just a little too natural for me. I had high hopes, because I really liked the brush style, but I want a little more oomph in the depth of pigment, especially.

I’m a big fan of cream blushes so I was really bummed and surprised that I didn’t love the Color Pinch Cream Blusher – Hibiscus. I have very dry skin though and this isn’t emollient enough for me. It would be better for oily skin types as it has no slip or creamy feel to it. I like it on lips as the texture is more fitting for that but it was difficult to blend on cheeks thanks to my dry skin. I did like it on my eyes too though!

My least favorite Beautycounter product was definitely the Color Shade Eye Duos. Simply put, they are very low pigment. They remind me of pretend eyeshadows for kids that aren’t real, almost as though they are made of paper. I did wet an angled liner brush and apply a black shadow as liner and it has a nice soft effect, as you’ll see in the photo below.

I know that the low pigment load is relevant to the lack of safe ingredients available to create pressed powder products but here’s the important thing. If it doesn’t perform, it doesn’t matter how safe it is because you’re going to get sick of working with it and go back to your chemical-laden options. In this instance, I’d rather you just skip eyeshadow all together as your $34 would be far better spent on their skincare.

I hope this is something they can improve upon. Beautycounter is launching a cream/liquid shadow soon and I think that has potential for sure.

While I loved the scent of the Lip Conditioner in Peppermint, it didn’t have the right viscosity to stay on my lips to retain moisture. I felt like I had to reapply so often because the oily consistency slipped off.

Beautycounter products are well suited to creating a quick, natural look. They have broken it down into what they call Flawless in Five.

My Uber Natural No Makeup Look

Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer – #2
Touch Up Skin Concealer Pen
Color Pinch Cream Blusher – Hibiscus
Color Contour Matte Bronzer
Volumizing Mascara
Lip Conditioner in Peppermint

Overall Thoughts

While I still maintain that Beautycounter truly shines at skincare, the lip products, bronzer and complexion products are really great. The complexion products were the most impressive to me and I do recommend them as an effective and clean option for complexion correction.

I’m glad that brands like Beautycounter and questioning the safety of cosmetic and personal care products and calling attention to it with their efforts. We have a lot to learn and discover, and a long ways to go it seems. If you’re curious about these issues and want to know more, this page on EWG is a great place to start.

I’m interested to know if you’ve tried these products and what your experience has been with them. Thanks so much for reading.

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07/27/2017

beautycounter review

I’ve been getting a lot of questions lately about my thoughts on Beautycounter products. I reviewed a few for this piece, but haven’t tried anything from the brand since. I got to try out a few new Beautcounter offerings, thanks to my friend JoDee, a wife and mother of three who was motivated to make a change in her personal care products for herself and her 3 littles.

“Beautycounter products have not only changed my skin but also made me more aware of all things that could be potentially harmful, that go not only on my body, but into my body. As far as my favorite product, I would say the Cleansing Balm and face oils. The Cleansing Balm has so many uses! My favorite oil is the No.1. Vitamin C does wonders for your skin!”

I was excited to try more Beautycounter products since one of my all time freaking favorite skincare brands, NUDE (rest in peace), was purchased by Counter Brands, who own Beautycounter. More on the acquisition here. Beautycounter also had partnerships with both Target and JCrew earlier in the year. All of these factors have made me sit up and take notice of the brand more.

Summer is the perfect time for me to test out these products as they address many of the concerns that come up in the sunny months like sun protection, dark spots and oily or congested skin.
What I Tried
No.1 Brightening Facial Oil
Protect All Over Sunscreen SPF30
No.3 Balancing Facial Mask
Cleansing Balm

No.1 Brightening Facial Oil
There are 3 oils in the Beautycounter lineup and they all appear to share the same base blend of oils but differentiate with a key ingredient. No.1 has the addition of vitamin C, No.2 has jasmine and No. 3 has Ylang Ylang.

I’ve been using the No.1 Brightening Facial Oil for a week and I really enjoy several things about it.

I enjoy it’s fresh, true citrus scent.
I like the texture, though described as an oil, it feels very lightweight. If you’re afraid of oils feel heavy or making your skin feel greasy, you’ll enjoy this.
I also really like the ingredients as it contains many proven, powerhouses like marula oil, vitamin C-rich rose hip, meadowfoam, argan oil, sea buckthorn, to name just a few.

Though I’ve only used it a week, I do think my skin looks firmer and more even. It wears well under makeup and didn’t irritate my eczema.

I think $68 is a totally fair price point considering the wealth of omega and antioxidant rich ingredients you’re getting. Anything below $80 for a quality facial oil is quite good, in my opinion. I definitely recommend it.

Cleansing Balm
I had tried this back when I first reviewed Beautycounter and was turned off by the strong rose scent. I swear, either they’ve changed it or my nose has become less sensitive because this time around, I didn’t notice it at all? I’d love to know if anyone else noticed a change or if it’s just me being a weirdo.

I really enjoy cleansing balms and oils because there is no violent water splashing to destroy your bathroom and they moisturize while cleansing. Beautycounter Cleansing Balm has a rich, coconut oil-like texture that breaks down makeup and softens skin. You can also use it as a hydrating mask or overnight sleeping mask.

The only thing I can criticize about this product is the price. Coming in at $80, this appears to be the priciest single product Beautycounter sells. There are certainly some cleansing balms that cost more, but more that cost less. I think this will last you a while but I can’t honestly say I’d ever spend $80 on a daily cleanser. Unless baby kittens came out of the jar every time you opened it.

If you want to try it though, now would be the time as it’s free with a $150+ purchase. That’s a hell of a deal but only lasts until the 30th.

Protect All Over Sunscreen SPF30
When I recently reviewed Glossier’s new sunscreen, I was surprised to see so much criticism about it being a chemical vs. a physical sunscreen. To be honest, I didn’t understand why people were so up in arms. Now I do, thanks to this video. The part about most sunscreens containing the equivalent of a daily dose of hormone replacement therapy shocked me. I’m now all about trying chemical-free sunscreens and Beautycounter’s fit the bill.

I like that it can be used on the face and body and a little seems to go a long way.
It feels hydrating, but soaks in and doesn’t retain a sticky or greasy feel.
It fully absorbs and doesn’t leave a white cast.
The scent is nice and subtle.
The $30 price for the size is very fair in my opinion.

Upon application, it can feel a little greasy, but it doesn’t last. My skin is dry, so perhaps my skin just soaks it up better too. I definitely recommend it.

No.3 Balancing Facial Mask
As a founding member of the dry skin club, I don’t always reach for clay masks. They often make my desert skin more desperate for moisture. I tried this out mostly in my t-zone as I do struggle with blackheads on my nose, cheeks and chin, despite my dryness. I like how quickly this dried, far quicker than most. It made my skin feel tighter and cleaner, but it was pretty uncomfortable once dry. I definitely felt like I needed some heavy hydrations afterwards.

Ingredient wise, because this contains kaolin clay, salicylic acid and charcoal powder, it’s nice to use as a blemish treatment, for me, that’s the week before my period. If you’re combo/oily, I think you’ll really like this. A thin layer works best so the 2 oz. size will probably last you a while.

Is this the most economical charcoal mask? Definitely not at $48. For comparison, this one is $20 for about the same size and contains similar ingredients. Another comparable would be this one, still cheaper for more product. I recommend it for oily skin and people who are balling, but not on a budget.

Overall Thoughts
Beautycounter makes safe, effective, high quality products in luxurious-feeling packaging. The prices of some products can be at a luxury level for some, which may prevent many from making the switch to safer products. I think there are a few Beautycounter products that are not necessarily unique to the brand but if you don’t mind spending a little more, you can rest assured you’ll find clean, safe products all in one place. I really love the oil and sunscreen and will continue using them.

Products were provided for review purposes. If you choose to purchase through the links here and shop under the Wake Up For Makeup Social, I will earn credit to redeem for product. No financial compensation was received.

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01/04/2018

Skincare Resolutions

I know it’s cliche to talk resolutions and “new year, new me” but you have to admit; there’s something really hopeful about a new year. It’s a clean shot at something better. That something better might as well be your skincare along with the rest of ya!

As a beauty blogger, working makeup artist and overall beauty product collector, you wouldn’t think I’d need to make skincare resolutions. Yet, here we are. Once you know better, you do better though and the day I think I know everything? Well, I may as well peace out. So here is what I’m vowing to do better in the skincare department.

Eye cream
While I’m super faithful about eye cream every night before bed, I usually skip it in the day time. Like, what the hell, right?! I am vowing to use my Sunday Riley Auto Correct in the AM in addition to the PM. It’s awesome because it has caffeine and instantly brightens. Review here.
SPF
I have zero excuses to not be applying this daily. I am ashamed of myself! I have 2 great ones I love too. I alternate between Glossier Invisible Shield, which wears perfect under makeup (review here) and the Beautycounter Protect All Over. See that review here.
Vitamin C
Of course I want to lighten, tighten and brighten so I should be using a vitamin C serum under my daily moisturizer. I currently have in my arsenal Sunday Riley C.EO. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum and Murad Advance Radiance Serum and now I just need to use them more religiously!
Red Light
I have a Baby Quasar Pure Rayz device that uses red light to improve skin. I really notice a difference, ya know, when I use it! I need to be using it at least once a week to help build collagen. Review here.
Jade Roller
I’ve been curious about these pretty tools, promising to help with everything from wrinkles to lymphatic drainage. While there are plenty on Amazon, I ended up ordering a jade roller from a skincare brand I trust, Herbivore. The Amazon reviews were just too spotty and I wasn’t sure if they were all indeed real jade. If you shop via this link, you can get the jade roller I ordered for 15% off!
Facials
Whenever I get one, I always wonder why I don’t do it more often! I had a facial with dermaplaning done a few months back and my skin was so glowing and re-energized! I need to get some on my calendar for no other reason besides that I just look forward to them so much! I recommend Carly at BellaPelle Aesthetics if you’re local to Des Moines!
Brow Therapy
I truly cherish my brows and as I age, I worry about them thinning. The outside third is already more sparse than I’d like. I want to start using castor oil (said to help hair growth) on my brows to nourish them and encourage them to grow long and strong! Many use it on their lashes too. Worth a shot.

I so hope that this year not only brings some good skin, but just all sorts of good in general. We all deserve it.

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12/27/2017

The Worst Products of 2017

Like many things in 2017, some things weren’t what they claimed to be. Some beauty products were not only subpar, they were, well, the worst products. There’s a reason some of them never even made their debut here on my blog.

I based my decisions on one main factor: did the product make me angry while using it?
I assure you that all of the following caused rage. These products are receiving the newly-created…Wake Up For Makeup 2017 Turd Awards!🚽🏆

Maskara Foundation
Lacking in coverage and blend ability, this “foundation” made my skin look like trash. I don’t see the need to contour everyday personally, and if I do, those products wouldn’t be what I also use to cover blemishes, darkness and discoloration. I think this was made for people with great, hydrated skin, who don’t need much coverage. Find my original review here. The photos speak for themselves.

Completely Bare Easy Off Foaming Hair Removal Spray
I kind of wish you could have been in the shower with me when I attempted to use this product because omg, I was so mad! Not only did the hair removal product smell like rotten eggs but it simply didn’t work. Not even a little. The name says ‘easy’, the product says otherwise. Keep shaving.

InStyler Wet 2 Dry
This doesn’t fully dry my hair, doesn’t fully straighten it and potentially damages your hair too. I mean, what’s not to love about the InStyler Wet 2 Dry?! I don’t hate the original, meant to be used on dry hair, but I still maintain that neither one of these is easier, faster or better than just blow drying and flat ironing. My original review with video can be found here.

Beautycounter Eyeshadow Duo
These were some of the most low pigment eyeshadows I’ve used, and at a higher price point to add insult to injury. I wanted to like them but they only made me mad. I couldn’t achieve anything close to the color in the pan. I’ve tried the palettes in their holiday collection and while the colors are richer and pretty, the formula seems only slightly improved. See original review here.

e.l.f. Glitter Silicone Blender Duo
I should have known something that feels like a cold chicken breast wouldn’t apply and blend out makeup. I was right. It totally felt like I was slapping a fish on my face or something. I tried it for Halloween makeup and it failed at that too. Just stick to your brushes and beautyblender sponges of yesteryear.

Japonesque Waterless Brush Cleaner
As a working makeup artist, I clean more brushes than your average Joe so I’m always on the lookout for time-saving, sanitary solutions. I used to use the regular Japonesque brush cleaner so I thought this waterless “dry cleaning” version of brush cleaning sounded intriguing. It simply did not work. Not in the slightest. Back it went! Do not pass go, do not purchase.

If you disagree with any of the aforementioned products, I’d love for you to weigh in. It’s always good to have a discussion about different ways of using things or why something worked better for you. Also, if you sell any of the above products, please don’t take offense because this post isn’t aimed at you in any way. You are the hard working representative who should ask more of the company you work for. They owe you that for all that you do for them. If you are selling their products, they need to give you excellent products that are so good, they sell themselves. Not frustrating products or ones that “kinda” work. Please know that I’m on your side; no disrespect. Thanks for reading and letting me keep it real.

Some products provided for review purposes. No financial compensation was received. Japonesque product purchased with my own money.

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08/24/2017

Oil Cleansers

If you have dry, semi-sensitive skin and/or wear a fair amount of makeup on the daily, well first of all, we have a lot in common. Second of all, read on because oil cleansers are up your dry alley.

With skin like mine, certain cleansers can make dry skin feel even drier, make it feel tight, itchy and ouchy. I knew I’d love removing makeup and cleansing my skin with oil so I’ve been trying a bunch. With all of the cleansers below, I apply to my dry face with my fingertips, massage in and then wipe away with a warm washcloth. A little tip is to buy a bulk pack of baby washcloths for facial cleansing.

Burt’s Bees Cleansing Oil
I was so looking forward to trying this. It hit many marks for me: It has a pump, it’s widely available, moderately priced and it contains 2 ingredients I love- coconut and argan oil. While the product itself is structurally sound, the scent was so off-putting that I avoid using it. I don’t even know what it’s supposed to smell like but it makes the experience of using it not enjoyable. Full review here.

Derma E Nourishing Rose Cleansing Oil
I’m a notorious rose-scent-hater so I did not expect to like this one damn bit. To my great surprise, I love it. Yes, it smells like roses but it doesn’t bother me somehow?! It breaks up makeup, doesn’t leave any residue and leaves my skin soft and hydrated. I honestly look forward to using it every night and I find I’ve barely made a dent in the bottle despite using it often.

Pixi Double Cleanse
I’ve heard many wonderful things about Caroline Hirons, who collaborated with Pixi on this product so was excited to try it. The jar is 2-sided with a solid cleansing oil and a cleansing cream. You are to use both at night, just the cream in the day. I don’t quite understand the function of the cream as the oil seems to do the job well enough on it’s own. The solid has the consistency and feel of coconut oil. It left my eyes feeling blurry, which was a little scary. The cream side feels very light.

I felt like I went through this very quickly, which doesn’t seem too economical and because it’s a jar you swipe the product out of with your fingers, it doesn’t seem terribly hygienic. I thought I would love this but I just like it instead, especially at it’s $24 price point. Full review here.

Beautycounter Coutertime Nourishing Cleansing Balm
This is definitely pricy but effective. I swear when I first tried this it has an overpowering rose scent, but I recently tried it again and it didn’t. It has a more buttery than oily feel and leaves skin feeling hydrated and calm. I like it but just wish it wasn’t so expensive. Full review here.

Overall, my favorite oil cleanser was definitely the Derma E Nourishing Rose Cleansing Oil. It does what it says and does it well. As we move into fall, I’ll be extra thankful for oil cleansers on my rude, dry skin.

Thanks for reading!

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03/24/2017

8 Awesome Face Oils

If there is one product category that has changed my skin most noticeably and instantly, it’s face oils. Whether you have dry, combo or oily skin, I think there’s an oil for everyone. I’ll be telling you my 8 favorite face oils in this post. These do tend to work best on normal to dry skin like mine. Let me first tell you why oils are my boo thang.

Face oils contain essential fatty acids which your skin needs, but can’t make on it’s own. Oils penetrate quickly and deeply, restoring hydration repairing and protecting the skin. Want to see how well oils penetrate? Put a blob of moisturizer next to a drop of oil on a tissue. Watch how rapidly the tissue absorbs the oil. Because of their anti-inflammatory properties, many face oils can soothe skin irritations such as acne, rosacea and eczema.

For oily skin, a facial oil can actually tell your skin not to produce as much oil so don’t shy away! Many face oils are close in composition to your skin’s own natural moisturizer-sebum, so your skin readily accepts them vs. rejects them.

Ways to use oils in your routine

Mix a few drops into your regular moisturizer to amp up the hydration
Press onto skin last at night to help your regular serums and moisturizers penetrate even better
Mix a drop or two into your cleanser to help break up makeup
Add a drop to your foundation for a dewier, more hydrated finish
Press onto the tops of cheekbones for a non-shimmery highlight
Rub onto cuticles and ends of hair to camouflage split ends
Mix a drop with a loose pigment to create a liquid blush or highlight.

1. NUDE ProGenius Rescue Oil NUDE was bought by Counter Brands, parent company of Beautycounter. This has resulted in NUDE products slowly trickling out of Sephora stores. Snatch this up while you can because it has nature’s alternative to retinol-bakuchiol, as well as clarifying ingredient, coleus root. It has more of a dry oil feel on the skin so combo/oily girls will enjoy.

2. Tarte Maracujá Oil This oil is cold-pressed from the maracuja fruit, which is rich in vitamin C and essential fatty acids. This oil helps to hydrate and brighten and feels lightweight on the skin. Read more about it here.

3. Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil This is one of those expensive but awesome products. You don’t want to love it, but you will. Because it contains anti-aging powerhouse ingredient retinol, it speeds up cell turnover while it hydrates. I professed my love to here.

4. M.E. Skin Lab Huile 27 – Bio-Nourishing Cell Regenerating Oil Of course I love the chic, minimalist packaging of this but in addition, I love the herbaly scent and feel. It contains macadamia and sesame seed oil as well as carrot extract and vitamin E-rich tigernut oil. Don’t worry; it comes from a plant. This one has a bit heavier textures so combo/oily girls will likely want to choose another.

5. Sonia Kashuk Radiant Boost Restorative Facial Oil This is your bargain buy and best bang for your buck. I’m surprised I don’t hear more about this because this blend contains some seriously powerhouse oils for just $16. The reviews on Target.com only reaffirm this. You’ll experience 9 different oils in this including sweet almond, bergamot, sesame, evening primrose and stabilized retinol as a bonus.

6. LimeLight by Alcone One Drop Wonder I love this oil so freaking much. I talk all about why here. Simply put, it’s one ingredient, pomifera oil and it’s healing powers are second to none. If I could afford to bathe in it, I surely would.

7. Josie Maran Deluxe 100% Pure Argan Oil Light One of the earliest players in the now booming face oil game is Josie’s argan oil. I prefer the light version for it’s faster absorption but with all the benefits. Argan oil has powerful anti-inflammatory properties can be really helpful in healing acne and other skin irritations. Read more about argan magic here.

8. Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil This is another single ingredient oil; marula oil. Read about the powers of marula more in this post. My brother had his dry but breakout-prone skin completely transformed by this oil.

In general, when shopping for oils, a few tried-and-true ones to look for in blends are argan, jojoba, rosehip, grapeseed and safflower. Coconut oil is actually fairly comedigenic with many experiencing breakouts from it, so steer clear unless you know for certain. Other than that, if you’re not already using a face oil, why are you still here reading this post?! If so, I’d love to hear your favorites in the comments!

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03/08/2017

Products Makeup Artists Can Sell

This post is geared primarily towards makeup artists, those who generate income by providing makeup services to others. If you’re an aspiring artist or entrepreneur, or if you just love animated gifs, you might like it too. As a beauty blogger and freelance makeup artist who has also worked in retail, I sometimes feel like I straddle this weird space. First and foremost, I love doing makeup. I don’t love selling makeup necessarily, despite previously working for Sephora and occasional freelance work for Laura Mercier. What I realized when I started this blog and while working at Sephora was that I loved talking about makeup with others.
I’m not a natural-born salesperson. I have a very guilty conscience and I’m honest to a fault. Example: this past weekend I was working at an event where they main goal was selling and I straight up told the client: “honestly, you don’t really need this. You can use what you have.” Oops. But I’m not sorry. I don’t want anyone to buy anything they don’t need!
On the subject of cash monies. Being a freelance makeup artist is the best job I’ve ever had and I throw my whole self into it, but let’s be real; I’m not making vacation home money over here. It’s feast or famine with wedding season being feast. I recently heard this quote and it really puts all of this into perspective for me:
“You can only make as much money as you can do faces in a day.”
So essentially, there is a cap on your income. Until I become a makeup octopus with 8 brush-wielding appendages, there is a limit to the money I can generate. As a blogger, I do have access to affiliate links, but even so, the income I make from those is very small. If you don’t have a blog or YouTube channel, you don’t even have those so now you’re just giving Sephora/Ulta/MAC money when you refer clients there. I’m sure they appreciate it! Above all, as my fellow makeup artist, I want you to know what your options are and I want you to make money. Money doesn’t buy happiness. Money buys financial security which buys peace. I’m breaking down the options into 3 categories: wholesale, direct sales and private label.

WHOLESALE
This is an option if you have a decent amount of money upfront. You will essentially buy products at wholesale price and resell them to clients for more. This is a good option for those with brick and mortar spaces as you can display product and send clients away with it that day.

Minimums
There are minimums for ordering wholesale product and these might be higher than you need/can afford as a solo artist.

Inventory
You’ll need to start tracking what you have and how much of it. This way, you’ll know when to reorder and you won’t go to sell a shade to a client, only to find it sold out.

Storage & Display
With a large amount of product, you’ll need space to not only store it in an organized fashion but display it for clients.

Shipping & Handling
If you don’t sell in person to clients, you’ll need to account for shipping costs and the customer service that goes along with tracking #’s, exchanges and returns and general customer complaints.

Brands
TheBalm I absolutely love this line and they offer wholesale options. Here’s what I consider to be their best products. Email [email protected] for wholesale pricing.
Frankie Rose I haven’t used this line personally but I hear their gel eyeliner is second to none. For more information, contact [email protected]
Cozzette I not only adore the founder, Roque, but his products are gorgeous and high quality. I’ve reviewed them here. If you love shimmer shadows, look no further. Email [email protected] for wholesale info.
AJ Crimson Not only is AJ adorable, but his foundations are beautiful and buttery and come in an excellent range of shades. Contact [email protected] for wholesale inquiries.

DIRECT SALES
There’s a reason I’m including direct sales companies so hear me out. If you don’t want to keep inventory and do not have the funds to support large minimum wholesale orders, this may be a good option for you. Plus, I really do believe it’s not always the product that sucks but the approach and if anyone knows how to retail beauty products in an informed, non-creepy way, it’s you. I’m only including direct sales companies that I feel are legitimate and respectable, with quality products and non-agressive approaches. These are also ones that I’ve seen other makeup artists have success with. And because I know it’s going to come up, pyramid schemes are illegal because there is no actual product involved.

Marketing
You can choose whether or not you’ll sell via Facebook, Instagram, etc. but I know many have found success in selling “socially.” You can also choose to do parties or not. You can choose to create tutorial videos, blogs or do Facebook lives. I do think that you can carve your own path if you have clientele that trusts your expertise.

Minimums
Depending on the company, some require you to sell or purchase a minimum amount of product per month to remain a rep.

Start-Up Costs
Most companies have a “starter kit” that you purchase first. This will give you familiarity with the product but you may end up wanting to still purchase additional items outside the starter kit, depending on what products you think your clients will want to see and try. This chart actually breaks down various direct sales company start up costs. There are often monthly website fees as well.

Brands
LimeLight by Alcone This is the line that I’ve personally chosen to make available to clients who are interested and I’ve reviewed it extensively here. I chose LimeLight because it’s the RCMA foundation I’ve used exclusively in my kit for 4+ years, original MAC formula eyeshadows, the industry’s most high coverage concealer and safe skincare. They are pro products from a New York makeup artist institution, Alcone Company. The company was created because of and for artists and over half of the LimeLight Beauty Guides are working makeup artists. If you have more questions, ask as this is obviously the one I have the most answers for.

SeneGence This is the company made famous by their LipSense product that I reviewed recently. If you’re an artist who works with brides and event clientele, their lip products can be a nice kit addition for it’s unparalleled wear. They also have eye and cheek color as well as a skincare line. You can get a hold of my friend Melissa if you have questions because she’s a makeup artist that sells it.

Beautycounter I listened to an interview with the founder, Gregg Renfrow, and I was impressed. I consider this line to be a bit more skincare focused, but the branding is really clean and the products are safe.

PRIVATE LABEL
Private labeling is branding a product with a name and logo of your choosing. The product itself is not a unique formula or color you’ve developed yourself. This can be a good option for those who want to eventually formulate a line, but want to test the waters first. It’s a great intro to brand development and allows you to choose how you want to represent yourself. All points of consideration are the same as wholesaling with a few additional factors.

Marketing
Since this brand is of your own creation, all marketing materials including your logo, product photography and website must be created independently, incurring costs to a graphic designer, web designer, photographer, models etc.

Awareness
Since you are creating a brand that did not exist previously, you’ll be starting from scratch with brand recognition. It may take time to build up a following and brand loyalty.

Brands
Your Name Pro I’ve detailed the entire private label process with Your Name Pro in this series of posts. Regular readers may recall that I branded a lip-focused line with them called Savanah Jane but they have an entire cosmetics and skincare line you can private label.

Qosmedix This is a cosmetic supply retailer that also does private labeling. For example, you can retail their brushes, branded or not. There is more information here.

Crown Brush Crown is another resource for private label brushes. You’ll just need to upload your logo here to get started.

FORMULATING
Now you could ignore all of that above and work directly with a laboratory and cosmetic chemist to create something that’s never been done before. This method will entail a great deal of research, most of the considerations above and perhaps the most financial commitment. Lab samples are not cheap but with great risk, comes great reward, right?
DIY
You could also get crafty and make your own cosmetic and skincare products. Many started this way but I think there a few important things to consider here. Even if your products are “natural”, not all essential oils are safe for the skin, coconut oil can be comedogenic for some and without preservatives, the products will have a short shelf life.
This post was long, but hopefully helpful to my MUA sisters and brothers. As always, thanks so much for reading and let me know if you have have questions. Now, go out there and make it rain.

11/22/2016

best beauty and fashion podcasts

At the risk of sounding like a hipster old person, I was listening to podcasts before podcasts were cool. I would listen to them while working on my design projects in college, then while walking to my first big girl job. Now, I still listen to podcasts religiously and look forward to my favorites each week. I listen to them while doing my makeup and continue while driving to my makeup appointments. I enjoy a lot of different ones but these are my top fashion and beauty podcasts for your listening enjoyment.

Girlboss Radio Host Sophia Amoruso is the founder of Nasty Gal and author of #GIRLBOSS. Each week, Sophia interviews different female entrepreneurs, movers and shakers. She’s an excellent host, being that she built a business from nothing herself. Some of my favorite episodes are: Cassandra Grey, CEO of Violet Grey, Grace Bonney of Design*Sponge, Youtube creator, GloZell Green, Emily Weiss founder of Glossier and Gregg Renfrew of Beautycounter.
Pop Fashion I love listening to what’s happening in the fashion world via Lisa and Kaarin because it totally informs the beauty world as well. As a bonus, they are hilarious, real-life friends and their chemistry is great.
Fat Mascara Beauty editors have seen and tried it all so who better to host a beauty podcast? This is a new podcast but has quickly risen to the top of my list. Some of my favorite episodes have been interviews with Rose Marie Swift of RMS Beauty and Kat Von D. Jess and Jenn talk the talk with all the big players in the beauty game and I learn a ton each episode.
Beauty and the Vlog Erica Viera gives us a peek behind the YouTube curtain, interviewing both the big and upcoming beauty stars. She asks straightforward questions about how they found success, what worked and what didn’t and what tools they use to achieve such notoriety. I have gained valuable insight from her podcast.
Behind the Beauty I have soft spot for this podcast because I “met” the host Serein though the Allure Beauty Blogger Awards in 2014 and we’ve kept in touch ever since. Her interviews are seriously so freaking great and I am totally loving this new podcast. Make sure you listen to the 3-part series with Kerry Hite to learn so much about skincare. I feel like a scientist now, you guys.
ModTV I’ve been listening/watching this podcast longer than any of the others. It’s how I discovered Pat McGrath. It’s how I fell in love with backstage beauty coverage and knew I wanted to be a part of it. Even if you’re not a fashionista, because I assure you, I am not, the beauty coverage, visual inspiration and trends are worth subscribing for. I love hearing the designers’ inspiration for their collection, including the hair and makeup looks.