1P2L: Liquid Eyeshadow with Josie Maran Coconut Watercolor Eyeshadows

I'm re-using this photo from a previous post because I think it encapsulates my feelings re: Josie Maran's Coconut Watercolor Eyeshadows: they are a treasure. I love them. I adore them. I worship them. If they were a human being, I'd consider dumping my fiance and marrying them instead (but of course, I'd make the right decision in the end). Apparently, because Josie Maran hates happiness, they're being discontinued. I've complained about this before, so I'll resist the urge and will simply point out that this should work with any liquid or cream eyeshadow.

To demonstrate how versatile these can really be, I tried to create two looks with different tones and a different number of liquid eyeshadows. Obviously, I'm boring and not a makeup artist, so the one major difference is the color scheme...but I tried.

On the left, I used all three of my Josie Maran liquid eyeshadow shades, using the lightest (Playa del Pink) in the crease, the brightest (Rio de Rose Gold) on the lid, and the darkest (Beach Sand) smeared in to the lashes. Paired with Besame Portrait Peach lipstick and Glossier Beam Cloud Paint, it's a very warm, orange-heavy look that I actually enjoy.

On the right, I applied a base layer of Wet n' Wild Brulee eyeshadow all over my lid, then carefully applied Beach Sand as an eyeliner. This would actually be much easier if you had a thin brush that you dipped in the product, but I don't have any super thin brushes anymore, so I just used the tip of the applicator. My eyes are deepset, so you only get that peek of Beach Sand.

Again, you can do this with most well-formulated liquid and cream eyeshadows. Matte cream shadows can also be brushed through the brows like a pomade, provided they're the right shade and a suitably dry formula. Creamier shadow formulas can double as blushes or highlighters.

Here are the products I used for the above two looks. In both, I'm wearing the Maybelline Dream Cushion foundation, partly because I'm testing it for a review and partly because I'm aiming for slightly glowier skin on-the-lazy in these looks. In fact, a lot of the products double up in these FOTDs: Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Concealer under the eyes, Glossier Boy Brow for a bit of texture over those shiny eyes, a cream highlighter, a bright blush...I'm not that creative.

Photographing both of these looks has reminded me that I still need to find a replacement for these Josie Maran eyeshadows. I've yet to find another I love nearly as much, so perhaps that will be my quest for 2017. That, or nag Josie Maran so much that she puts these bad boys back in to production.

I Miss the Josie Maran Coconut Watercolor Eyeshadows

Sometimes, when I'm wasting my time eating ramen and watching Keith Olbermann videos instead of grading papers like an adult would, I start thinking about things I usually avoid thinking about. And I realize that I whine a lot. I can be borderline nasty when it's not entirely warranted, and I probably spend too much time ranting about my weird pet peeves. I admit this about myself--nobody is perfect. But I don't think it's wrong for me to whine, yet again, "Why u discontinue dees, Josie Maran?!" They're so flawless that they deserve a monthly post, if not a weekly one, I swear.

The Coconut Watercolor Eye Shadows are one of two eye shadow products I've loved, the other one being Wet n' Wild's Brulee eyeshadow. That's it. In all my years of wearing makeup, even when I wore plenty of eyeshadow, there were certainly products I liked, but none that I borderline worshiped like these. They're easy to use (slap it on and go) and so fantastically metallic that I get asked what I'm wearing every time I use one. Also, unlike many frosty cream shadows, these have a super-thin, watery formula that feels weightless on the eyes.

And yet Josie Maran is discontinuing them.

The process of getting rid of them seems to be taking a while. As mentioned in my last "Whhhhhhy?!" post, linked above, these disappeared from Sephora some time last year. But yes, they are definitely fading from the public eye. Here is the Josie Maran "Good Buys" page as of today; of these listed shades, three are still available, including this purple shade I want for no apparent reason. I haven't bought it yet because it's purple and I need more makeup like I need a hole in the head, but there's a little voice inside me screeching, "GET IT BEFORE IT DISAPPEARS YOU WILL REGREEEEET THIIIIS!!!"

Why is Josie Maran discontinuing these if they're so beautiful and I'm a one-woman marketing campaign? I have a few guesses:

1. Josie Maran Cosmetics is having trouble selling their makeup. I've noticed that people buy up their skincare, particularly the argan oil, like it's going out of style, but I heard very little about the makeup. Check their Good Buys section and you'll notice that quite a lot of their makeup is heavily discounted. 
2. The applicators kinda sucked. Don't get me wrong, they apply the shadow decently, and the packaging is visually appealing. But the doe foot applicators in the lids quickly earned a reputation for snapping off, something I soon experienced myself. When I contacted the company, they sent me three replacement lids, which was amazing. Still, can't they just improve the packaging? Do they have to throw the  baby out with the shimmery bath water?
3. Some people found them tricky to apply...? I guess? I know the Beautypedia review complains about how hard it is to get a "blended" look with them, and I'm so used to applying them that I maybe don't think about the learning curve. That said, you actually CAN get a soft look with them if you know what to do. Personally, I apply the product all over my lid first, then--as the last step--I run a little in my crease. Immediately after placing the shadow in my crease, I use a soft shadow brush to blend it out and fade it in to my skin. These do dry quickly, so you have to be strategic, but again, it's not impossible to do it.

Regardless, they're definitely discontinuing the Coconut Watercolor Eye Shadows, and I'm still trying to make my peace with the decision. I've poked around the web looking for viable replacements, but the closest possibility I've found--the Milk Makeup Eye Pigments--have been quickly shot down by others. Most of the people I've spoken to who have tried them have said that they're "pretty, but you can feel them on your eyes." Eh, no. That's not the same. I'm still waiting for a replacement.

So I've got two things on my mind. One, I'm going to try fiddling with eye makeup a bit more to try some new things and break out of my comfort zone a little. It's likely going to be atrocious, so please don't judge me too harshly. Two, if you have any recommendations for a viable replacement product, please tell me!

Customer Service: You're Doing It Right

I'm usually a tough, opinionated broad, but I gotta be honest here: customer service kinda aggravates me, especially when I have to deal with beauty companies.

I think it all started when I tried the Clinique Bottom Lash mascara, didn't like it, and tried to return it. I politely explained that the little $10 tube of goop did nothing but make a smeary mess on my eyes, and the sales associate gave me The Business. She scowled, her brows furrowed, she stared at me, and she started asking a barrage of questions.

"Are you sure you were using it right?" (...it's mascara.)

"It shouldn't run, it's waterproof." (Not on me!)

"I think you need to try this again." (Uh, no, I don't like it?)

"Why didn't you bring back the gift with purchase?" (I don't normally return things, so I must've missed that etiquette lesson.)

"You should probably put it on right now so I can see what you're doing wrong." (WOMAN, I HAVE PLACES TO BE, JUST GIVE ME MY $10 BACK.)

"Fine, I guess I can exchange it." (okaythankyoubye)

Now, I'm not saying companies should be banned from asking questions. If I worked at Sephora or the like, I'd definitely want to ask the customer returning a product what was wrong with it so I could direct them to something more suitable. But the "THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THIS YOU JUST SUCK AT MAKEUP" attitude is very prevalent in the beauty community, to the point that some bloggers are terrified of writing negative reviews or showing a product in a less-than-flattering light. It makes me a grumbly, grousing mess.

But, y'know, so does exploding makeup.

WHAT WHAT WHAT ARE YOU DOING

Case in point: these two much-beloved products of mine, which exploded within 15 minutes of each other. The applicator for my Josie Maran Coconut Watercolor Eyeshadow in Rio de Rose Gold snapped in half, and my tube of Becca Dragonfruit Beach Tint spontaneously combusted. I am as gentle as can be with my makeup, so having not one, but TWO products suddenly break on me left me kind of traumatized.

I didn't want to go to customer service, but dammit, I am not rolling in the cash. These products are worth every penny, sure, but I don't have the money to replace them right now, especially when they died horrible deaths through no fault of my own. So I trudged off to the websites and submitted my complaints, expecting nothing more than a "stop being so rough with your makeup you cretin" response.

Instead, this happened:

YAAAAAAAS!

Brand new eyeshadow applicators from Josie Maran and a new tube o' Dragonfruit from Becca, all arriving within 2 weeks of my initial complaint.

Yes, I had to provide pictures of the damage, but I always take photos for customer service complaints anyway. I think that's only fair: if you're going to ask a company to replace a product, you need to prove that there's an actual something to replace. Also, correspondence with both companies was incredibly polite and quick. I sent my complaints via the company websites on the weekend and had a response from both Josie Maran and Becca by Monday evening.

I've always liked these two companies and their products, but experiencing A+ customer service from them has just increased my desire for their goods. To those companies that snark, threaten, and disregard, take note: this is how you gain a loyal fanbase.

GIVEAWAY: Josie Maran Coconut Watercolor Eye Shadow (updated 5/30/15) - CLOSED

UPDATE: Due to travel plans, I have changed the ending date for this giveaway.

If you are unable to comment on this post with your entry, please comment here instead.


In honor of my life getting slightly less hectic as summer approaches, I'm having a giveaway! This is for a bottle of one of my new favorite products--the Josie Maran Coconut Watercolor Eye Shadows--in the shade Rio de Rose Gold. This coppery-gold liquid eyeshadow will work on most skintones, and its warmth makes it a great option for easy summer makeup.

The bottle in this photo is actually mine. Yours will be brand new and in the box. :)

Entering is, as always, super-simple: comment on this blog post and tell me what you plan to do this summer! Make sure your name is on the comment, because that's how I'll announce the winner. (I don't recommend just typing up your e-mail; you're asking for spam.)

Please be aware that there are some rules for this contest:

• You must be at least 18 years old and located in the US to enter.
• You must be prepared to provide me with your full name and address if you win.
• You may only enter once.
• Entries will be finalized on June 21st, 2015 at 11:59pm EST. I will use Random.com to pick a winner.
• You do NOT have to be subscribed to this blog to enter, but I will announce the winner in a blog post, so it might help to bookmark BOGL for the next two months if you've entered. If you do not respond to that blog post within a week, I will draw a new winner.

Also, I want to remind everyone that I pay for these giveaways out of my own pocket. That's not me trying to guilt you, that's just me saying that I have to have the money available to send the products out. Hence, it may take me a week or two to get the goodies sent to you after you win. But they will be sent! :)

Best of luck, and thank you for supporting Bad Outfit, Great Lipstick!

Josie Maran Slew o' Reviews!

A few months back, Sephora had their yearly VIB 20% off sale. I was a good girl (aka, somebody who doesn't make a lot of money), and I held off buying anything in the hopes that many of the winter kits and clearance items would go on a deep discount later on. Sure enough, Sephora reduced the price of many-a-sample-set AND added a 20% discount on all clearance items. I was able to get the Josie Maran Winter Dreams kit for $28, plus 20% off, instead of the original $34.

Here's the original packaging for the Winter Dreams kit. It contained the following items:

• Coconut Watercolor Eye Shadow in Rose Gold, 0.16oz (full size); retails for $18.
• Argan Black Oil mascara, 0.17oz (deluxe sample); full size is 0.27 and retails for $22.
• 100% Pure Argan Oil Light, 0.5oz (full size); retails for $16.
• Argan Illuminizer, 0.5oz (deluxe sample); full size is 1oz and retails for $28.
• Argan Infinity Lip and Cheek Oil in Limitless Pink, 0.16oz (deluxe sample); full size is 0.5oz and retails for $18, OR you can get a box of 2 deluxe samples for $16.

Straight off the bat, I think this set was great value for money. Any two of these products would equal well over the original $34 purchase cost, and considering I got this thing for roughly ~$20? Talk about a steal!

You probably noticed a ton of coconut and argan in Josie Maran's product names. This is because her line is famous for containing "nourishing oils," primarily--you guessed it--coconut oil and argan oil. In fact, the line got famous for its original Argan Oil, which a lot of people use on their skin, hair, and cuticles. I, however, am not particularly interested in Argan Oil; at the time of this posting, I actually have the bottle from this set up for sale.

The header image also includes a deluxe sample of the Infinity Lip and Cheek Oil in Timeless Coral, which is not included in this set. I actually purchased it in aforementioned deluxe sample duo several months back. (The other shade in the duo, Everlasting Honey, is part of my current giveaway prize!)

Because these products are all quite liquidy and contain oils in the base, you'll want to shake up or knead the bottles/tubes before usage. Otherwise, the pigment may separate from the rest of the formulation.

Enough of the technicalities--let's get on to the products!

Argan Illuminizer -- This is an incredibly creamy and pigmented liquid highlighter. It has a distinct gold color--compare it to the slightly pink MUFE Uplight #11 and the outright white Becca Pearl--and plenty of luminosity. Despite the fact that it looks very opaque and kind of scary in this swatch, it's actually very easy to sheer this product out: just use the tiiiiiiniest amount, or mix it with a bit of foundation. That can be a bit hard to do, however, because the pump is difficult to control, and even the half-a-pea size drop of product it produces on each pump is way too much. This is definitely a "sheeny" highlighter, with some very faint sparkle that can be detected in bright sunlight. I think it's GORGEOUS...but unfortunately, that warm gold color never looks quite right on my pale skin. :( This shade is more suited to medium to dark skintones. If they make more shades of this product, I'll definitely consider purchasing a full bottle. 5 out of 5.

Coconut Watercolor Eyeshadow in Rose Gold -- Holy crap, where have these been all my life?! Granted, I have a weakness for liquid and cream shadows, but these are particularly phenomenal. Rose Gold is more of a coppery shade on me than an actual rose gold, but it's still very beautiful, and I could see it working on a lot of skintones. The product takes about 30 seconds to set. On the bright side, this gives you time to get in there with a brush and blend out the shade. On the bad side, if you blink too soon, the product can crease. Even after drying, this product maintains a wet, foiled look that photographs never do justice to. This is a great product for people like me who like "one eyeshadow looks" and a glossy sheen. Just one word of caution: people with oily eyelids will want to use a primer. 5 out of 5.

Argan Infinity Lip and Cheek Oils in Timeless Coral and Limitless Pink -- These got a lot of bad press when they were first released. Reviewers claimed that they had zero lasting power and faded quickly from both the lips and cheeks. Some people also stated that they were incredibly greasy. I have to disagree on two of those three counts. First of all, the texture of these is really beautiful: they're similar to the newer Becca Beach Tints, but even creamier and smoother. A small dab goes a long way, and they apply to my lips and cheeks with incredible ease. I think that a lot of the initial reviewers had oilier skin types, and this is definitely a product for normal to dry skin: even though my lips and skin are even dryer than usual in the winter, these sit comfortably on my skin and maintain a bit of a glow. They do not parch my lips or emphasize the dryness of my cheeks. That being said, I get a good 6 hours of wear out of these on my cheeks...and maybe 2 hours on my lips, if I'm lucky. Bonus points, though, for being one of the few products designed for lips and cheeks that actually works for both. 4 out of 5.

Argan Black Oil mascara -- I was incredibly excited to try this mascara because it promised a creamy, pitch black formula, and that's my favorite kind of mascara. And the formula is, indeed, quite creamy and dark; it feels luxurious to apply it to my lashes, and it makes them incredibly black. I get some length and volume out of this product, and it does hold a curl. However, I think most of the volume is a bit of an optical illusion, ie, "My lashes look thicker because they're so dark." Still, it's a really beautiful look, and I'd gladly continue wearing this mascara if I could. Unfortunately, this thing flakes like crazy. I have no idea why, because it isn't a dry formulation, but the Black Oil mascara starts to flake while I'm applying it. I have to dust off the fallout with a powder brush. Within 4 hours, I have black smudges all around the corners of my eyes and plenty of dark, dark flakes. So sad. 2 out of 5.

Here's a photo of me wearing one layer of the Coconut Watercolor Eyeshadow in Rose Gold, the Lip and Cheek Oil in Limitless Pink on my lips and cheeks, the Black Oil mascara, and the Argan Illuminizer on my cheekbones and under my brow. As you can hopefully see, these products all sit very nicely on my dry skin. None of them dried me out or emphasized my parched skin, which is absolutely phenomenal. They're very effortless, natural products, the "easy" stuff I'd wear on a day-to-day basis. The only disappointment for me is the Black Oil mascara, but I have plenty of other mascaras I adore, so that's not a total loss.

I will note that I think the Josie Maran line is geared more towards dry-skinned people. This is great news for me, of course, but oily-skinned people may want to look elsewhere for their "natural look" products. (Pssst: I would suggest trying Becca or Bobbi Brown.) That being said, the liquid eyeshadows will probably impress plenty of people with their great texture and beautiful finish, and anybody who wants a glow could try out the highlighter.

Josie Maran products are available at Sephora.

10 Products You MUST Try This Winter

I'm a dry-skinned person, so you'd think that I hate winter and love summer. Winter is the harbinger of major snowfall, dry central heat, and cold-cracked hands. What's the love if you're already used to having a tight, flaky, scratchy face?

In my experience, plenty. I've whined about this before and I'll whine about it again: I don't like summer. It's sticky, it breaks my face out in heat and sun rashes, and it makes me sweat a lot. I'm a fussy-fussy-two-by-four and I hate sweating. I'd much rather be cuddled up in a sweater with a cup of hot cocoa in my hands and a layer of mega-rich cream on my face.

Because winter is not easy on the skin, especially if you're normal to dry all year round, I've decided to list my 10 favorite products for getting through the winter flawlessly.

The Skincare

1. Haus of Gloi Pumpkin Butters - There is nothing else like this thick, rich moisturizer when my body feels dry and itchy. Loaded with pumpkin oil and other skin-soothing ingredients, Haus of Gloi's pumpkin butter is one of the only body care products that keeps my skin smooth and soft during the winter. See full review here.

2. MAC Strobe Cream - MAC Strobe Cream is best known as a highlighter, but it's actually created to be, and marketed as, a lightweight moisturizer with light-reflecting properties. Of course, you can use it as a highlighter--I certainly do--but it also works great under makeup to add a glow to your face. Best of all, it's very affordable: a 1oz bottle is just $10! See more info here.

3. Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream, fragrance free - My love, my baby, my wooblet. There are plenty of other hand creams I've enjoyed (L'occitane's wide selection comes to mind), but if my fingers are cracked and ashy, and I'm trying to get them back to square one? Nothing works as well as this drugstore gem. I also use it on the end of my nose after a sinus infection or cold to heal chapped skin.

4. Paula's Choice Resist Weekly Resurfacing Treatment - This is PC's most potent AHA exfoliator, with 10% glycolic acid. I've noticed a marked improvement in my skin's texture since I switched from physical to chemical exfoliants, and I'm in love with this thin, lightweight formulation. I use it once a week--usually on Friday nights--and wake up with noticeably softer, smoother, more even skin. More details in the upcoming Sample Rundown #4.

The Base Products

5. NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer - Now that my skin is behaving itself and the "tan" on my face is starting to fade, I can often get away with a spot of concealer and a dusting of powder. This new NARS concealer has quickly become a staple in my routine, thanks to its blendable medium coverage and creamy formula that sits beautifully on the skin. I love it so much that, when my makeup bag was stolen from me a few months back, I immediately rushed out and bought another tube.

6. Josie Maran Coconut Watercolor Cheek Gelee - How have I not written about these little wunderkinds before?! They're one of the newest additions to the Josie Maran line, and I'd argue that they're already cult classics. The lightweight gel-texture formula sits beautifully on even the driest cheeks, lasts for at least 6 hours, and is glowy enough to eliminate the need for highlighter.

7. Ecotools powder brush - My skin gets more sensitive in the winter, so I need the softest tools out there. The Ecotools powder brush tops that list: it's as soft and fluffy as a kitten's paw. It's also very, very affordable! I've had this particular brush for at least 5 years, and I've had zero problems with ferrule glue loosening or brush hairs falling out.

The Comfortable Colors

8. Urban Decay Revolution lipsticks - I wouldn't call any lipstick truly "moisturizing," but the Urban Decay Revolution lipsticks are about as close as you're going to get. These lipsticks sit comfortably on my lips, even when they're cracked or dry, and have decent staying power. As an added bonus, the color range is phenomenal. See full review here.

9. Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade - I used to live in the Great White Frozen North, where strong winds would whip up the mountains of snow and fling them right in to your face. One of my biggest annoyances with this was how it wiped off my eye makeup. That's not a problem with Anastasia' new Dipbrow Pomade. Although the creamy formula has a slight learning curve, it's a dream once you get used to it thanks to the pigmentation and long wear time. This stuff lasts over 12 hours on my face, through wind, rain, and anything else Mother Nature throws at me. Full review coming soon.

10. NYX Butter Gloss - I'm not a gloss person, but if I was? I'd load up on these. At just $5 apiece, these glosses are just as buttery and smooth as the name suggests. They manage to stay on your lips without bleeding all over the place, but they're not especially sticky, which is quite a feat. And the color range? Phenomenal.