A new makeup product is about to hit the market that promises to revolutionize the way women carry, care for and apply cosmetics. It’s the brainchild of a woman from Commerce Township, and it’s made right here in Michigan.
It’s called the Make-Cup.
“Make-Cup is a streamlined makeup solution for women on the go,” creator Christina Bellas says.
There’s a lot to what looks like a travel coffee cup. There’s a compartment to hold powder, and with a quick swivel of the top, you’ll find a place for eye shadows, and blush. In the cup itself, you can store your brushes, liners, lipstick and mascara. It’s a system that capitalizes on the trend of cosmetic refills.
"So I wanted to design the system around the refills because the plastic container that it comes in is so unnecessary," Christina says. "It doesn’t have to be that way. And not only is it more eco-conscious, it’s also going to save you on your pocketbook… probably 40 to 50 percent when you go to repurchase your refills."
She also says Make-Cup helps keep your makeup more sanitary.
Feminine Design
Designing is in Christina’s blood. For years she designed clothing for hotel and casino employees. Before she’d meet with her clients, she’d touch up her makeup in her car.
“And I thought, ‘gosh if there was a better way to contain it, especially when it’s hot outside.’ I didn’t want my makeup melting so I started putting it in a thermos. So I thought, ‘gosh, I’ll design something around this.’”
A year and a half ago, she quit her full-time job to concentrate entirely on the Make-Cup.
“I’m gonna find a way. I’ll take my retirement, I’ll take some short term investments, whatever I have to do, because that’s how I was going to get it done.”
She describes what she ultimately designs as a very feminine, pretty concept.
Eco-friendly in every way
The cup is made of all earth-friendly materials, and its parts are being manufactured at four different facilities in Michigan. It’s thermal protected, so yes, your makeup won’t melt.
She and her business partner have two patents for it, and they recently received a $25,000 award from the Macomb innovation fund to help bring it to market. It sells for $50 and she’s taking pre-orders on her websitenow. Make-Cup costs $50. She hopes to be selling it on Amazon and in local retailers soon.
She also hopes to make a trip to the Shark Tank, ABC’s hit show.
