Interview with Rogue Republic Cosmetics !

1.       how long have you been in the beauty business?

We are actually a very new company.  I founded Rogue Republic Cosmetics in Spring 2012 and launched early in the summer, so it hasn’t even been a year yet. I used to model and am always around makeup artists, photographers, performers, etc…people who have want and need for beauty products so it’s been a large part of my social life for years now.

2. What prompted you to start Rogue Republic Cosmetics?

I have a lot of sensitivity issues with makeup, but I still needed something that would last under harsh lights, nights out, on stage and such. A lot of the more gentle formulas don’t stand up to a lot of environmental abuse like that. I wanted to make something for me…it was rather selfish, when I think about it. But I also have a background in visual art and I love to play with color and mixed media so it seemed a natural fit to see what I could do to bridge the gap and put something out there that people could really love and use. Alternative styles really lend towards bold cosmetics and demand makeup that can withstand a lot of abuse, so I really had that sort of need in mind. But more than anything, makeup is fun and can be a tool to help you enhance your self-perception.

3. How long has the company been around?

We have been around about 8 months now…still in our infancy, really! I began researching long before that, but May 2012 is when things began to come together and materialize.

4. What inspires color choices for eyeshadows and other cosmetics?

I love iridescence in nature (insects, birds, aquatic life...), and it was important to me to incorporate that as a company that supplies completely vegan cosmetics. So in addition to some standards, I wanted us to have a lot of duo-tone and multi-tone shades to highlight other bold colors we have so people can create looks that are really special. A lot of our decisions are based on trying to have a well-rounded range of offerings, from neutrals to bright colors that pop.

5. What is your most popular selling item?

I think because we are so new, our sample packs have been the most popular item. People want to see what we’re all about. We have sold the most of our 10-pack samples, by far. In terms of individual colors, Surrender (a satin white with a hint of gold shimmer) and Heiress (a cool, mid-tone purple) are the most popular.

Basically, tell me the story of how Rogue Republic Cosmetics came to be. Tell me a little about yourself and if others work with you about them also. Add some photos of the company, cosmetics, you, anyone who is a part of your company.

I really wanted to provide bright, bold colors that the alternative scene demands that is geared toward withstanding the entertainment industry’s demands. But most importantly, it had to do this while still being gentle formulas, cruelty-free, and vegan. There are so many options for colorants that it seems a waste to use animal products just for the sake of beauty when there are other options that perform just as well, if not better.

Rogue Republic Cosmetics is set up to be a movement rather than just a business. It’s a motion towards not accepting less when it comes to beauty products; you can have it all. We constantly reformulate and experiment to try to improve the performance of products without raising costs and prices.

As I mentioned, I have a long history in the arts and painting, so I love to experiment and try to match my reality to my vision. From color theory to minor chemistry, my background really becomes integral to the way I approach Rogue Republic products. I want Rogue Republic to become the medium for other artists; for makeup artists to create a makeup, for photographers to execute their vision, for performers to highlight their stage presence...we want to be the company you rely on to bring your vision, whatever it is, to life. Even if that just means a day look for work that pops and little more that you don’t have to reapply…or something that helps you create a night look that helps you feel you own the room.

We have lofty goals, but striving for ideals is what helps people accomplish more than they thought possible. That’s central to our mission…it isn’t just about beauty. It’s about not accepting less.

Images: packaging and such...

The eyeshadow look is by MissChelle MUA (https://www.facebook.com/MissChellemua?ref=ts&fref=ts)

the image preview credits are:

top left: photo by Fawx, model Kami

top right: photo by Lopshire Photography, model Hannah Goodenough

bottom left: photo by Hatter Photographer, model Alien Baby

bottom right: photo by Cynthia Mack Photography, model Rachel Garza

everyone can be found by those names via facebook :) some of the collaborations have been to publication and we have some more in the works...I think that's the most fun part of the whole thing...the artistic collaboration. It's amazing to see someone take your products and create a whole other world with it.

I am honored to be bringing you this interview. Thank you to Rogue Republic Cosmetics for giving me the opportunity to interview you !

Flaws No More for dark circles and puffiness around the eye.

I wanted to do a quick share on a product that I just used this morning. I woke up from a rough sleepless night to find my eye looking like Rocky Balboa after a fight. My eyes were so puffy and the circles underneath them were so visible. Justina Gemignani sent me a few samples and this sample was one I didnt think id ever try but I was wrong. Flaws No More saved my eyes today. I dabbed some on around my eyes and it worked as advertised, the puffiness had gone down within the first 10 min of use. It says use day and night and from now on this product is God to me. Thank you Justina for sending me this.

Honey XO interview

I personally want to thank Honey XO for doing this interview, she is truly a sweetie and very talented. 2013 is going to be her year, I don't have any doubts of that. Sit back and enjoy this interview: HoneyXO was originally I-Candy Couture and opened in 2010.  In 2011 (November 2011 to be exact) – I took my past experience and incorporated the “Makeup aspect” into the business.  I-Candy Couture became HoneyXO as of Jan. 2nd, 2013.  When the business first started as ICC – it was a joint effort of my little sister and I, and she decided she wanted to focus on her career and could not devote the time needed to keep the business running.  After a long conversation – I decided I wanted to change the name because it would encompass a business that was about my loves and passions... Makeup and fashion.  I have been mixing colors for several years – having made many of my own cosmetics for the brides that I did makeup on for their wedding.  My brides and/or the bridal party all receive a little baggy of sample shadows, lipsticks/lip glosses to use for touch ups.  After years of doing this, I finally decided it was time to make my move and turn it into a business venture.  While ICC started as mainly jewelry and accessories, my ultimate goal was for it to be a one stop shop for all woman and ladies.  I wanted to not only offer accessories, but cosmetics and hopefully one day – my own plus sized line.

  I think I answered this question a little in part one.  I have several years in the Cosmetic Industry.  I’m a Certified Makeup Artist and started in the cosmetic industry working at the Iman Counter at my local JC Penny.  After working there, I worked for Estee Lauder and MAC for a little while freelancing.  I decided that the pay truly was not enough for me and found myself in the Corporate world where I worked as a Regional Manager and even worked in medical both in the Private sector as well as Plastic Surgery.   Prior to HoneyXO/I-Candy Couture – I worked as a Freelance MUA on Brides and Bridal Parties and also worked on my portrait clients.  I am also the main photographer and owner of Ho’onani Photography – which is a Wedding & Portrait Photography business.  My photography business (having been inspired by my father) and my love for makeup and being a Freelance artist worked hand in hand with one another as I would do makeup on my brides and bridesmaids and then photograph them at their wedding.  This allowed me to test out many different products over the years as well as venture out and make my own.  Knowing that it was easier to pack a little touch up kit for my clients with products I made myself – I decided that I would incorporate this into my business – then I-Candy Couture, now HoneyXO. 

   HoneyXO as stated, originally started in 2010 as I-Candy Couture.  The cosmetic portion was added in November 2011.

  My color choices are inspired by many things.  I always considered myself to be a very crafty person and find art in everything. My father is a professional landscape and nature photographer and my own nature photography has definitely been inspirations for many of my colors.  Many of my collections are named because of inspirations that I have had a long time or those that really touch me... i.e. The Twilight Saga Collection.  This collection was not only inspired by the books (which happen to be some of my favs) but also inspired by the actual Love Story and my husband who is my forever love.  My Children and my husband inspire and work with me to help name many of my colors.  Some of the collections are inspired by them: i.e. The Marvel Comic Book Collection (Marvelous Avengers) and the Raider Nation collection (inspired by my hubby).  I do get a lot of insight from those that work with as well – many of my Promoters or Reps that have been with me for over a year help to inspire some of our collections and colors too.  They are awesome for me to bounce ideas off of and I’m lucky to have them.  A Child at heart collection was not only inspired by Disney Movies but several of my promoters/reps have contributed to the colors and names included in that collection.  My children were also huge inspirations for that as well.  I’m a very emotional and compassionate person by trait, and I think that my actions and choice for colors and collection really do show my true colors and the type of person I am.  I strive to put a piece of me in everything I create.

   We have several popular sellers.  Our number one Cosmetic item would be our Twilight Collection and our Naked Collection.  Individual sellers would be Breaking Dawn, Maui, Trax and Caramel Apple.  When it comes to our Jewelry/Accessory popular sellers – our Twisted Woven Hoops in all colors are our popular sellers.  Since the girls on Jerseylicious are some of our jewelry items – they have definitely been popular sellers.  Our Rose stud back earrings are also a huge seller.

I’m super excited for 2013.  We had record breaking sales in 2012 – which resulted in me being so tired and pooped out, I took the month of December off to really spend time with my family this Holiday.  But – in less than a year we have definitely grown so quickly and become so popular.  My hopes for 2013 is that I teach these lovely ladies that support HoneyXO that Drama is never needed in this industry and Bullying should never be tolerated.  As a photographer – working with so many in an industry that produces so much wonderful art – I never really experienced the bullying, drama and cut throat part that you get with the Beauty Industry.  After deciding to venture in my own Beauty Business, I was at absolute awe to see how other woman treat one another.   There are so many of us that are doing this because it is what we love and so many others that shoot us and them down because – well, who really knows why they do what they do.  I really hope that in 2013 – these lovely ladies learn to value each other, value each others opinions and support one another.  Tearing each other down is doing nothing for women in this Century and we need to work together instead of tearing each other apart.  Besides that – I just want to continue to bring awesome products.  I have a list of products I’m working on formulating to get them just right.  I’m excited that in the coming months I will not only have new colors but new products.  The Cosmetic portion of HoneyXO has grown tremendously in the last year.  We went from a company that offered 3rd party products to now making everything handmade and from scratch.  I hope that I can get some help so I can start producing products much quicker, since everything is made to order – our processing time is long... but it’s definitely worth the wait.

A little about me... I am a Wife and Mother of 3 boys (an 8 year old “almost 9” and twin 3 year olds).  I live in Hawaii where I have was born and raised.  I am not only the owner of HoneyXO but I am also a Beauty, Fashion & Lifestyle Blogger (Honeygirlsworld.com) and a YouTuber (youtube.com/destne146)  I explained in the first couple of questions what my background in the beauty industry is. I do have Reps that work with me – some of them are: Anna aka 808animalistic on YT, Kiley aka KCSmilez80 on YT, Luv Charity aka LuvCharity3 on YT and a few more.  In total I think I have about 20 Reps.

Here is the link to my website “about” section: http://www.honeyxo.com/about-honeyxo.html

Here is the link to the Gallery on FB of those that are sporting HoneyXO: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.499737716715218.112545.168961039792889&type=3

I’ve attached 2 recent photos of me... the smokey eye look I’m using HoneyXO cosmetics.

BFTE at IMATS; show your support

My Feature Artist: Leilani Lomeli

This picture is my favorite because it embodies everything I love. Makeup and the Rockabilly scene.

I can't believe 2012 has come and gone, the end of last year was a good one for me, I started my Beauty Bytes page and really didn't know what to do with it so I decided to focus on other accomplishments, after that I wanted to include beauty companies so I began doing interviews. 2013 will be just as good if not better. This is my first Feature Artist of 2013, Leilani Lomeli. She is not only beautiful but very talented, as they say, "she gots skills" lol. Without further a due here's what my feature artist had to say: I've been a MUA for almost a year, but have always loved makeup. I really got into makeup this last year. In March of 2012 started promoting for a vegan, cruelty-free indie cosmetics line called Rockeresque Beauty Company. That's where my passion for makeup really came alive. Then in April, I won a scholarship to Ruby's Academy of Beauty and Makeup located in Upland, Ca. Went to school for 3 months, graduated and received my certificate in Makeup Artistry late July. In August I did a very small fashion show and ever since I've been freelancing here and there.

Most of my looks are pretty much inspired by the Rockabilly scenes, Dita Von Teese, and Marilyn Monroe. Neutral eyeshadows and bright/bold red lipsticks. I just love how neutral colors look on me. <3 

Right now there are a few people that inspire me, but foremost Miss Alex Morris. She is a beautiful plus size Professional Makeup Artist and Model. When I first met her (at my first mini fashion show in August) and what she was wearing that day had me in awe because she felt so comfortable in her own skin that I really envied her confidence she has about her body image. I will be working on boosting my body image confidence this year, so hopefully by the end of the year I will be happy with myself. :)

Interview with Classy Chick Cosmetics !

Classy Chick Cosmetics is a fairly new beauty company. I'm honored to be doing this interview and bringing you the 411 on Classy Chick Cosmetics and their products. I want to personally say Thank You to Classy Chick for doing this interview:

Hello,  Thank you for this opportunity

Well let me begin by saying that I am a makeup artist I have been doing makeup for around 4 years. I have always had a heart for beauty and I love bringing out everyone's natural beauty. So as being a makeup artist you spend ALOT of money on cosmetics my pockets were a little tight after having my son so I thought hey what if I could build my own cosmetic line with all of the same colors and products as the top selling lines have but at a cheaper price. Let's get real who wants to spend $15-$20 on one eye shadow :( so in Sept 2011 I decided a name Classy Chick Cosmetics then I started  to ventur out into my own business I tested many products and suppliers until I found someone who I trusted to buy from All of my products are FDA approved I will not Make or put out anything that isn't. Classy chick cosmetics  Is a Beautiful cosmetic line I have Pigments of all.colors I try to find the hottest selling items from the Top of the line stores like MAC,
Sephora,  urban decay ect. And see what colors and products are selling the most and what colors and I try to match that because a lot of people now days cannot afford to buy higher name products. So I like to help out people and their pockets get the same product just cheaper prices. I also offer lipsticks,  lip glazes, pressed palettes in all different sizes, lipstick wheels and pressed eye shadow wheels. My best selling product would be my lip glazes they are so smoothe and pigminted I can custom make them to fit your needs as well as lipsticks and palettes. Classy chick cosmetics has so much to offer in 2013 With new colors coming out every month as well as Blush palettes coming soon in 2013 .I believe classy chick cosmetics is different from a lot of other companies because we really love to fit your needs and wants we have very affordable products just like the ones you buy in the store we just look out for everyone's need in this hard time. I
have a few wonderful ladies that are promoting for me which are

Latisha dingillo
Shawanda babytigga
Ingrid butron
Kimi clay

These 4 ladies are amazing they all have their own unique way of promoting my cosmetics they are very talented and inspire me to keep pushing my business along they do make YT videos and make pics of their looks from my line.Above are some pics of my cosmetics.

Interview with Southern Sweetheart Cosmetics

1.) How long have you been in the beauty business? I have played around in make up since I was 15. So about 12 years. However Southern Sweetheart Cosmetics will be 2 in June :)
2. What prompted you to start Southern Sweetheart Cosmetics? I started seeing other people post about how they made their own mineral eye shadows & thought it would be really neat to create my own colors. Did some research, Thought of a name, (that was the hard part) bought the supplies.
3. How long has the company been around? It will be two years in June
4. What inspires color choices for eyeshadows and other cosmetics? I try to do things that are both neutral for some & crazy for others :) I want to be a well rounded company.
5. What is your most popular selling item? There are actually a few, Living Dead is one of our biggest hits, along with Time Warp, Jokers Wild, & the entire Harry Potter Collection :)

Southern Sweetheart Cosmetics is a fairly new company with some beautiful colors ! I haven't had the pleasure of trying their cosmetics but I have heard some good things about Southern Sweetheart. I wish them the best in 2013 and I also give a huge thanks for having done this interview with me.