Over the past few years the cosmetics industry has undergone some fundamental changes brought about by the users themselves: makeup artists and even young consumers. Previously the industry was presided over by heavies which, though incited to improvements through tough competition, more or less dictated together the choice offered to women. Dissatisfied by the tools at their fingertips, several makeup artists and one young lipstick lover decided to take things literally into their own hands and cook up some new colours and textures, first for personal and professional use, then for consumers.
These companies -
M.A.C.,
Bobbi Brown,
Poppy,
Stila
and others - have many common elements. Their products are fragrance and cruelty free, environmentally-friendly and individual-sensitive. These companies all started out small and have relied simply on their reputations, growing into million-dollar businesses. Few advertise and none have a 'face' of perfect beauty as an imposing reference. Their confidence-boosting qualities come from flattering colours and textures, products that perform as promised and a common philosophy: human empowerment. They want people to know that it is great to be an individual and to express that individuality through makeup, be it subtle or outrageous. They do not sell beach bags or travel kits. They do not sell luxurious dreams. They simply sell makeup. Though their colour philosophies vary greatly, there are elements of each that every sector of consumer products can learn from.


Photography Enrique Badulesco
Interviews and Text Lisa White
Makeup Paco Blancas - Atlantis
Hair Stephen Rose - Art + Commerce
Models Chandra - Woman, Greta - Woman, Janine - Elite
Courtesy of View On Colour.