10 Mar Ask the Expert and GIVEAWAY: Founder Alison Raffaele talks about her Cosmetics Line
Naturally inspired, yet EFFECTIVE cosmetics are really as hard to find as the Pink Panther diamond. Trust me, I know — having ransacked countless drugstore and high-end department stores in the hope of finding concealers and foundations made with mostly natural ingredients and ending up leaving as disappointed as a kid who didn’t see Mickey Mouse at Disney World.
There is a ton of BODYCARE that is organic and natural and most of those products are very effective, but we’re talking about the foundation of your beauty: the foundations, brushes, concealers, primers.
Ever since I got my hands on a perfectly movie-star worthy concealer from Alison Raffaele Cosmetics at The Makeup Show New York, I’ve been hooked to the brand like cat to catnip.
Check out our Q&A with the founder, Alison Raffaele, below:
What is the primary difference between organic and green makeup? As I understand it, organic has to be 100%, while green makeup can have synthetic ingredients in them as well?
AR: Precisely. “Green” makeup is more about not containing harmful chemicals, like parabens, talc, mineral oil, synthetic fragrances, aluminum, etc., whereas “Organic” makeup must be made with only certified organic ingredients. It is very difficult to create makeup that is “organic” that still performs, however, many “Green” brands are beginning to use organic ingredients whenever possible.
Are you planning an organic line soon? Why or why not?
I am looking to use organic ingredients in my formulas, but not to go 100% organic. One thing people must remember is that just because an ingredient is “organic” or “natural” doesn’t mean that it is good for you. In fact many naturally occurring substances – take lead for example – can be very harmful to one’s health. The guideline I generally follow is for an ingredient not to be ranked more than a 3 or a 4 on the Enviormental Working Group’s “Skin Deep” database.
Tell us a bit about why you created your line. Was there a niche or need you wanted to fulfill?
Alison Raffaele
I am proud to say that Alison Raffaele Cosmetics was the first makeup artist developed line to go “Green”. The need I saw that wasn’t being addressed was profession quality makeup that was free of harmful chemicals. As a result, we have a great following among makeup artists!
Any new products on the horizon?
Right now I am working on a propylene-glycol free version of my Inner Glow gel blush and a Pressed Mineral Powder – I’m hoping to launch them in the summer or early fall.
Thank you Alison! Now, it’s your turn. ASK Alison anything and enter your comments below. You’ll be entered to win some great cosmetics from her line. FIVE WINNERS will be picked in two weeks.
Just do it and be pretty.
Mattie Rosario
Posted at 07:28h, 17 MarchHi, I have problems in finding the right foundation for my skin I have combination of oily an dry. And I still have breakouts even though I am 47yrs old. I need something for
my dark circles also and I also have large pores aound my nose. What do you recomend?
Best Regards
Mattie
Alison
Posted at 16:24h, 17 MarchHi again, everyone!
Lots and lots of good questions – I love it!
Stephanie: My foundation, Reality Base, is a moisturizing oil-free formula, which means wheras it will not contribute to your oiliness, it has no drying properties, either. But what I think would really help your foundation not seem so slick is my Transparent Finish powder and touching up with my Blotting Tissues during the day before re-powdering.
Leslie: The Skin Deep database on the EWG’s site is a bit intimidating! And it’s not perfect – they have listed ingredient listings of mine from old formulations that I no longer make as current, so I sugggest you NOT search by brand, but rather by ingredients. It takes longer, but is more accurate. As far as a universal labeling system, I have mixed feelings. I agree it would be nice for the consumer, but for manufacturers there are drawbacks: 1) it’s very expensive to apply for these types of eco labels, so smaller companies like mine would have to signifigantly raise the prices of their products to make up for the cost, and 2) everyone’s definintion of what’s “good” and what’s “bad” is different, so getting everyone to agree would be near impossible. This is why I put so much information on my website – that way customers who want to know can read about it and make up their own minds.
Nikki: The brand is suitable for both streetwear as well as for professional use. I have a large following of makeup artists in NY/Hollywood because my products are some of the only green and vegan products (a big request from talent these days) that hold up to HD.
Kammi: The Face Forward: Acne Response primer would be perfect for you! The SPF 15 it contains is mineral based, not chemical, so it won’t irritate your skin.
Keshua: I like liquids for their natural look and solid creams (like RCMA)for their high coverage and buildability. I always keep both in my kit. To date I haven’t been wild about working with powder foundations, but I am developing one that actually works like a liquid, so keep your eyes open for that!
Laureen Schroeder
Posted at 18:08h, 17 MarchWhat is your best selling item and why do you think it is the best selling item?
Paula
Posted at 12:33h, 18 MarchHi Allison! I have freckles, so I have to be careful with what I put on my face, with out looking “masked”. However, I have some broken capillaries that are creeping out, so, what would be the best way to cover the broken capillaries, while still letting my freckles shine thru?
Also, will you be at The Makeup Show in NYC, in May, too?
Kat C.
Posted at 07:56h, 21 MarchHi Allison!
Ive been wanting to know the difference between Allison Rafaele cosmetics and other mineral makeup? I’m a huge mineral makeup fanatic but I often wonder why some are extremely cheap while others are not?