Beauty is in the eye of the beholder...and those of us holding the mascara wand.

After two decades of covering the beauty industry, I've come to learn what makes it so alluring. Finding the perfect shade of makeup to match your skin tone, adding a swipe of eyeliner to give your tired eyes a lift, discovering an innovative new product line, or indulging in a totally luxurious spa treatment. My experiences have been documented in magazines, newspapers and websites worldwide. I've tested newly formulated products in the lab, explored hair removal options, shopped for lipstick, added shine to my hair and succumbed to massage marathons--all in the name of beauty. I've written press releases, hosted makeover events and co-authored a Do-It-Yourself Beauty book (Alloy). On this blog, I write about products and services that I come across every day as well as those that have been provided by publicists or the companies that make them. Either way, I write what I think. I hope to share some of my insights--and bring you the latest, greatest beauty news right here. Join me in the quest to find all things pretty.


Thursday, June 3, 2010

interview: Marissa Shipman, the brains behind theBalm


Hopefully, many of you tuned in tonight to watch theBalm Cosmetics CEO/Founder Marissa Shipman on MTV’s latest docu-series, “MTV Hired”. The episode followed the cult-favorite beauty brand as they searched for a new office assistant. In the callback interviews, the three final applicants were asked to pitch a new product idea to the staff of theBalm.
What's so great about theBalm that makes it MTV-worthy? It's a cool concept created by a really smart, makeup-loving gal--CEO/Founder Marissa Shipman. I love the chic, 1950-esque packaging (Bahama Mama), the cute comments in the compacts (Cabana Boy), the easily blendable tinted moisturizer (Balm Shelter) and the creamy feel of Read My Lips lipstick (especially in Classified, a very nude, natural-looking shade). I asked Marissa a few questions about her famous line...

Prettyisprettydoes: How did you come up with the concept and names for the line/products?
Marissa Shipman:
"I bought 11 books on Amazon about how to make makeup. I could not read any of the recipes because they were all hard core chemistry – except one, lip balm – shea butter, beeswax and castor oil—hence, theBalm was born."

PIPD: Which is your favorite product and why?
MS:
"This is like asking which child you like better. I love them all for different reasons. I can’t leave the house without timeBalm, though."

PIPD: Which one of your products is the most technically advanced or has the most unique formula and why?
MS:
"What’s great about our For Keeps Watercolor Lip Stains is that you just wet your lip brush with a little water, dip it into the pressed-powder, and presto! You have a long-lasting stain that you paint onto your lips. Like watercolor paints, you can mix and match to create your perfect shade, and depending on how much water you use, you control how bold or subtle your look."

PIPD: What's the biggest bty blunder you've ever made personally?
MS: "Before we invented Stainiac, I used a cheek stain that didn’t give me enough time to blend before the stain set, and was left walking around with big dots on my cheeks. I don’t mind clowning around, but I do mind looking like one."

PIPD: What’s next for theBalm?
MS:
"Lots of new products – but can’t get specific or everyone will do them." :)



1 comment:

  1. This is a great company. I love how their office is so pet friendly (especially towards Pugs!) I have their Vegan Lip Treatment that I bought at Sephora specifically because of the Pug on the package - I have a Pug!

    I am a new follower of your blog.

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