INTERVIEWS

The Coveted

Creating "Green" Lip Colors
by Sonja Shin Hodgkins

To get some insight into what goes into making a "green" lippies, I checked in with Susanna Ronner, Partner and Creative Director of Primitive Makeup, a lovely line of lipsticks, glosses, and lip pencils. She says they developed the line with the belief that "less is more, and 'clean' is best – and so absolutely out was the use of any synthetic ingredients or artificial colorants." Their products look and feel fabulous, and come in a palette inspired by Moroccan deserts, Balinese beaches, and Caribbean sunsets.

Sonja: What have been the challenges of creating a natural line that also performs well?

We strongly believe that our health should not be compromised by the makeup we wear.

Susanna: That is the challenge indeed. We decided early on, that we wanted to create a beautiful color palette, because no matter how clean a lipstick is, if a woman doesn't find a color that suits her and enhances her natural beauty, she will not wear it. We felt that the natural market was filled with lipsticks in unusual shades of colors, with odd tastes and textures. So we knew, unless this product rivaled mainstream cosmetics, it would not have enough appeal to convince women to make the switch. It was this reason that we chose to not be exclusively vegan (though a few of our shades are), as this would have limited our color options greatly. Our commitment is to create a natural makeup line that performs wonderfully. Our lipsticks, and our newly released lip glosses and pencils, perform as well as the 'non natural' brands – but we feel even better, because it's free of parabens and other synthetic and artificial ingredients. We strongly believe that our health should not be compromised by the makeup we wear.

Sonja: What's special about your lip colors?

Susanna: It took us one year alone, to create our lipstick color palette. We find that there is a color for everyone (and usually, much more than one color). The colors are sophisticated and flattering. It is harder to create an appealing palette from natural sources, but it is possible – it just takes a thoughtful eye, and the determination to tweak and tweak until we create beautiful, wearable colors.

Besides our beautiful colors, we are really proud of the way our lipsticks, lip glosses and lip pencils feel. Our lipsticks are creamy and emollient, and like a balm for the lips. Our glosses are silky, and not sticky (that was really important to us) and the color palette is very flattering. Our lip pencils are creamy (great for filling in the lips), yet can line the lips perfectly, as well.

I really like Primitive lip colors, especially Taj Mahal, a sheer gold that can also be used as a highlighter on the cheeks and browbone. They're wonderfully smooth and creamy; and the glosses are comfortable and non-sticky. Susanna says they plan to expand into a full line of natural, wearable products. She welcomes your input and would like to know what kinds of things you'd like them to develop. Check here for a listing of stores and spas that carry Primitive Makeup.

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