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.
I have just started becoming interested in the ingredients in my hair care and cosmetic products. I am glad that there are companies like Alison’s that are giving consumers more options. The acne response primer sounds promising. I have had problems with primers contributing to breakouts.
What makes your True Concealer so much better than the other concealers out there?
I have a problem with foundation causing my face to look oily does your products contain any oil reduction properties or help it not look so oily?
Thanks for mentioning the Environmental Working Group database. I recently discovered it and found it helpful (and a little bit scary!). However, I am interested in your thoughts on universal certifications, or FDA regulation of cosmetic/beauty ingredients. Do you believe this should be something that is required? As a consumer, I am not able to take the time to look up all the different “green” or “eco” logos that are listed on each company’s website. Having a more universal regulating org would be nice. Your thoughts?
Hi Ladies!
Thanks for your questions. I’ll start with Ali’s. If primers have seem to make you break out in the past, I agree that the Acne Response primer may be a good choice for you because the acne fighting peptides in the formula kill the acne bacteria within the skin, both healing existing breakouts and preventing new ones.
Tina, the trick to True Concealer is in its consistency. Many fully coverage concealers don’t blend, so the effect is literally like putting a band-aid on the problem area – yes, it’s covered, but it is obvious you are coversing something. Other concealers blend, but don’t fully cover – so what’s the point if the problem is still visible? True Concelaer fully covers problem areas and then blends out into the surrounding skin (tap, don’t rub!) and it comes in 7 shades so you are bound to find a near perfect match to your skin tone. I should also add that True Concealer is safe to use both under the eyes and on blemishes (it won’t contribute to breakouts).
Alison
Is the line more for consumers or for professionals (do the products translate well on print/tv)? Thank you!
What type of foundations do you like to work with and why?
is there any mineral and primer for oily/sentisive skin?
What do you recommend for mature skin?
I’m inquiring about your Reality Base Foundation. First, do you have a comparison chart so I’d know what color would be right for me? I am currently a MAC NW20. Second question, is this a buildable foundation? I see that it is a medium coverage. I’m looking for a good covering foundation that would cover some sun damage spots. Thanks for your time!
Hi, 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
Hi 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!
What is your best selling item and why do you think it is the best selling item?
Hi 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?
Hi 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?
When going “Green” do you provide a line of cosmetics for sensitive skin or is the lack of chemicals and other harmful agents the only needed adjustments to make sensitive/healthy make-up? Is there a line in your cosmetics that will help nourish the skin? I have found so many different brands that are for oily skin that dries the skin completely, or if the need is for dry skin it masks the skin causing the skin to “over-glow.” I am excited about your propylene-glycol free version of your Inner Glow gel blush, being that propylene-glycol is one of the harmful, yet mild, chemicals you can use in skin care, but again for those with oily skin, your blush will be an “On Hand Accessory” in every clutch out on the town…
Hi Allison,
I have sensitive, combination skin. Although I just turned 40, I still experience breakouts, eczema and uneven skin tone. Does your product line contain any known irritants? I always read product labels before purchasing products, especially since my skin reacts negatively to aloe vera. Do you offer an ingredient list for each of your cosmetic products?
Hi Allison!! WOWWW i feel so special just even being able to TYPE to you!! You are an ICON to me!! So, my question is this. I have combination skin, and i am now starting to get much dreaded wrinkles on my forhead!! IM CRYING EVERY DAY!! I dont even want to WEAR make-up anymore, because i just want to have anti-aging stuff on it ALL the time, so I tried the Neutragena Healthy SKin Enhancer Foundation, thinking that would help, but They just keep cominggg..
( PLEASE, can you suggest me a regimen so i can battle this war on 2 legs, and still be abl to look and feel beautiful with my “face” on?? I’m open to ANYTHING at this point.. Thank You so very much, for any help you can offer. ADORE YOUU, YOURE THE BESTT!!
Leave your response for a chance to win free products!
Take our Beauty Stat Quiz on Facebook
Occasional breakouts?
Frizzy hair?
Dark circles?
Find out the best beauty products for you! Take this simple quiz now!
Join Beauty Stat on Facebook
Visit our community app on Facebook to connect with beauty experts and win free products.
Join Now!
Newsletter
Subscribe to the Newsletter
Tags
2010 acne Anti-Frizz Backstage Beauty Beauty Bobbi Brown Cosmetics Dashing Diva Dashing Diva (Hair) Dashing Diva (Makeup) Dashing Diva (Skincare) Estee Lauder Fall 2010 Fashion Week Fragrance frizz giveaway Golden Globes 2010 Hair hairstyle Holiday 2009 Lancome Lipstick MAC MAC Cosmetics Madame Connoisseur Madame Connoisseur (Hair) Madame Connoisseur (Makeup) Madame Connoisseur (Skincare) Makeup mascara Organic Oscars Painted Lady (Makeup) Runway Devotee Runway Devotee (Hair) Runway Devotee (Makeup) Runway Devotee (Skincare) Scene Queen (Makeup) skin Spring 2010 Tip Trickster Tip Trickster (Hair) Tip Trickster (Makeup) Tip Trickster (Skincare)
Categories
Twitter Updates
Recent Comments
Recent Posts
Most Commented
Most Viewed