Short Q & A With Kimber Leigh

 

What is Virtve Cosmetics?

 

Virtve Cosmetics is an organic/vegan/natural cosmetics company specializing in minimizing the use of synthetic ingredients in makeup while bringing you the best ingredients/formulations available. 

 

Unlike other companies, we disclose ALL of our ingredients!  We want you to know what you are purchasing! Make the comparison.  

 

 

Who is your makeup for?  

 

Anyone can wear the cosmetics line but I created it especially for women urban professionals in mind. She has an active lifestyle. She is concerned about social and environmental issues.  She is interested in fashion and current trends. Mind and body wellness is important to her. The effects of aging and the maintenance of a youthful appearance are a daily part of her life.

 

It is also ideal for use after chemical or laser procedures.  The minerals may protect and heal the skin.

I personally like to show that wearing organic/vegan/natural makeup can still be pretty and glamorous.

 

How did your passion for cosmetics begin?

 

I started modeling when I was 12.  It was exciting the first time that someone did my makeup for a photo shoot.  It was amazing to see the way a little makeup on my face could change my appearance and enhance natural features.  It became an obsession after that!

 

 

How long have you been a makeup artist and who do you do make-up for i.e. weddings, fashion shows, etc.?

 

 

I have over 10 years of artistry experience and over 5 certifications. Much experience was gained working with M.A.C. Cosmetics, Sephora, and Christian Dior doing event makeup and personal consultations.  My resume also includes working for a modeling agency teaching makeup and skincare classes.

Some events my talents are used for include: makeup applications for wedding parties, photo shoots, fashion shows, anniversaries, Bar / Bat Mitzvahs, birthdays, engagement parties, graduations, holiday parties, proms, personal consultations, private lessons, etc.  Anything within reason can be handled.

 

What is the back story that led you to the creation of  Virtve Cosmetics?

 

I am often asked what my story is.  Why did I really decide to create a makeup line?  Obviously I am passionate about what I do, otherwise I wouldn't do it. I made the formal decision when I was very sick a few years ago.  I had late stage Lyme Disease.  Things were pretty bleak looking for me. There was a point where if I went to sleep at night, I would wonder if I would wake up the next morning.  In the early stages I actually lost most of my hair, a ton of weight, and got an autoimmune thyroid problem.  I had Lyme for probably 8+ years before knowing.  With faulty testing and many doctors misdiagnosing me, it was really easy to fall through the cracks.  It was not until I worked with integrative and holistic doctors that I started to get better.

 

At that time, I had to switch over to eating all organic food as part of my healing process.  I started thinking about what I was eating on a daily basis but also what I was putting on my body.  What personal care products was I using and what was in them? It was a scary process and I saw many eye opening things I didn’t like.   It was then that I promised myself that if I ever felt better I would launch my own business. After years of research and trial and error, I founded a product line that is a great alternative to what is currently on the market.   I want to use not only my background and skills to help people but my experiences being sick.  

 

In the future, I want to continue my education one class at a time with homeopathy, aromatherapy (Aromatic Applications for the Skin), etc.  I love makeup and skincare.    Maybe by the time I am done I can be a holistic practionioner of sorts.  I want to be a resource and someone who can look a person in the eyes and tell them that I was in their shoes once.  I think there is always hope.  Never let go of what you really want in life.  Find a way to get there; do not ever give up on your dreams.

 

Why did you create Virtve Cosmetics?

 

Due to a variety of allergies and skin sensitivities, I find it very difficult finding high performance makeup that is vegan, organic, Non GMO, no artificial colors, paraben free, sulfate free, cruelty free, gluten free, and is allergy friendly. Looking to fulfill a need in the market place for other people with similar interests and concerns, the idea for Virtve Cosmetics has been created.  Only the cleanest and highest quality content is used in the products.
 

A total of almost 20 years has been spent in the fashion industry.  I modeled and worked at a modeling agency when I was in high school. Many different certifications were earned while working for some of the top makeup companies. I graduated Wayne State University with my Fashion Merchandising Degree.  After graduation, I moved to New York and worked in the fashion industry for a period of time.   

 

With my background in fashion and makeup artistry I want to show people a product line that can fit the needs of anyone who wears it. I want women to be able to feel confident with a natural look and just as confident if they want to wear something more intense. It is important to show the versatility of the makeup itself but I also wanted a modern yet vintage feel to the brand.

 

 

How is it different from other makeup brands?

 

It is not like every other natural cosmetics line out there.  I think it is much more exciting having the ability to show a variety of looks.  A lot of natural products being sold are not like that.  Those who wear very little makeup will feel just as confident wearing my cosmetics as someone who wears more makeup every day. You can tailor it to fit your needs.

 

I also do not like to use boxed packaging with our products if I do not have to.  Everything I do in that sense is very minimal.  I am sure it would make things look a little prettier but it gets thrown out in the trash anyways.  In my opinion, it is not good judgment to contribute to more garbage in landfills if I don’t have to.  We are always careful to recycle and do our best in those areas as a company.