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NICOLE PAXON

Last Updated (Tuesday, 17 February 2009 12:04)

“Nicole Paxson knows firsthand that beauty goes beyond skin deep. For Nicole a long history of struggle with the chronic illness Lupus has granted her the gift of a more beautiful perspective. Since 12-years of age, Nicole survived strenuous bouts of Chemotherapy, sun sensitivities, blood disorders, plus the red "butterfly rash" along her face and body associated with the illness. Today, Nicole is fighting back to change the face of the disease altogether by creating something magical- a cosmetic line that allows all types of women, no matter what challenges they've faced, the ability to regain their confidence through flawless skin.” (NicolePaxson.com)

Of course when someone starts their own makeup line we ask all the questions you want to know- why, how, and what’s next! You’ll love her answers!

YBI: Why did you decide to create your cosmetic line?
NP: In the creation and formulation of my line, I really had two key factors that were the most important to me personally: the coverage without feeling heavy, and the high SPF factor. It wasn't an easy task finding a balance between the two. I was insanely adamant about the feeling my makeup had on the skin. Growing up in the humid state of Florida, I couldn't bear to wear a heavy makeup that felt sticky but I needed the coverage. So, I went into the lab time after time, and would try out the new formulation on my own face. The big test came when I would pull out a tissue and if it stuck to my face, I would tell them "back to the drawing board guys, this isn't what I want". (Needless to say, I drove them crazy for quite some time) I do remember the day the technician actually got it though, she came out adorably, with tears in her eyes and said "we did it!". It was a wonderful moment.

YBI: Who are your customers (who is the line intended for?)
NP: Everyone and anyone who would like to have flawless skin! This is actually where I have been really blessed in creating my line. There isn't a specific demographic whatsoever. Because I have a line consisting solely of foundations (for now!! expansion to come) the different formulations can fit anyone's needs. The Lotus concealer on it's own is a wonderful little tool for ANY girl/woman to have in their bag. Its a necessity for quick fixes, hence the handy little mirror on the top of the tube. The Painted Lady Powder and Tropic Queen Bronzer work wonders for people that need a light coverage balancing powder with SPF. I have seen girls in their teens to mature women with flawless skin, brush it on alone to have some SPF coverage and oil control throughout the day. Then you have the Monarch Creme to Powder foundation which people love for the creme to powder finish. Applied with a sponge, it instantly balances out any redness or unevenness in the skin including concealing freckles and those frustrating little broken capillaries. This has been a favorite for makeup artists that work on set in TV and film, because it looks so amazingly flawless on camera. It is also sweat-resistant, without clogging pores, so under those bright Hollywood lights it's magical. My mother and I are obsessed with the Mimosa liquid foundation, and I always find this to be a favorite of fellow Lupus sufferers, or people with Rosacea, acne, etc. It covers any imperfections and is easy to apply and blend. Then...last but definitely not least, our accidental wonder product: Zerene pudding! The formulation of this product actually came out of a random lab mishap which turned out to be a beautiful creation. The Zerene pudding has worked wonders in full coverage for everything from severe skin conditions on the face to imperfections on the body. I have had customers find endless uses for the Zerene pudding, from bruise, tattoo, or scar coverage, to concealing psoriasis on the body (men and women), to my most favorite use: Mixing it with your favorite body lotion and applying to the legs for a "liquid nylon" effect!!

YBI: What is a typical day like for you running your own business?
NP: It's usually hectic but fun. We are a small company, so it is literally me and my creative director running EVERYTHING. That means we probably wear ten different hats throughout the day. From customer service to shipping and receiving to press and promotional marketing, you name it and its either myself or my gal handling it! Hopefully as we grow, we will expand in staff and have designated department heads for all of the different issues, but for now we are having a lot of fun learning how to do it all!

YBI: What are your goals for the line?
NP: I know it sounds simply stated, but I really just want to make the world feel beautiful. That is my mission and will continue to be my driving force behind all my future endeavors. The sky is the limit in my mind and I want it to be that way for anyone else who feels held back because of what they think they see in the mirror.

YBI: How can estheticians and makeup artists learn more about your company and products?
NP: For now I am exclusively online at www.Nicolepaxson.com. There you can find press updates, company information, and order products. We are looking into expansion opportunities as we speak, and although I can't say just yet, be prepared to see us available for purchase in other venues sooner than later ;-)