Meet Anne, Our Resident Mineral Makeup Maker
Many people don't realize that all Alima Pure loose powder products are made right here, onsite in Portland, Oregon. Monday through Friday, you can find Anne at work in the Alima Pure lab, boho-chic outfit hidden by a long white lab coat. We got a chance to chat with Anne, our Resident Mineral Makeup Maker, about how she spends her days.
What is a typical workday like for you?
The first thing I do in the morning (after coffee, of course) is take stock of all of our powder products and see what we are running low on. After assessing which products I will be making that day, I head into the lab, sanitize equipment, and get to work making powders. Achieving the right color of each shade is crucial, which is why most of my day is spent color-correcting to make sure each batch is a perfect match to our color controls. Making handcrafted, small-batch makeup can be a lengthy and complicated process that requires a good eye for color and meticulous attention to detail.
How did you start making mineral makeup?
It’s where several of my lifelong passions intersect —I’ve always been into the green lifestyle — I eat organic, use natural skincare products, and I’ve worked on several organic farms studying permaculture and sustainability. I have also always had an artistic inclination – I love making things, working with my hands, playing with color. And lastly, I genuinely enjoy work that is extremely detailed – stuff that might drive other people crazy. These are some of the reasons why I knew that making natural, non-toxic makeup would be a great fit for me.
What is your favorite Alima Pure product to make?
Hands down, Satin Finishing Powder. It is incredibly sheer and minimally pigmented. It’s actually also my go-to product on days when I don’t have time to do makeup. I wear it by itself to slightly even out my complexion for a natural, no makeup look. Its texture is fabulously velvety smooth—it feels like putting a cloud on my face!
What is your favorite Alima Pure product to wear?
It’s so hard to pick just one! The most essential product that I wear every single day is the Satin Matte Eyeliner in either Espresso or Black Violet. It’ s so hard to find a good eyeliner out there that comes in a loose powder form (as opposed to pencils or liquid eyeliner). I love how versatile it is – you can either apply it dry for a subtle, soft look or wet the brush for the ultimate Brigitte Bardot-esque cat eye. It pairs wonderfully with the Alima Pure Ultra-Fine Liner Brush— this combo has been a game changer for me!
What do you like to do for fun?
I moonlight as a jewelry artist, so even though that’s technically still work, it’s fun for me. I love vintage shopping, weird old vinyl, photography, reading books, and gardening.
