Sofie Pavitt teaches us about her “Simple Solutions for Problematic Skin” and the distinct ingredients that set Sofie Pavitt Face apart.

I had the amazing opportunity to sit down and chat with THE Sofie Pavitt! Sofie shares her evolution from the world of fashion to skincare, and her profound motivation to address problematic skin types. Through this candid conversation, I gained a glimpse into Sofie’s remarkable journey as a female founder, facing challenges with resilience and carving her path in a predominantly male industry.

RK: Tell us who you are, and what got you into skincare and being an aesthetician.

SP: I’m Sofie Pavitt, the founder of Sofie Pavitt Face and a licensed esthetician based in NYC. I worked in fashion for 15 years and started giving my friends facials alongside my fashion job for two years before going into skincare full time around 7 years ago. I specialize in problematic skin types such as acne, rosacea, perioral dermatitis etc. I love seeing the change in confidence within my clients when improving their skin.

During her years in the fashion industry, Sofie’s work often led her to Seoul, where she first encountered the captivating realm of K-Beauty. Surrounded by the innovative skincare landscape, she was particularly intrigued by advancements like sheet masks – a concept that was novel at the time. In a period when K-Beauty was relatively unknown to most, Sofie found herself immersed in these innovations, embracing the indulgence that would later influence her skincare journey.

RK: Can you tell us about your new skincare launch? What inspired you to create this product line?

SP: Our tagline is ‘SIMPLE SOLUTIONS FOR PROBLEMATIC SKIN’. I found that my clients didn’t know where to start when clearing their acne with so many products out there and conflicting information on what works. I wanted to also bring products to the market for clients who wanted a beautifully ‘designed, curated line but with problematic skin in mind.

RK: In a world where a new skincare product seems to launch every day, what sets your skincare products apart from others in the market? Could you highlight some unique features or ingredients?

SP: We launched with our Mandelic Clearing Serum. Mandelic acid is a hero ingredient we use constantly in my studio- we love combining it with other actives to clear acne, to help retinols work better, to brighten dark spots and illuminate the skin. This is a serum that is so gentle but giving you this low and slow exfoliation that is just so perfect combined with other actives.

The Clean Clean Cleanser preps the skin beautifully to receive your actives in your routine: its ideal after wearing sunscreen, and is a gel cleanser that acts like a cream cleanser in the sense that it cleans so well without drying the skin.

RK: As a female founder, what challenges have you faced in the beauty industry, and how have you overcome them?

SP: I feel really lucky that I have 15 years of manufacturing experience so when I started developing it wasn’t completely alien to me. I think it surprises a lot of (mostly male) factory owners that I know what I’m talking about. I’m also a mom to two young kids, so that has been challenging balancing work and taking care of their needs as well as managing my home with my husband.

RK: What advice would you give to other aspiring female entrepreneurs looking to break into the skincare or beauty sector?

SP: My biggest advice is to work with intention and integrity. What makes your product special? Is there a need for it? What’s your special sauce? I feel so passionate about problematic skin and only bring products to market that I feel are missing from the products I want to offer my own clients in my studio.

RK: What message or feeling do you hope customers take away from using your skincare products? 

SP: I want customers to feel empowered in dealing with breakouts and to give them the confidence to take control of their own skin. 

RK: Put us in your shoes. What does an average day in your life look like?

SP: I usually wake up at 6 AM drink some coffee and look at social media. I know this is bad- but I love it. I get my 2 year old up and get him ready for school and then my four-year-old wakes up too. I always get their clothes and bags for school ready the night before to make the mornings less painful for us. My husband and I tag team the school run, then I either head to my studio in Chinatown to see clients, center aesthetic dermatology or work in the office on the skincare line with my other team.
Every day is different. Right now I’m working a lot on bringing our products to other estheticians and dermatologists in NYC so a lot of in-person meetings. I drink way too much coffee- I’ll have another one after lunch and we eat a lot of amazing Chinese food at the studio too. I pick up my little guy early eve and we all eat dinner together as a family- I wait until they’re in bed and then I get ready for bed and then start my emails. I always get ready for bed and do my skincare routine/brush my teeth etc. before working otherwise I’m so tired afterward I won’t do it! I head to bed around 11 and start it all over again the next day.

RK: What are some of your favorite beauty products at the moment?

SP: Cell Fusion C Laser Sunscreen I’m obsessed with! Leaders Amino Moisture Mask for hydration after the sun. Sofie Pavitt Face Mandelic Clearing Serum for gentle low and slow daily exfoliation and Soonjung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream for serious comfort for irritated summer skin.

RK: What’s next for Sofie Pavitt?

SP: We have a really cool (literally) product launching in September which I’m so excited to share with the world.

Want more details on Sofie Pavitt Face? Here are their two newest products available now on Soko Glam:

1. Clean Clean Cleanser $34

A foaming cleanser for all skin types, including blemish-prone and sensitive skin. It contains key ingredients like Allantoin, Panthenol, and Glycerin, for a refreshing cleanse without compromising skin integrity, leaving your complexion feeling hydrated.

2. Mandelic Clearing Serum $54

A daily exfoliating serum with Mandelic Acid, Panthenol, Hyaluronic Acid, and calming ingredients to promote an even skin tone, nourish, and prevent dryness.

The post Female Founder Spotlight: Sofie Pavitt on Her New Innovative Skincare Line appeared first on The Klog.

When you think of skin care ingredients, an egg may not be the first thing that comes to mind. But for Superegg founder Erica Choi, eggs have always been a central component of her life and a key component of her and her family’s beauty rituals. Not only do eggs represent perfect balance—egg white, yolk, and eggshell—but they symbolize birth and are beautiful in their simplicity. 

Eggs were the inspiration behind Superegg, and they’re also a key ingredient in the brand’s products. Each is intended to elevate your skin care ritual, bringing meaning and balance to both your complexion and mental well-being. 

We connected with Choi to learn more about how Superegg came to be, why she believes skin care is such an important daily ritual, and why the egg is such a core focus for the brand. 

How did you get into the beauty industry? 

I’ve always had a close relationship with beauty, stemming from childhood memories from my Korean upbringing. Eggs were used as part of a beauty ritual, and I’ve grown up observing my grandmother and mother apply different parts of the eggs onto their faces during our bathhouse visits in Korea. Historically, this reaches back to egg-based beauty practices from the first millennium in Asia, where eggs have played a storied role in Korean, Chinese, and Japanese beauty practices. 

I sought internships at Aveda, Teen Vogue, and Razorfish during my university years because I wanted to work in the fashion and beauty industry. Upon graduation, I built my professional career at a few digital agencies, where I worked on UI/UX design for many beauty brands. The six-plus years I’ve spent at Barneys New York, and my 10-year career as a content creator, also gave me great exposure to the industry, where I could build relationships and work with amazing people and brands. I also obtained my New York esthetician license to gain greater insight into skin and how to care for various types and tones. 

What inspired you to start your own brand?

Since childhood, the ritual of caring for my skin has been one factor in my life that has brought me comfort. However, living in NYC and in a world where everything is so fast-paced and extra, I wanted to create products that brought calm and serenity to my everyday. I like to call it ‘mindful minimalism,’ and I strive for both the formulations and packaging to align with this philosophy. 

Superegg products feel special while bringing efficacious results over time, addressing the skin’s overall health for long-term benefits. It is a thoughtful brand of well-balanced products centered around caring for the skin. We focus on sophisticated formulations that nourish the skin, so it is always in its healthiest, luminous state. Every time you cleanse or apply your skin care routine, it should also feel like a ritual of self-care. It is a small reminder to live life with intention and see beauty even in the simplest moments. 

Why are eggs a key focal point for the brand? 

I have a long affinity and connection to eggs, and I was aware of all their nutritional values. To me, eggs symbolize birth, and each new day is an opportunity to reset and start anew. Our idea was to take this inspiration to a higher level. Smooth, egg-like balanced skin starts from within, and with a harmony of nutrition and design, each component of an egg—the egg white, yolk, and eggshell—is a graceful expression of balance. 

The self-balancing figure of Danish poet and scientist Piet Hein’s Superegg, a form representing a beautiful expression of balance, also greatly inspired us. Superegg’s pillars are based on balance and holistic well-being for people and the planet. We respect the past, present, and future. 

With our vegan egg duplexes and tried-and-true Asian botanicals, I can tell my story about my heritage and culture to open up certain dialogues. Creating synergy with incredible modern-day clinically active ingredients, we can offer the best to our community today. As we move into the future, it is more and more vital to think sustainably and strive to do good for our environment. We only have one planet, after all. 

What’s the biggest challenge you have faced as a founder?

In true Virgo fashion, I am a perfectionist and a planner. The most challenging thing I’ve faced over the past year as a founder is that many things are out of my control. I’ve learned to pivot, let go, and find alternative actions. 

[Another challenge] is also facing additional struggles with mental health that may come my way. As an empath, I can be quite sensitive at times, but I’ve indeed grown stronger. However, it’s all about balance. As beauty and skin care are also very personal, and we are in the service industry, our priority is helping others find what works best for their skin. It’s about building a community and being a dependable source for our community. 

Put us in your shoes. What does an average day in your life look like?

I like to start my day washing my face with our Gentle Elements Cleansing Foam ($34). It’s the creamiest softening cleanser with a light relaxing scent that truly marks the start and end of each day. I follow with Kind Atmosphere Biome Mist ($28), an antioxidant serum or Tonal Scenery Reparative Serum ($72), eye cream, Sound Renewal Moisturizer ($60), and SPF, whether I am going out that day or not. I then make myself a drip coffee or matcha, but my husband has been lovely about making me an incredible latte with my beloved barista blend Oatly in the mornings lately. 

I then go into work mode. Every day can be pretty routine, or it can be quite drastically different. Much of my work can be done remotely, such as shooting and posting content, engaging with our community, or answering emails, many times the difference is just the setting. Since I started content creation a decade ago, my days have been committed to creating. Now, it is combined with creating for Superegg. I create everything from photographs to planning content for the brand’s social accounts to ideating and developing future product launches. Responding to emails also takes ample time. It is responding to vendors, partners, influencers, press, operations, and much more. When I am working from home, I see when the light is best in my space and take product photography. I prefer to work from home but try to make it into the office once or twice a week. I will step out for an hour or two for a meeting or a weekly yoga or pilates class in the neighborhood. 

[At the end of the day], I have dinner with my husband and catch up on my Korean dramas or Netflix. After dinner, I light a candle and make myself tea. I have the shows running in the background while I hop on my laptop, edit photos, and engage on social media. I work late into the night as our vendors in Korea start to wake up and respond to emails and calls. 

Calling it a night is probably the hardest as there’s always so much more to do. However, listening to your body is important, and I let myself sleep as much as needed unless there’s something scheduled early the following morning. 

What are some of your favorite beauty products at the moment?

I love anything soothing, brightening, and products that aid my hyperpigmentation. I’ve found alternating mild exfoliants and gentle retinol in my nighttime routine throughout the week to be effective and non-irritating for my sensitive skin. I’ve also been really into hybrid sunscreen formulas lately. They usually offer complete SPF 50 protection and combine the best of both worlds. I also always have a sun stick in my bag. I reach for it every few hours and find it easiest to apply throughout the day as I don’t need to use my hands and don’t mess with my makeup if I have any on. 

Can you fill us in on what’s next for Superegg? 

I want to embrace more discussions around inclusivity, acceptance, and the importance of mental health and holistic wellness. Our motto is “Be a good egg,” and I want us to come together for the greater good. I see a brand portfolio of beautiful, efficacious products created with the meaningful intention that helps you achieve healthy, radiant skin, which helps your overall well-being. At Superegg, we want to help empower and encourage you to feel beautiful inside and out, bringing joy to your daily life. 

Intrigued by Superegg? Start with one of these popular products: 

1. Gentle Elements Cleansing Foam ($34) 

Every skin care routine starts with a cleanser, and this gentle foaming wash is the perfect pick. It effectively removes makeup, dirt, and oil while nourishing the skin with the brand’s signature White Duplex, a scientifically engineered egg white that boasts 22 high-grade vegan ingredients.

2. Sound Renewal Moisturizer ($60) 

This lightweight, gel-cream moisturizer absorbs quickly and nourishes deeply with vital nutrients. It’s formulated with panthenol to strengthen the skin barrier and maintain moisture levels, squalane to hydrate, PHA to gently exfoliate, and nutrient-dense Yolk Duplex. 

3. Kind Atmosphere Biome Mist ($28) 

Powered by Superegg’s Shell Duplex, this refreshing mist instantly hydrates and soothes your skin while supporting optimal skin wellness. It’s also formulated with Cicaria, Bifida Ferment Lysate, and Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate which help bolster the skin’s immune system by supporting its microbiome. 

4. Tonal Scenery Reparative Serum ($72)

Superegg’s Tonal Scenery Reparative Serum is enriched with potent botanicals and elasticity-boosting actives to help repair, restore, and revive the skin for a healthy radiance. Soft stabilized oil and biome-boosting capsules quickly absorb into the skin to form a protective moisture shield for a velvety-soft, even complexion.

5. Calm Movements Eye & Cheek Mask ($50)

Superegg’s Calm Movements Eye & Cheek Mask is made of innovative hydrogel to cool, soothe, and boost skin elasticity. With a patent-pending, unique and compact mask design, it is ideal for easy mobility. Roomier than a regular eye mask, this mask provides sufficient coverage of both the eye and cheek area.

Still think about eggs the same way after hearing from Erica? Which Superegg products are you most excited to try?

The post Female Founder Spotlight: Superegg’s Founder on the Power of the Egg and Ritual of Skin Care  appeared first on The Klog.

If you think back even five to 10 years ago, the mere thought of getting a pimple bred a unique sort of stress and, in some cases, even shame. While a clear complexion is great, the reality is that we all break out every now and again—even those with “perfect” skin—and it’s nothing to be ashamed of. 

After over a decade in the beauty industry, where she served as the beauty director of ELLE.com, Julie Schott founded Starface in 2019 specifically to change the existing—and often damaging—dialogue about acne. Ultimately, her goal with the brand was to normalize breakouts and make growing up and being yourself way more fun. 

Today, Starface’s priority is to create optimistic, fun-flavored skin care products that challenge our views on acne, turning breakouts into a moment of exciting self-expression versus making you feel “less than” just because you’ve got pimples. 

We spoke with Schott about the brand’s origin story, how she spends her days, and what other products she’s obsessed with at the moment. 

What inspired you to start your own brand? 

I think I grew up during a particularly toxic era for beauty standards. Women’s magazines still published weight loss diets, no one had visible acne (except in “before” pictures), and the faces seen in ads all looked mostly the same. So, I was inspired to take Starface in a totally different direction and glamorize breakouts because they’re completely normal and no one should feel less hot because of a pimple when there’s Starface. 

What’s the biggest challenge you have faced as a founder?

We started as three people and now we’re around 30, so there have certainly been growing pains along the way. I feel very lucky to be part of the team we’ve built and everything they’ve accomplished in such a short time. 

Put us in your shoes. What does an average day in your life look like?

Since I work from home, I try to start every day by doing something away from home. During lockdowns I got really into weight lifting, which I do two to three mornings a week now, and on the other days I hike with my dog. My normal schedule alternates between calls with the Starface team, potential hires, and our sibling brand, Plus. 

Even though calls are often back to back, I always make time for meals and afternoon boba–which has become a ridiculously expensive habit! In the evening, if I don’t have to be anywhere, I like to turn off my brain by watching hours of shows, movies, and YouTube until I fall asleep around 11 p.m. 

What are some of your favorite beauty products at the moment?

We launched Clear As Day SPF 46 last month and I’m very proud of the product. It’s the most truly invisible and won’t break you out sunscreen ever. I’m not just saying that! I also love Starface Hydro-Stars ($14.99), Dieux Instant Angel ($45), Dedcool Balm Stick ($10) in every flavor, Plus Body Wash ($16.50), and Live Tinted Huesticks ($24). 

Can you fill us in on what’s next for Starface? 

We have a lot of fun and surprising new products coming that we’re excited to share! Stay in the loop on Instagram and TikTok. 

Down to make pimples more fun? Check out some of Starface’s most popular products: 

1. Hydro-Stars ($14.99) 

You can always cover up your pimple with a clear patch or some concealer—or you could opt for a playful, bright yellow star. These hydrocolloid patches absorb pus and help your pimple heal while protecting. 

2. Moisture on Mars ($12.99) 

Even if you’ve got oily or breakout-prone skin, moisturizing is a skin care step you should never skip. Moisture on Mars soothes dryness, locks in moisture, and helps maintain your skin’s barrier. Plus, it’s infused with antioxidant-rich actives. 

3. Clean Swipe ($7.99)

Think of Clean Swipe as an essential step before applying Hydro-Stars—just swipe it over your spots to quickly clean and soothe the skin. A pack of 24 pre-filled swabs that help lift away impurities and buildup with a cleansing solution.

4. Lift Off Pore Strips ($5.99)

These aren’t your average pore strips. Starface’s are easy on your skin and natural moisture barrier. A set of 8 powerfully cute pore strips that instantly unclog pores by gently lifting away dirt and oil, freeing blackheads for your viewing pleasure. These strips contain calming aloe vera extract and inflammation-reducing witch hazel. After you peel the strip off, your skin is left soft and soothed. 

5. Exfoliating Night Water ($11.99)

This effective, oil-free liquid exfoliant is made with a powerhouse fusion of alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), and polyhydroxy acid (PHA). The Exfoliating Night Water from Starface helps unclog pores, minimize redness, and prevent future spots. Over time, it also helps clarify skin tone, even texture, and reduce the appearance of scars for brighter, glowing skin.

What do you think about this fun spin on acne products? Ready to try some of the best-sellers? Shop Starface today as a part of Soko Glam’s Female Founders Collective.

The post Female Founder Spotlight: How Starface’s CEO Julie Schott is Normalizing Acne appeared first on The Klog.

As you well know, tending to skin is one of our favorite pastimes here at The Klog. This month, we’re going a step beyond by celebrating four female founders who care about the ritual of skincare and beauty just as much as we do. Each of these trailblazing founders have identified a gap in the beauty world and made it their mission to fill it with a one-of-a-kind approach. 

We were lucky enough to spend some time getting to know each founder, asking them questions about what inspired their business, struggles they’ve endured along the way, how they spend their days, and what’s in store for their brands. 

Now, you’ll get a chance to do the same! Throughout June, we’re featuring a Q&A with each founder—exclusive to The Klog—and showcasing some of the brands’ most beloved products. (Prepare your shopping fingers.)

Curious to meet these mysterious female founders making serious moves in the skincare world? Lucky for you, we’re giving you a sneak peak right now! Here’s what you can expect in the coming weeks, starting next Wednesday, June 8! 

Deepica Mutyala of Live Tinted: June 1

When Deepica Mutyala was a young girl, she realized that most people she saw on TV and in magazines didn’t look like her. And like so many others, she tried her best to conform to what society portrayed as beautiful. Eventually, she said “no more.”

Determined to change this dated approach to beauty ideals, she started an online community where people of color could connect to discuss everything from inclusivity to skincare routines and the intersection of both. In 2018, that community officially morphed into cult-favorite beauty brand, Live Tinted.

Natalie Mackey of Winky Lux: June 8

Sometimes the world can be, well, a little boring. But it doesn’t have to be, and Natalie Mackey’s colorful “Winky World” is proof of that. She founded the unapologetically fun beauty brand, Winky Lux, to prove that you don’t always have to conform to a buttoned up lifestyle. 

Think hot pink walls, blingy hair accessories, and confetti-filled lip balms. (Yep, Winky Lux definitely sells the latter). The brand is all about making bold statements, leaving a joyful impression on others, coloring outside the lines, and making the ritual of skincare and beauty way more fun. 

Julie Schott of Starface: June 14

Julie Schott isn’t just on a mission to change the way we think about pimples and acne. She’s downright determined to make those red spots glamorous. After a decade in the beauty industry, where she served as beauty director of ELLE.com, she founded Starface in 2019. 

The brand makes cheerful skin care products that help normalize acne—(because it is totally normal!)—like brightly colored, fun-shaped pimple patches and lime green body wash. For Starface fans, breakouts serve as an opportunity for playful self-expression. 

Erica Choi of Superegg : June 21

Eggs may not be the first thing you think of when it comes to skincare, but for Erica Choi eggs are front and center. A key component of her and her family’s beauty rituals, eggs symbolize balance, new beginnings, and simplicity. 

Not only were eggs the inspiration behind her aptly named brand, Superegg, but they’re a hero ingredient in the product lineup. From egg whites to sunny yolks to delicate shells, eggs deliver vital nutrients to your skin and make for a balanced complexion.

If you need something to tide you over before we start showcasing these amazing founders, check out these Q&A interviews we’ve posted in the past: 

• Cece Meadows: Prados Beauty
• Simran Randhawa: Model and Journalist
• Bradley Horowitz: AmorePacific U.S. CEO
• Molly Sims: Actress

+ Have you heard of any of these skincare brands before? 

The post Introducing: The Female Founders Capsule on Soko Glam appeared first on The Klog.

When Winky Lux founder, Natalie Mackey, set off into the “real world” post-schooling, she found herself in the not-so-colorful finance industry. Quickly, though, she pivoted to fashion, which ultimately led her down a path of beauty collaborations and, finally, to the founding of her unapologetically fun beauty brand. 

The Winky Lux philosophy says that adulthood doesn’t have to be monotonous and always buttoned up. You can paint your walls hot pink, clip rhinestone accessories into your hair, and rock a bold eyeliner during your next Zoom meeting. 

To that end, the Winky Lux products are intentionally extra. Think flower-shaped blushes, confetti-filled lip balms, and cat-shaped pimple patches. The goal of Winky Lux is to make statements, leave impressions, push boundaries, and infuse a little sass into your world—including every single product sitting on your vanity. 

To dive more into the Winky way of life, we spoke to Mackey about how she went from finance to beauty, challenges she’s experienced along the way, and what’s in store for the brand. 

How did you get into the beauty industry? 

I started my career in finance and then quickly went into the fashion industry in a marketing role. During that time, I worked on several beauty collaborations and instantly fell in love with the industry. I am first and foremost a product junkie. I was constantly searching for products with better ingredients and more beautiful packaging. It was during my first few visits to innovation labs that I became completely and totally hooked. 

What inspired you to start your own brand? 

Originally, my business partner and I wanted to start a marketplace that would curate makeup products for customers and the brand was a bit of an afterthought. This turned out to be a gift because the design was completely fearless since we didn’t think it would be the primary business. 

One of the best things we did was survey lots of potential customers on the functionality of the marketplace. Many people were underwhelmed by an algorithm that would

choose makeup for you. However, they were really excited about this brand idea called Winky Lux that promised clean makeup and skin care with a lens of being unapologetically fun. 

What’s the biggest challenge you have faced as a founder?

In the beginning, fundraising was painfully hard. Beauty was historically seen as a bit of a “fluffy” industry, and most venture capitalists weren’t interested. As Winky Lux has grown, and the industry has produced extraordinary value, it has become much easier. 

Put us in your shoes. What does an average day in your life look like?

One of my favorite things about my job is that no day is ever the same. Today I had a product development meeting to walk through Google trends. After that, I had a call with our team at Ulta, then I looked at a site design for our new brick and mortar store. I’m answering the Soko Glam questions right now, and after this I’ll be prepping for a board meeting that’s later in the week. Tonight, I’m looking forward to baby dance class with my daughter, who’s almost one. 

What are some of your favorite beauty products at the moment?

I’m really loving bakuchiol as a key ingredient. I have very sensitive skin and our In the Clouds Retinol Alternative Serum ($30) has completely changed my routine. This is the first time I’ve been able to use a retinol alternative every day. 

Some of my favorite products from other brands right now are Tom Ford’s Soleil Blanc ($270) perfume because it reminds me of summer; Briogeo’s Curl Charisma ($22) which has helped me reduce my blow drys by half; and the Living Cleansing Balm ($38) from Then I Met You, which is so powerful it removes eyelash glue without harsh rubbing. 

Can you fill us in on what’s next for Winky Lux? 

I’m excited for more skin care hybrids. I think color products with active ingredients are the future of makeup, so be on the lookout for some amazing new Winky Lux products. Also, our Nashville store has given us a template for brick and mortar, and we will be building four more stores over the next 24 months. We are really excited to meet more of our customers in person! 

Intrigued by this colorful, fun-filled way of life? Here are some of Winky Lux’s most popular products: 

1. Flower Balm Lip Stain ($16)

Why swipe a simple lip balm when you could use something as fun as Winky Lux’s hydrating Flower Balm? This OG product from the brand’s lineup goes on clear and transforms into a uniquely you shade based on your skin’s pH. 

2. In The Clouds Retinol Alternative Cream Oil ($30) 

If retinol has ever felt like a bit too much for your skin, you’ll definitely want to give bakuchiol a try. This natural alternative boasts the same anti-aging benefits. In The Clouds also features vegan collagen, kakadu plum, cloudberry, and raspberry to support a bright, even-toned complexion. 

3. Orange You Bright Exfoliator ($28)

This exfoliator awakens the senses with the smell of fresh-squeezed citrus leaving skin fresh, radiant, and nourished. Formulated with 3 forms of vitamin C plus lactic acid, this dual action exfoliator polishes, sloughs away dead skin, and helps to resurface for a baby-soft glowing complexion.

4. Barely There Tinted Lip Oil ($18)

Packed with a super-blend of nourishing oils, this tinted lip oil gives an effortless no-makeup look with a sheer color payoff. The skin-loving formula will leave lips hydrated, smooth and perfectly poutable.

Which products from Winky Lux are you adding to cart? Shop the Female Founder collection on Soko Glam below!

The post Female Founder Spotlight: Winky Lux’s Founder On Making ‘Unapologetically Fun’ Beauty For All  appeared first on The Klog.

When Deepica Mutyala was just a girl, she faced what so many others did while thumbing through glossy magazines or watching TV. Hardly anybody looked like her, and she felt this underlying need to be someone she wasn’t in order to fit into what society deemed “beautiful.” 

Fast forward all these years later, and Mutyala is the proud South Asian-American founder and CEO of inclusive beauty brand, Live Tinted. The brand actually began as an online community, where people of color could come together to discuss their experiences and ruminate on important topics like colorism and diversity. In 2018, that community officially morphed into beauty brand, Live Tinted. 

Today, Live Tinted not only continues to foster necessary conversations on representation, but it specifically offers beauty and skin care solutions for a segment of the beauty enthusiast population that’s so often underrepresented. With hero products like Huestick—the recipient of raving reviews and multiple awards—Mutyala and Live Tinted are on a mission to continue raising awareness around identity affirmation while creating solutions with POC in mind. 

For a glimpse into what Live Tinted is all about and how it came to be, we spoke to Mutyala herself. 

How did you get into the beauty industry? 

As a beauty junkie, I always knew I wanted to work in the beauty industry. So, I majored in marketing as an undergrad and went straight into corporate beauty with the goal of eventually starting my own brand. 

What inspired you to start your own brand? 

Growing up loving to play with makeup, I always kept up with the latest beauty trends and looks. At that time, most of those looks that were featured in magazines were modeled by girls who looked nothing like me, but I wanted to be just like them. They were what society considered beautiful, so I did everything I could to become what I saw in magazines and posters. For example, I dyed my hair blonde and wore blue contacts. I basically hid my culture and heritage and tried to be everything I was not. 

I didn’t want anyone to grow up feeling like they need to be someone else to be “beautiful.” We should all feel beautiful and represented just the way that we are, and that inspired me to start my own brand. My goal was to create a platform for people of all tints and hues to celebrate one another. 

What’s the biggest challenge you have faced as a founder?

It is still really hard for a woman of color to be able to secure funding. I realize there’s still so much education to be done around investing in women of color, and there’s such tokenism involved. Through successful partnerships with other BIPOC founders and brands, we are proving that we can win together. 

Put us in your shoes. What does an average day in your life look like?

An average day in my life—when I am not traveling—would be me waking up at 7 a.m., taking 10 minutes to meditate, then starting my day at the gym with my trainer. After that, I begin my workday and dive into meetings with my team and investors. I also set aside time to create content as well. Then at the end of the day, I always journal to gather my thoughts and reflect. 

What are some of your favorite beauty products at the moment?

Some of my favorite beauty products right now have to be Rare Beauty Blush in Believe ($20), Squigs Hair Oil ($24), and of course Live Tinted’s Hueguard ($32) and Hueglow ($34)! 

Can you fill us in on what’s next for Live Tinted? 

We have so many things coming up and are in plan- but you’ll have to find out once they’re launched! Stay tuned on @livetinted on IG! 

Want more details on Live Tinted’s offerings? Here are two of their most popular products offered on Soko Glam: 

1. Live Tined Superhue ($34) 

Superhue might just be your best friend all summer long. This water-based stick balm transforms into a cooling, hydrating serum on your skin. What’s more, it’s powered by brightening niacinamide, antioxidant-rich THD vitamin C, and anti-aging bakuchiol to help fade the look of dark spots and fine lines. 

2. Live Tinted Hueguard ($34)

No beauty routine is complete without an SPF, and Hueguard has you covered in the most literal sense. It’s a weightless, moisturizing, mineral SPF 30 that’s made with non-nano zinc. Best of all, it won’t leave a white cast even if you’re dark complected, and it doubles as a makeup primer. 

Which product from Live Tinted are you excited to try most? Let us know!

The post Female Founder Spotlight: Live Tinted’s Influencer Turned CEO Talks Diversity, Self-Care, and Favorite Products appeared first on The Klog.