KJAER WEIS: STYLE AND SUBSTANCE
June 7, 2010 by Editor
Filed under BEAUTY AND GROOMING
THE KJAER WEIS RANGE OFFERS A COSMETICS KIT WITH SUPER GREEN CREDENTIALS.
‘‘Think of it as the difference between eating an apple fresh from the tree or opting for a processed cookie,’’ enthuses make-up artist Kirsten Kjaer Weis, neatly illustrating the benefits of her new, organic Kjaer Weis cosmetics line over traditional brands. The beauty industry has long recognised the importance of organic and sustainable products, with everything from skin care to bath oils and fragrance receiving the eco treatment. Cosmetics manufacturers, however, have been slow to face up to the demands of a chic, sustainable lifestyle, leaving principled make-up junkies at a loss to find their fix. The impossibly sleek Kjaer Weis range, created from 95% organics and stocked exclusively by champions of innovation, Space NK, looks set to supply it.
Kirsten cites the exacting skincare demands of her clients during 18 years of industry experience, as the initial motivation for starting her range. ‘’I really started questioning products after the constant flow of women that I would find sitting in front of me with rashes and allergies – if that’s the short-term effects, imagine the long term? It really got me thinking.’’ The outcome, 6 years in the making, has been a CCPB certified, truly organic line for eyes, lips and cheeks, whose formulas consist of pigments and preservatives extracted from wildflowers and minerals to create natural shades and scents, while harmful parabens and emulsifiers have been replaced with earths own beeswax.
The results may be ground breaking, but the delicate nature of organic ingredients can pose challenges. ‘‘Due to the natural components, ingredients can differ from harvest to harvest,’’ states Kirsten, ‘‘this means that every item is like a hand made piece and has to be monitored for consistency.’’ This meticulous desire to reap the best from nature is reflected in Kirsten’s holistic approach to life and her philosophy that beauty is primarily achieved from within, through a balance of a healthy diet and exercise in order to produce ‘clean cells’, the foundations of a glowing complexion.
A lifelong passion for all things art and design informed the collaboration with acclaimed designer Marc Atlan, the man responsible for many Comme des Garçons and Helmut Lang creations, to produce the impossibly slick enameled silver compacts which offer a refillable and, therefore, sustainable system. The colour palette for the collection is neutral and universally flattering, designed to work on a wide variety of skin tones. ‘‘I have drawn on all my professional experience to find the perfect shades,’’ states Kirsten, ‘’I feel the strongest about my sense of what does and doesn’t work with colour.’’ Starting with her initial ‘tight knit kit’ there are plans for additions to the range. Next up is mascara and Kirsten is currently tackling the dilemmas of creating an organic foundation stick. ‘‘Ultimately what I wanted to achieve was an alternative that fused beautiful colour, texture and design with organic formulas. I think it’s the way forward.’’ Watch this space.
Stocked exclusively at SPACE NK and selected stores in Denmark.
Words Emma Harding
