By Saira Toppin
Make-up companies promise you flawless skin. They advertise about their quality ingredients, the beauty within that their product will bring to the surface and everything else in the book to get you to purchase their goods. We have all heard, seen, and read these advertisements. I had the opportunity to see about one specific brand for myself. This brand is FSL Cosmetics, a new all-natural line created by Chemical Engineer, Kimberly Riley. FSL wants you to “Feel Good. Smell Good. Look Good.”
Kimberly launched her line in January 2010, after having started research and developing formulas in June 2009. As you can see, Kimberly works fast and means business. As of right now, her line includes lipsticks and lip glosses. Some of the ingredients include avocado oil, acai extract, and cupuacu butter. And they don’t have any sulfates, GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms), and gluten.
I went to the launch party at Wink Eyelash in the Garment District. Lots of Pink! I asked her about acquiring this space to push her line, and she told me that they contacted her, “they wanted me to have this space.” I call that a Woman in Charge. During the launch, we saw demonstrations by make-up artists Karen E. Duncan and Priscilla. They told us which shades of lip color work best in the day or at night and what colors are better for work and going out. I was able to catch Kimberly while she was running around making sure everyone was doing well to ask her a couple quick questions. Here they are.
Women’s Mafia: What inspired you to start your own line?
Kimberly Riley: I always wanted to be an entrepreneur and work for myself. I am a chemical engineer. As a chemist, I interned at companies that produced hazardous materials. But I wanted to do something different. You do not always see chemical engineers who turn around and do what I do.
WM: What are your plans for the future?
KR: I want to expand the collection. I want to make a full color line for women and a men’s skin care collection.
WM: Do you have anything else to add?
KR: This is my dream. My advice for women is this: Don’t think because things do not go your way you cannot make it happen for yourself. You can. If you stay positive and determined, things will happen for you.
Check out FSL cosmetics at www.fslcosmetics.com and see what Ms. Riley has to offer. I was able to go home with Brown Butter lip gloss that smells like sweet cupcakes and Vino lipstick. Find what is best for you.
Guess who I saw displaying her Cupcakes? Tawny Ong.
