Monday, February 16, 2009

Update on Makeup

In my last post I mentioned that we were developing makeup products. Lots of you have been asking me for an update, so here it is, in all it's glory...

A couple days after my last post I received my organic color compounds. I couldn't wait to start working on the makeup line. I unpacked the box, grabbed all the little bottles and ran to my test kitchen to get started. I began by testing the colors--some were oil soluble, some water. Once I figured out which colors would work, I started adding them to arrowroot powder and jojoba oil. The colors were very difficult to blend in, so I started mixing them with a stick blender.

The stick blender started working, but the problem was that it would get jammed up in the bottom. I was mixing and mixing but it just wasn't blending enough. Frustrated, I turned it off and stuck my finger down in the bottom to clear out some off the compacted powder mix. Well, just as my finger was in there, I accidentally tapped the very sensitive power button....I let out a gasp and sang a little song...."I just hurt my finger really bad!" I sang out, feigning a positive attitude while knowing I had just severed off a nice chunk of flesh. Steve could tell there was something wrong so he came running. I rushed over to the sink and started rinsing off my finger which had now started to gush blood. "We have to take you to the hospital!" urged Steve. "No, I'll be fine," was my automatic reply. "No, you need stiches!" So, my finger wrapped up in a few layers of paper towels, Steve rushed (and I mean rushed!) me down to the insta care.

Five stitches and a tetanus shot later (which I was opposed to, but they talked me in to it under my state of duress) I was all patched up.

It has been a few weeks now and the bandages and stitches are all out now. The finger's pretty well healed except a funky looking battle scar. I guess when they say you give your blood, sweat, and tears to a business, they really mean it!

I got a new little blender that will hopefully not tempt me to stick my finger in it. The ingredients are there..the equipment is ready. Now all I need is the courage to start blending those dubious colors again.

10 comments:

Hyacinth said...

Oh no! Good thing Steve took you to the hospital (and I guess that you got a new blender!). No matter what they say, beauty is not supposed to be painful!

ponnie said...

it is obvious you are so dedicated. i, for one, am very much looking forward to the results. =)

Anonymous said...

Oh dear! That must be very painful. I’m so sorry to learn about the disaster. I too have a scar in my last finger since I was 1+. My grandma said the fleshed came off and I cried until I almost passed out.

We all loooove your products so please be careful, ok? - Theresa

Coalescence said...

Thank you for putting the work in to develop these products. I wanted to try to make my own, but it was just too much work for my crowded college student mind to handle. Because you shed blood for us. I vow to buy your first lipstick as soon as it's available.
(hint hint: I'm olive toned and most lipsticks make my teeth look yellow...think you can make a color that doesn't do that?)

Lots of "green" loving,
Stephanie Byng
Author of An Eco-Babe's Guide to Greening It
Find it on Amazon.com

Anonymous said...

Ouch! Wow, the sacrifices you make for us, Stephanie, LOL!! Who knew that health and beauty product development could be a front line of danger? I'm so sorry you went through that. Hope you are full of courage soon and stay safe. =)

Grateful for your hard work and genius!

Anonymous said...

Oh, no!!! Glad to hear you are all mended! I'm looking forward to seeing your makeup collection, as I hate buyinig makeup online without knowing if the place is reputable or not. Since I know your business, I know it will be a safe product to use! Just be careful as you work on experimenting!!!

erica said...

*GASP!!!* What a traumatic experience!! I'm so glad you're all patched up. Like the other commenters have said, you are one of the most dedicated entrepreneurs EVER! Thanks for all your hard work, and keep it up (minus severing any limbs, please) - I love ALL the Bubble & Bee products I've tried!

Anonymous said...

Wow! Who would have guessed the dangers of the cosmetics front line? Blood, sweat, tears and true stoicism. We appreciate all your sacrifices for this good cause. Thank goodness it wasn't your whole finger! No more on the job accidents!! We need your cosmetics. I love Suki but the cosmetics unfortunately harden and become strangely sticky in the container. You go girl!:-)

Stephanie Greenwood said...

Thanks for everyone's kind words! The finger's healing up nicely...ah--I can type again!

Anelise said...

Glad to hear you are ok! Check out this cosmetic line, they seemed to be able to avoid some dubious minerals. I love bubble and bee, I hope the cosmetic line turns out something like this!

http://www.100percentpure.com/fruitpigmentedintro.html