Kate O’Brien, Founder of Alima Cosmetics
I am coming to the the wonderful realization that Portland is a veritable mecca of natural perfume, skin care and cosmetics manufacturers. Last week, I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Kate O’brien, founder and President of Alima Cosmetics, at her office in Portland, Oregon. Kate’s mineral cosmetics use 100% natural, cruelty-free minerals and pigments. They provide sun protection, anti—inflammatory benefits and beautiful, natural color. All products are entirely additive- and allergen-free and are safe for even the most sensitive skin.
This extensive line includes over 250 products, including foundation, balancing powder, concealer, color balancing powder, eyeshadow, eyeliner, blush, and a variety of brushes and accessories. A new lipstick collection is being formulated and is due to launch this fall.
A peek into her laboratory showed a vast array of minerals waiting to be blended into a wide color palette of beautiful shades. Kate works with her charming 19-year old daughter, Sara, as well as several other friendly employees. The business, founded in 2004, is doubling in size every year. Finding a larger manufacturing facility is a high priority on Kate’s to-do list. Meanwhile, Alima products are shipped to all 50 states and to more than 25 countries internationally.
This was my first experience with mineral cosmetics, and Kate’s trained eye helped her choose the perfect shades for me: Pongee foundation, Carnation matte blush, and Cocoa matte eyeshadow. Fortunately, the Alima website has a very useful “choosing colors” page that can help anyone decide on just the right hue. And samples of nearly every product are available for $1 each.
These products are simply amazing. They come in such rich yet harmonious colors, and they blend onto the skin as smoothly as silk. A little bit goes a really long way. And the fact that they are so safe to use, in addition to being beautiful, is the icing on the cake.
And just how safe are they? I am happy to report that Alima is one of only two American companies to be awarded the prestigious BDIH “Certified Natural Cosmetics Seal.” This seal is a well-recognized indicator of authentically natural cosmetics in Europe. It ensures that certified products contain only the safest, purest natural ingredients and are produced and packaged in an environmentally and socially responsible manner.
The rigorous BDIH guidelines go beyond the European Union Cosmetics Directive. That directive has banned more than 1000 chemicals considered unsafe to be used in cosmetics. On the other hand, the Food and Drug Administration has banned 10.
Kate explains that Alima is a Sufi term referring to the divine wisdom in even the smallest of things. I find it to be a very fitting name for a wonderful company!
Alima products can be ordered online at Alimacosmetics.com.
