Inspiration can strike during the most mundane occasions. Take Courtney Gilmore. The local makeup artist was having coffee and a muffin with her family one morning and lamenting the poor quality of some makeup she was working with. Her uncle suggested she start her own line, the idea struck a chord with her and a short time later, The Makeup Project [1] was born.
Immaculate, Gilmore's inaugural line of six lip glosses for spring, is crafted from an international blend of high-quality ingredients, including vitamin E oil from the United States, mica from Italy and colored pearl powder from Japan. The colors Gilmore selected are based on the predictions of Italian color forecasters, which are used by many fashion designers and cosmetics companies to predict the next season's hottest colors.
The color palette ranges from Santaria, a sinful, gold-flecked tangerine to Virgin M., a perfect pale pink to pair with smoky, sultry eyes. In between are Ritual, Sublime, Santaria (a favorite of actress Rose McGowan, who spent her formative years in Seattle) and Sacrifice. All six glosses are scented with a delightful, light lemon scent inspired by Gilmore's favorite cake flavor.
While the colors are certainly of the moment, and the scent delicious, it is the Immaculate collection's packaging that truly stands out. Gilmour selected the Virgin Mary, whom she admires as a positive female image, to grace her new line, and she collaborated with local artist and photographer Molly Anderson to create six images of the Virgin Mary in everyday situations. The images capture Gilmore's belief that it is important to be open to illumination and inspiration at all times.
Immaculate is a limited-run collection for spring/summer 2008. It is available online at The Makeup Project Web site [2] and locally at Vain [2], Coupe Rokei and Queen Anne Dispatch [2]. Look for a new line -- and a new inspiration -- next fall.
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