apotheKerri beauty and curiosities: April 2011

Is it true what they say, do you think? Well, it's more in the way this old saying tends to come across, as more warning than well-wishing. As if getting what you wish for is something to be dreaded.

God, I hope not. Especially now, when a few of my wishes are about to become reality.

Remember how I said I've been busy instead of just blogging about wanting to be busy? That was the truth... I've been hard at work. Working to put together apotheKerri beauty's first makeup collection in time to launch in a boutique in Leslieville. Yes, you read that correctly - boutique, as in a shop. Well, more of a shoppette than a shop, really. But either way, I launch my first makeup collection in a real live shop on May 1st.

Thanks to Scotiabank by way of the generosity of the Bank of Mum and Dad, I've been putting together all of the elements I need to establish apotheKerri beauty & curiosities in a retail space that I can call my own measuring about four feet by two feet. Might not be much, but hey, it's a start! The shop, Dorly Designs at 1173 Queen Street East, houses a number of local jewellery and fashion designers who are all at various stages in their career. It is with no small amount of shock and awe that I can now count myself as one of them.

apotheKerri beauty is the makeup line I've always wanted to put together - it features bright, fun colours and great textures, and it's all made right here in Canada. I've chosen to go with mineral makeup for the foundations, blushes and shadows because not only are they much better for your skin, they are also paraben-free. The lipstick and glosses are also made without parabens, which is a preservative that has been subject to quite a bit of controversy in the media of late however is often necessary to keep certain products from becoming hotbeds of bacteria. For those beauty addicts who want something a little more hard-core environmental, joining me in my quest for beauty domination is Cheeky Cosmetics from British Columbia. This is an independently owned-and-operated mineral makeup company who blends everything by hand, and uses only natural, vegan and organic ingredients in their products. They are available in a handful of spas and salons on the West Coast, but this will be the first time they can be purchased in a shop this side of the Rockies.

So here we are - the not-so-secret secret is out. May 1st is the official launch of the product in the shop, but the grand opening will be celebrated on Sunday, May 15th. An afternoon tea party... But really, would you expect anything less from me? Invitations will follow, of course, and stay tuned for a wee contest I have planned that will start once I've moved in. But for now, I will leave you with some pictures.

See you all May 1st? Or maybe the 15th?