We had the pleasure of talking to Melodie Reynolds, the creator of Elate Cosmetics, a new makeup brand from Victoria, BC committed to green, fair trade, and chemical free practices.

We've tested all of Elate's products and fell in love with the packaging and were truly impressed with the quality not usually seen in other chemical free makeup products.

Melodie and her Elate Cosmetics team have set up their pop-up shop at The Little Mountain Shop on Main st this weekend. We highly recommend stopping by!

L'Atelier 

First things first, could you tell us how and why you started Elate Cosmetics?

Melodie 

A few years ago, I made a major personal lifestyle change and stopped using chemically loaded products on my body and skin.

I had been working in the beauty industry for about 17 years and realized that I wouldn't want to use any of the products that were in my kit. There weren't a lot of choices on the market for chemical free makeup and skin care products and the choices that were available were most often lacking in quality and durability. So I decided to start experimenting with making my own skin care products and later on makeup products in my kitchen.

L'Atelier 

Are your products made locally?

Melodie 

Yes! Our products are made in Canada. We import the bamboo that we use for our packaging however, we make sure that it is fair trade. Even the mica mineral that we use in our products is fair trade.

L'Atelier 

Where are you currently selling your products?

Melodie 

As of now we are selling mostly in Vancouver Island, however after this weekend our line will be available in 6 different retail stores in Vancouver. You can find out more on our website.

L'Atelier 

What does being a creative entrepreneur mean to you?

Melodie 

As a creative entrepreneur, I have the ability to transmit a message across. Elate's message is that women are fine the way they are, they don't need to use makeup to appear more beautiful. To us cosmetics are fun and applying makeup is a ritual that can help boost your confidence but only if we want to. Each woman can make up her own definition of beauty.