Nature, colors, scents.
If we had to write down the first three things that come to mind when we think of them, these would be it. They are Vittorio and Ludovico from We Inspire Beauty, and they want to inspire beauty, as the name of their project suggests, with a line of eco-sustainable solid cosmetics of natural origin.
In the Biella Pre-Alps, their products are made using mainly organic and non-animal ingredients, through a production and distribution process with low environmental impact. The result is facial cleansers, shower gels, deodorants, shampoos, and conditioners with scents that evoke nature and tradition.
The packaging is made of sustainable and fully recyclable cardboard, enriched with unique illustrations that are an integral part of the product, as Vittorio and Ludovico are keen to point out.
We asked Vittorio and Ludovico to tell us how this idea came about and how they are carrying it forward.
The name We Inspire Beauty came to us suddenly, just before we resigned ourselves to using a short, easy-to-pronounce name, as is often recommended in the best marketing manuals.
At the time, we were working on the first prototypes of the facial cleanser. Feedback from friends and family gave us hope: some appreciated its effectiveness, others its effect on the skin, and others loved its fragrance, an absolute essence of Damask rose.
So we began to have some ideas to work with for the name: it had to bean expression of a collective and not of an individual, and obviously it had to refer to the world of cosmetics.
Then one fine day, an email arrived: it was from Elisa, a young graduate who offered to make some illustrated proposals for our packaging. We put our trust in her, even though we had no experience with the world of illustration. The following days passed with trepidation, We waited for the "first drafts" and then, one Friday at the end of July, an email arrived with a large attachment: it was the designs!
The sweetness and delicacy of the subjects depicted, the attention to detail, and the vivid colors were a source of great inspiration in completing the naming of our brand, which thus became We Inspire Beauty.
As for our roles: Vittorio is mainly responsible for product creative direction, sales and, as a former tax consultant, the economic and financial management of the startup. Ludovico, on the other hand, is the chef/pharmacist, and he has the arduous task of ensuring that the formulas become excellent products that are safe for our skin.
There is a lot of talk about solid cosmetics these days; you were among the first to recognize their potential and decided to invest in this sector. Can you explain the advantages of this type of product and how yours differ from those sold in supermarkets?
We started with four solid products in the year when large retailers also presented "solids" as a novelty.
Solid cosmetics, especially certain types, have the great advantage of having a lower environmental impact than their liquid equivalents. As they contain no water in their formula, except in trace amounts, they do not need a synthetic preservative system and are particularly convenient for travelers.
- effectiveness of formulations;
- biocompatible formulas;
- top-quality ingredients;
- traceability of raw materials and packaging.
Of course, precisely because our manifesto aims to be an expression of inclusion ("We"), we have also recently introduced cream formulations to satisfy those looking for a product that is as biocompatible as possible while offering the velvety texture of an emulsion.
The choice of raw materials is always fundamental for an artisan business. What are the main ingredients you use for your products and why did you choose them?
In general, when choosing ingredients, we always pay close attention not only to the effectiveness of the material but also to its environmental compatibility and traceability.
In particular, we would like to tell you about one of the precious oils we use in our Solid Conditioner Canamìa, namelyorganic apricot oil. Rich in vitamins A, E, and of phytosterols, it gives shine to the hair and is an excellent restructuring agent suitable for brittle and damaged hair. It can also be used pure, applying a few drops to the ends of the hair.
We are also very proud of our supplier, a Genoese company with over 20 years of experience in the research and production of biocompatible products. In addition to the quality of their raw materials, which all comply with the strictest standards (e.g., Cosmos, Eco-cert, Natrue), we also appreciatetheir attention to the environment, favoring biocompatible packaging, such as the oil container itself, made of aluminum, which is certainly more expensive but also more eco-friendly than the classic plastic tank.
Another aspect of your project that really struck us is the packaging. We would love to know more about how the idea of collaborating with the world of illustration came about and how you think these two worlds (cosmetics and illustration) fit together in general.
The idea of complementing our packaging with illustrations came about by chance. None of us had any artistic training, so as new entrepreneurs we researched the trends of the moment and the answer seemed to be clear: the packaging had to have a minimalist design.
Obviously, we didn't agree, and thanks to our tenacity and, above all, our discovery of Pinterest, we began to appreciate and learn about a field that was unfamiliar to us at the time: illustration.
Elisa, our first illustrator, whom we met through a pharmacist colleague of Ludovico's, was followed by Dada and Ilenia, and today we can reveal that we now have 11 collaborations with as many independent illustrators!
The fact that we vary the illustrator according to the project is first and foremost a form of respect for the illustrator's style.
Since illustration is an art form, and therefore the illustrator is an artist with a personal and unmistakable style, we have come to understand over time that it is necessary to first have a clear idea of the style we want to give to each project in order to then choose the right illustrator.
Finally, since dermocosmetics is the art of taking care of your skin, it seemed natural to us to identify another artistic expression to complete our project, namely the world of illustration.
Your project shows that natural ingredients are all you need to make good cosmetics. Can you give us a recipe that can be made at home with simple ingredients for those who want to experiment a little in this area?
A simple cosmetic "recipe" is shea butter with calendula for a Deep hydration for the most chapped areas of the body (hands, lips, feet).
You only need 2 ingredients:
- shea butter
- calendula oil (max 10%)
Method:
Melt the butter in a double boiler and then whip it with a mixer until it becomes fluffy. While mixing, add the calendula oil. Finally, transfer the mixture to your preferred container. We recommend using a container that protects it from light.
N.B. You can also add a few drops of vitamin E for an antioxidant effect or a few drops of essential oil to give it a little fragrance (e.g., vanilla, coconut, etc.)
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Ludovico in the laboratory
If, like us, you now feel the need to try making this lotion, all you have to do is put on a nice apron (if you don't have one, take a look at our shop!) and let yourself be carried away by the scent of creativity!
To discover all We Inspire Beauty products:
