Henriette Burbank is the owner and founder of Pin-Up Balms, a delicious collection of over 50 all-natural lip balms. She took some time to share with us the inspiration behind Pin-Up Lip Balms, as well as her long list of favorite products. (And I thought I had a long list!)
I am in love with your Vintage Lip Balms. What inspired the idea behind Pin-Up Lip Balm?
As a child I was always fascinated with art, the human form. I grew up watching Gidget, I Love Lucy, Frankie Avalon, and Happy Days. My parents came to America in the mid 60's and that very much influenced our lives. Women were oh so glamorous, and my mother, grandmother were the fashionistas of their day.
My inspiration comes both directly from the strong women in my family who exemplify a feminine confidence and charm captured in their own natural beauty, and indirectly from the great Golden Age of Hollywood entertainers. Some of my favorites are Josephine Baker, Billie Holiday and Katherine Hepburn.
As a child, I was always mixing up some type of concoction with my grandmother in the kitchen. Back then you didn't throw anything away! We melted lipsticks that had reached the end of the applicator and got at least a months worth of application out of it.
I wanted to re-capture the nostalgic essence of this era, so I combined the classic pinup artwork of the 1940's with natural cosmetics to embody the fun and sass with sophistication of the slide top tin, thus the evolution of Pin Up Balm.
Tell us about some of the ingredients in Pin-Up Balm and why they are so fabulous for our lips?
Pin Up Balm uses a conditioning formula that contains five natural ingredients: avocado oil (an organic UV protectant), beeswax (a natural emollient), apricot kernel oil (good for hydration) Vitamin E (a natural antioxidant) and our proprietary natural blend of flavor oil.
Fill us in on some lip care basics; what should we remember to do to have perfect pouty lips?
Moisture, Moisture, Moisture! Both internally and externally.
The cellular layers of skin on our lips are very different from the skin on the rest of our body. Our lips do not have any oil secreting glands, which generally help the body provide a natural layer of protection.
Our bodies need water, so be sure to drink plenty of fluids to keep your skin hydrated. Don't forget Vitamin B2 - my grandmother swore by it! We lived on avocados, watercress salads, homemade yogurt etc.
I recommend that you dab on a bit of lip balm everyday before you apply lipstick. Our beeswax lip balm not only creates a moisture barrier, it helps prevent lip staining, making lipstick easier to remove.
Also, try your best to avoid too much over exposure to harsh weather conditions, be it sun or wind. The air plays a great role in skin issues, especially on the lips.
What are some of beauty products in your personal collection right now?
Jen, I'll try to keep this short, but I am a bit of a product junkie!
- Anything from Carol's Daughter is at the top of my list. Some of my favorites include Khoret Amen Hair Smoothie, Jamaican Punch Body Butter and Lisa's Hair Elixir.
- Bloom Pure Mineral's Radiant Touch in Sun-kissed
- Er go soy candles (yes candles everyone needs a good soy candle) in Paris Grapefruit, Solos Tuberose & Lime, Liquidiva Sangria Oil & Citrus Mimosa
- Lush bath bombs the originators; delicious
- Afterglow Pure Soul Mascara
- Little Twig's Organic line for my kids
- Burt's Bees Grapefruit and Sugar Beet Shampoo
- Cargo Plant Love
- last but not least, Pin-Up Lip Balm!
Share with us your top beauty tip.
Beauty is more than the typical outer application routine. Take the time to acknowledge yourself from all aspects of your being; mentally, spiritually, and physically. Love Yourself - Accept Yourself - Believe in Yourself - Give of Yourself. Those are my top beauty tips to share and they're all free.
Shop and learn more about Pin-Up Lip Balm on their website.
