I have had the pleasure of getting to know a Seattle beauty who has created an all-natural skincare and cosmetics company that is more than skin deep. And Kari Gran’s story is as interesting as her signature lip whip is beautiful. Kari left her first career as a successful realtor when she felt like she needed to take a “gap year” to figure out her next step. After gifting friends a lip gloss whipped up in her kitchen, Kari and her friend Lisa Strain, put their minds together to launch an organic skincare line a mere 5 years ago. Now business partners, Lisa manages their online business while Kari literally creates, whips, and hand-pours beauty products in their beautiful production and retail space located across from Lake Union, in Seattle.
What is “green beauty” you might ask? After being diagnosed with an auto immune disease in her late 20’s, Kari began investigating the products she was using on her skin. A reformed “beauty junkie,” she came to understand that parabens, petrochemicals, and chemical additives are full of toxins that are absorbed into our blood system as we apply them in the quest to attain beauty and retain youthfulness. Thus began Kari’s mission to find, research, and finally produce all-natural products that are both kind to our bodies and make women feel beautiful in their own skin.
My favorite Kari Gran product is a colorful one, of course! Although difficult to choose from their entire line of all-natural skin care and cosmetics, I reach for Kari Gran’s lip whip nearly everyday! The bright fuscia “Jolene” is my all-time favorite, however, Kari demonstrated how layering and mixing colors can lead to numerous options, and the creation of your signature color. For example, on me she applied the intimidating “Current” color (which is a deep aubergine/brown shade when in the jar). However, by mixing with the neutral, iridescent shade “Shimmer,” it makes it a softer, lighter color.
Suji Red Lip Whip & Lip Buff Duo
When visiting Kari, Kirsty and I got a sneak peek at Kari Gran’s newest color, “Suji” red lip whip. Just in time for the holidays, you can now purchase “Suji” perfectly paired with a Lip Buff and a brush applicator. Smooth over your lips for a just-bitten stain or layer for a deeper red color; all while moisturizing your lips. And applying the Lip Buff prior to your lip whip will ensure that your color goes on smoothly and lasts. Spoiler alert: my girlfriends and sisters can expect to receive this beautiful color this holiday!
Exciting news! You too can visit Kari Gran’s beautiful space and try their products for yourself. Join me this Saturday, November 12th from 12-4pm for a “Shades of Red” open house celebrating their new headquarters and retail boutique. Come play in cosmetics, including “Suji” red lip whip, and enjoy a red wine tasting as well as other red hot goodies. Check out Kari Gran on Instagram for all of the party details including RSVP directions.
Thanks for reading! ~Jenn
[…] moisturizing, all-natural lip balm that comes in a variety of beautifully saturated colors (the new ‘Suji Red’ is already in my shopping cart!). You can also stop in and try for yourself at their newly […]