BEYOND THE MAKEUP 🖤

11 Years of VE Cosmetics. Now We Want to Tell Your Stories.

When I started VE Cosmetics back in 2015, I wanted to create something I couldn't find: a completely vegan, cruelty-free cosmetics brand that embraced alternative beauty without compromise.What I didn't anticipate was the incredible community that would grow around it.

Over the last 11 years, I've watched people share their creativity, encourage one another, form friendships, develop their skills and achieve things they once thought were out of reach.I've received some wonderful emails and messages from people telling me that VE Cosmetics, or the community surrounding it, helped them find the confidence to try something new, pursue a career, or simply feel more comfortable being themselves.

Some have gone on to work in film, theatre and other creative industries.Others have discovered new passions, made lifelong friendships or found the confidence to express themselves in ways they previously wouldn't have dared.And every single one of those stories matters.

So, where did this idea come from?

Recently, I found myself in a rather unexpected conversation with someone from TIME Magazine.

(I'd signed up thinking I was attending a webinar. Turns out it was an actual Zoom meeting. Nothing quite like being spectacularly unprepared! 😂)We were discussing the impact businesses have beyond the products they sell, particularly their cultural and community impact. It got me thinking..for years, I've measured VE Cosmetics through the usual business milestones: products launched, orders shipped, challenges overcome and years survived...but what about everything that can't be measured in sales? What about the people? The friendships? The confidence? The creativity? The opportunities? I realised that some of the most meaningful things to come out of VE Cosmetics aren't necessarily things I've achieved myself. They're things YOU have achieved.And I'd really love to celebrate them.

Introducing: Beyond the Makeup 🖤

Throughout 2027, I'd love to dedicate a series on our blog to the people who have made VE Cosmetics what it is today. Our customers. Our community. The wonderfully creative, unconventional humans who've supported us along the way.And I want to hear your stories.

Maybe you've gone on to work in the creative industries?

Maybe makeup helped you discover something about yourself?

Maybe you found the confidence to wear what you wanted, regardless of what anyone else thought?

Maybe you made a friend through our community, overcame a personal challenge or discovered a passion you never knew you had?

Or perhaps you just have a funny story about something that happened along the way!?

Your story doesn't need to be extraordinary to be worth telling.

Sometimes the smallest moments have the biggest impact.

If you'd like to be featured in our Beyond the Makeup series, I've put together a few questions to help you get started.

There's no need to write an essay, and you don't have to answer every question.

Just copy the questions below into an email, answer whichever ones feel relevant, and send them back to us.

 

 

A Little About You

1. What's your name, and how would you like to be introduced?

You can use your first name, professional name, social media handle or remain anonymous.

2. How did you first discover VE Cosmetics?

Was it through a friend, social media, our Facebook community or a desperate search for the perfect black lipstick?

3. How long have you been part of the VE community?

Your Journey

4. Tell us a little about yourself and your journey.

This can be anything you'd like to share about your creativity, interests, experiences or personal development.

5. Has VE Cosmetics or its community played a part in your journey?

Perhaps through encouragement, friendships, advice, inspiration, discovering products or simply finding somewhere you felt you belonged.

6. Is there something you've achieved, tried or overcome that you're particularly proud of?

Big or small, we'd love to hear about it.

7. Have your interests or creativity led you somewhere unexpected?

A new career, hobby, creative project, opportunity or completely unexpected adventure?

8. Is there a particular memory or experience from the VE community that has stayed with you?

Looking Forward

9. What are you working towards, dreaming about or hoping to try next?

10. Is there anything you'd like to say to someone who might be at the beginning of a similar journey?

Just for Fun!

11. If you could describe your personal style in three words, what would they be?

12. What's one makeup product you couldn't live without?

(It doesn't have to be VE. I promise I won't cry. Much. 😂)

13. Is there anything else you'd love people to know about you?

Please include:

Name preference: First name / professional name
Photographs: permission to use? 
Social media: happy for me to share social media handles? 
Please contact me to approve the final feature before publication  Y/N?

Email your answers to VE Cosmetics with the subject line: BEYOND THE MAKEUP — MY STORY

You're also welcome to include photographs of yourself, your makeup looks, artwork, creative projects or anything else you'd like us to consider featuring. Please only send photographs you own or have permission to share. You don't have to answer every question, and there's absolutely no pressure to share anything personal that you'd rather keep private. We'll contact you before publishing anything to agree on the final story, photographs, name and any social media tags. Taking part doesn't guarantee publication, but every submission will be appreciated. You can also ask to participate anonymously.

 

Because VE Cosmetics Has Always Been About More Than Makeup.

Eleven years ago, I set out to create a cosmetics brand. Somewhere along the way, we created a community.

And I think it's about time we celebrated the wonderful people who make it what it is.

After 11 years of talking about makeup, let's talk about the people wearing it.

With love, black lipstick and probably far too much coffee,

Lynsey 🖤

Founder, VE Cosmetics