June’s Independent Spotlight is with the amazing Andrea of Evil Shades Cosmetics.
How long have you loved makeup?
I grew up with ceremonial paints and always thought how beautiful the dancers, singers and tribal drummers looked in them.
I started wearing and loving daily wear makeup when I was 11 and started modeling.
What tribe are you from?
I am Niitsítapi (The origional people) or more comonly known as Blackfoot. I am also 1/4 Hopi but I did not grow up with that tribe due to non tribal adoption we are not familiar with out Hopi roots.
Do you participate in any tribal events?
Unfortunatly I am too far from my tribe to participate in our traditions. I have recently met some great local Natives that have welcomed my family into their circle so I am now going to some Circles, Pow wows and lodges and such. I love Native dance and song (Our version of prayer).
What led you to create your own brand?
Annoyance. Lol I was fed up with either not finding the bright bold colors or non traditional color I wanted or the few that I did find the prices were insane.
Where did the name Evil Shades come from?
I wanted colors that wear indulgent and wicked , and Wicked shades just didn’t feel right so a little thought and Evil Shades popped into my head and stuck.
About how many hours a day do you work? Days a week?
I work between 6 and 10 hours a day 6-7 days a week. I don’t do any shipping on the weekend because I need some time to enjoy my children and husband.
What is your favorite product to create?
Lip gloss and Lipsticks. I know people hate it due to the mess and extra work involved but I really love how complex the colors become in that medium.
What is your least favorite product to create?
Foundation, which is why I no longer make/carry them. I know that if I don’t love it them I’m not putting my heart into it and that just isn’t good enough for me. I don’t wear foundation so I might just not grasp it enough to make a good one.
What are your favorite colors?
In general? Red, pink, gray, turquoise and black oh and purple. A list of colors I don’t love would be much shorter, I love in color, think in color…it’s my world!
What is your absolute favorite eye shadow color?
Today my favorite is Phyrra‘s Fantasy, I‘m wearing it on my lids but tomorrow who knows.
What are your favorite lip colors?
It varies by mood but in general I love pinks, plums and blues.
How do you come up with your product names?
OK my big secret. Some are mythological or spiritual creatures from many different cultures and some are old language that we no longer use or words borrowed from other languages. Examples: Primrose Path is an old phrase that means to be wicked or to do evil things. Gift River is Norwegian for Poison tears. I love words and twisting them about until they make sense only to me. I also have named several glosses etc after friends and loved ones and some of my favorite bloggers who have inspired a color.
What is your favorite beauty trend?
I love that the underground cultures are drifting over into mainstream beauty. I was cool before cool was cool. Everything Hot Topic and stores like that sell are the clothes I made for myself way back in the 80’s. I love that my oldest daughter wears the same style as I did.
Do you have a trademark look or trademark colors?
As far as my makeup a bold eye or crazy lip color everything else is very subtle. And my Hot pink in my hair, I’m not me without it.
Do you have a signature scent?
Not really I tend to smell like sweet grass but that is because I keep a lot in my home and I burn it most days. I am just starting to enjoy fragrance but more the natural scents, I don’t enjoy perfumy smells.
What is your favorite seasonal trend? Or do you like to ignore seasonal trends?
I pay no attention to seasonal trends or rules. I wear what I love and what makes me happy. That goes for everything from hair, makeup, nails, clothes and even my music. I have to be happy in what I wear and if anyone doesn’t like it they shouldn’t wear it. I find it hard to feel beautiful in a color or style that I don’t love.
Do you enjoy looking at the runways for inspiration or trends?
I enjoy looking at the runways but not for inspiration. I’m just not inspired in that way.
What do you look at for inspiration when you’re in the mood to create something new?
I usually look at art, mostly darker styles, if I need inspiration. I love art, my Daddy was an Artist so art is in my blood. I also find inspiration in people. I’m a little crazy in that different people remind me of different colors. Example: You make me think of bright sunset pinkish shades and teal or aqua lights with purple tones.
What’s your skincare routine?
I honestly don’t do anything special. I am lucky and have pretty good skin. I wash my face at night with Dove face wash and spray with Aloewater and glycerin, in winter I’ll put on a dab of moisturizer if I need it.
What colors have you dyed your hair?
Every color of the rainbow and a few I made up. My favorite is Hot pinks or fuchsia they just look smashing against my naturally dark hair.
What’s your favorite way to accessorize?
I love jewelry, I make most of what I wear but I also buy some from etsy artisans.
Can you tell us about your upcoming collections?
I haven’t been doing collections lately, I’ve not been inspired in that way lately.
I am working on some fun new lippies, think sparkling sheer ocean waters. I have been working on expanding the variety in Evil Shades, that is important to me right now.
I know you love nail polish, what are your favorite nail polish colors?
I love them all! Vampies, holographic, black, blue, green, purple I just adore color and in all forms.
What are your favorite nail polish brands?
Oh that is so hard there are so many great brands. I adore ManGlaze, BB Couture, Barielle shades, OPI, China glaze, Zoya, Rimmel and I’m finding some wonderful overseas brands as well.
Do you konad?
I do konad/fauxnad, such a fun and easy way to wear your art.
Do you like to use glitter or gems on your nails?
Glitter scares me a little because my nails get so long that it’s very hard to remove painlessly but I do use glitter on my toes a lot. I love using studs and rhinestones for accent.
Do you paint your tips to match your toes?
Never. I’m just not a matchy person. They tend to coordinate in some manner but that’s as close as I get.
Do you have any pets?
Not at this point. My Son is allergic to cats and most dogs sadly and with 3 children and my husbands health issues we just can’t give a pet as much as it deserves right now. We are animal lovers though and when the kids are a bit older I’m sure we’ll have a pet, probably a bird as I adore birds and used to rescue them.
Do you play any video games?
No, I am game challenged. Now give me a pinball machine and it’s on! Oh did I just admit my age?!
What are your favorite authors or books to read?
Beverly Hungry Wolf I love her, she’s Blackfoot from the same reservation as my family. I tend to read mostly history on other cultures written by people of that culture. I find reality far more fascinating than fantasy. But I do love my old set of Vampire chronicles by Anne Rice.
What are your favorite TV shows?
I don’t watch TV at all, haven’t in years.
What colors do you like to decorate with?
Deep burgundies, red, greens, and bold bright colors.
What is your office like currently?
Way too small! I like to call it the manic room.
What color is your bedroom?
So covered in music posters you’ll never find an inch of wall. Lol My husband and I are still teenagers we just look mature for our age.
What do you do to relax?
I blog and I polish my nails.
What do you do to pamper yourself?
Baths, I am a serious bath junky. I love great smelly bath goodies and candle light!
What’s your favorite chocolate?
I’m not a huge chocolate fan but I do enjoy a good truffle, milk chocolate. Yum
Thank you so much for letting me interview you!
Facebook
Twitter
GooglePlus
RSS
Klout
Youtube
Email
Pinterest
MakeupBee
BlogLovin'
Makeup Geek
Hello Cotton
She seems like such a lovely and down to earth kind of person.
Not sure why I haven’t at least purchased eye shadows but I will now.
I love your Indie Spotlights, a great way to get to know the faces behind a brand.
She truly has been since I met her! I’m glad to know you love the Indie Spotlights. I really enjoy them.
Great interview! It’s nice to get to know a little about the person behind the company.
Yay! I think so too!
Just so everyone knows….that coffee pot is a vital key in all evil Shades productions! I drink about 4 pots a day!
You luuuuuuurve your caffeine <3
Evil Shades ROCKS MY WORLD!!!
And Andrea has GOT to be one of the sweetest, kindest people that I have EVER had the pleasure of meeting!
I totally agree
Actually, Gift River means Poison Rips/Tears, not tears as in … the once you cry. That’s tårer.
Yes, I’m norwegian. :p
Stupid language translater. That’s ok it just makes it funny.
Thank you for the proper translation!
Hehe, yes. Norwegian is the third hardest country in the world to learn, I’ve hear people say, so no wonder a simple bot can’t get it right! :p
You’re welcome!
Hah! Cool!
Thanks for this spotlight. I haven’t ordered from Evil Shades yet, I may have to tonight!
You’re quite welcome!
What’s caught your eye?
it was so fun to read about evil shades, just last night I placed an order, I can’t wait to get it and I am excited I know about the creator! I ordered the create your own combo where you can pick a blush, shadow and gloss. I also picked up a lipstick and sample of shadow and lipstick.
I <3 Evil Shades!!!!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE Andrea and Evil Shades. Here products are pretty amazing IMO, and she’s just an awesome person to boot. Thanks for interviewing her!
You’re quite welcome! I’m glad you like them too
Awwh I love her and Evil Shades <3 great interview
You’re quite welcome!
She is one awesome lady!
Heck yeah!
I love these interviews <3 Plus Andrea is such a sweetie and I feel back I've neglected her products. I tried to make up for it by ordering some new goodies a couple of days ago.
Ooooh what did you get?
Love me some Evil Shades yumminess!
Me too!
What an interesting interview. I love to get to know the creators/developers.
I just found Evil Shades, but a lovefest was quickly made.
I love her! She is such a sweet person, and is so incredibly talented! She inspires me!!!!
Heather recently shared..Look- Black Base Yields Green
She’s quite inspiring
How did I overlook this interview? Thank you for doing this. It’s really great to get to know a little about the people behind the brands. Andrea is sooo nice. I love following her on Twitter.
And I love to see the studio. No studio is complete without a coffee pot!
Victoria/EauMG recently shared..NEW- elf Holiday 2010 Makeup Collection
You’re quite welcome! I really love doing these