Whether you’re looking for the perfect nail color to match your mood, or looking for a vegan cosmetic brand that offers a luxury experience, Lust V Cosmetics, a woman-owned company talks to us about their determination for having a seat at the table in a male dominant industry, while offering conscious chic products for all skin tones. Samara Walker, Founder, and CEO, tells us about her passion for the luxury nail polish industry.
How did Lust V Cosmetics get its start?
Lust V Cosmetics started the day after I watched Chicago Ink on October 26th, 2015. On the first episode a woman introduced herself along with her nail polish business. At that moment, I was so inspired to see a woman of color owning her own nail polish brand. I immediately started researching women owned cosmetic brands because I wanted to own my own cosmetic business. To my surprise, they fell short, the beauty industry is predominately owned by men. From that moment forward, I began my journey with Lust V Cosmetics. Freedom and creativity motivated me to start my own business; the ability to be creative and watch my dreams come true is a gift only I can provide for myself. My inspiration also comes from self-love and beauty; I want to bridge the gap between luxury brands and inclusivity. Creating change within the beauty industry is my goal!
You are a very sustainably conscious brand, what was your motivation to create natural, vegan, cruelty and gluten free cosmetics?
I wanted to create a luxury brand that was health conscious and chic. I felt the beauty industry needed a luxury vegan cosmetic brand that offered a healthier alternative for luxury shoppers. The ingredients in cosmetic products should make you feel beautiful and healthy.
Tell us about your nail polish.
Our nail lacquer is vegan & “8 Free”, colors are inspired by seasonal and fashion trends with a feminine touch. I wanted to design a luxury nail lacquer line that would provide colors for all shades and undertones of consumers. While keeping up with the latest fashion trends our brand also keeps your health and lifestyle in mind. Our nail lacquer is designed with luxury and high fashion colors for fashionistas. Nail colors are hand-picked based on run-way collections, seasonal trends and customers request. Lust Nail Lacquer is a fashion statement specifically tailored for exclusive retailers, salons and spas, maintaining a high clientele seeking special nail lacquer designed with luxury in mind.
What are the benefits of producing a natural nail polish?
The benefits of producing a natural nail polish are for the health and safety of consumers. LUST Nail Lacquer is Vegan & “8 free”. Our nail lacquer does not contain Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin, Camphor, Toluene, DBP (Dibutyl Phthalate) and Xylene, Ethyl Tosylamide, and Triphenyl phosphate.
Can you suggest any other products from your line that will compliment your nail polish?
Our nail polish goes great with our nail treatments that include LV Glamour Gel and Hydrating Base.
How do you decide what colors to introduce?
Our colors are selected based on run-way collections and seasonal trends. I hand select our colors for the seasonal collections, this experience is personal and intimate this adds more creativity to the brand. Each collection is derived from an experience and inspired by an object or event.
What’s next for Lust V Cosmetics?
A soy base nail polish remover in a few months! Within the next year I plan on adding another beauty product. Sign up for the newsletter for more details!
Each of our monthly subscribers will be receiving a full size bottle of nail polish in either their May Limited Edition or some of the May boxes, what is the one take-away that you’d like to leave them with?
Self-empowerment for both men and women is important. Everyone should feel glamorous and inclusive. I wanted to create a luxury brand that was exclusive but inclusive for all. With Lust V Cosmetics I will bridge the gap between luxury and inclusion, striving not to exclude certain skin tones and provide shades for all. Inclusivity is a vital element for creativity and success within the beauty industry; everyone is created equal and fabulous!