Flawless Beauty With Voula The Serum Foundation
As many of you know, I've struggled with adult acne and am focused on my skincare routine and as a result wearing less makeup than I used to. When I do wear foundation I like it to be light and breathable (and buildable). Enter: The Serum Foundation from Voula Beauty!
I was happy to be one of the first to try the Serum Foundation from Voula Beauty. I also got a chance to speak with Voula, the woman behind this brand-new innovative eponymous beauty brand.
Check out this Q&A with Voula about Voula Beauty.
EverSoPopular: What was the reason you decided to start a line of foundation?
Voula: Foundation is the base of any makeup look. It is also one of the hardest products for people to find and be happy with. I wanted to create something that was universal and customizable so that it could be used for most skin types and any makeup look, whether it’s a no-makeup makeup look or a full-on glam makeup look.
ESP: What was the process from idea/concept to execution (actual product)?
V: Because my product idea was very specific and I was looking for something unique and a formula that was not out on the market, I had to start from scratch. This meant finding a private chemist to create exactly what I was looking for. It was a process that ended up taking a lot longer than I ever could have imagined. It took almost 3 years from the time I started working with a chemist until the day I approved our formula. A huge reason for this length of time is that the first chemist I hired was not able to see my vision. We tried working together for over 2 years before I finally made the decision to reach out to other chemists. This was a very scary time for me, because it was so difficult to find the first chemist, and I did not know how lucky I would be with the next one. Thankfully I found formulating group to work with and within a matter of just a few short months we had completed our formula. I was so ecstatic because it took so long to get there! Little did I know, we were not even close to going into production! There are so many little details to work through and complete before you are actually able to start the manufacturing process. 2 ½ years after approving our formula, we finally went into production. Because we are a new brand and there was a lot going on beyond just the formula and the product, the entire process took longer than it would have if we were already an established brand. In the future, because we have completed all the details of the brand and the first packaging designs, it will be a much faster process for future products.
ESP: What makes the formula stand out?
V: I wanted to create something luxurious that was universal and customizable. Universal in a sense that it can be used by most skin types because the formula helps to moisturize the skin, minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as helping to refine pores, tone the skin and aid in oil control. The pigments in the formula are treated, in order to make them water-resistant, as well as give the formula longevity. I wanted to create a foundation that could be used by the everyday woman, as well as professional make-up artists that need products to work with HD cameras. I was very clear with my formulator when I requested that absolutely no unnecessary fillers be used in the formula. I wanted to create a formula that was truly high quality, and was not filled with ingredients that would take away from the ingredients that truly make this product work. The feel of the foundation is really serum-like and the ingredients included in our bio-active complex are clinically and dermatologist tested. It is a foundation that really does care for your skin in the long term.
ESP: Why did you choose to include the key ingredients and botanicals (Bio-Active Complex) you did?
V: I wanted the product to care for the skin in an “all-around” kind of way. This meant including ingredients that would moisturize the skin, care for fine lines, wrinkles, pores and the tone of the skin. Vitamins C&E are known for their antioxidant protection and for moisturization. Botanical-derived hydroxyproline is an ingredient I was very excited about. It is derived from a species of sea kelp and it is remarkable for helping to fight against the aging process of the skin. It helps the skin to be supple and lifted and to recover a more youthful appearance. It firms the tissues of the skin by causing the collagen fibers to contract by protecting them from breaking down and protects against free radicals. It plumps the skin and has triple action skin firming properties as well as long-lasting moisturization. Laminaria Ochroleucha extract is derived from a species of seaweed and is a great skin conditioning agent. It is anti-inflammatory and provides the skin with anti-oxidant protection. It is a unique ingredient, in that it helps to boost the skin’s immunity against damage caused by sun exposure. Lastly, we have included an ingredient that is very special to me, which is Mastic Gum. Mastic gum comes from the sap of the mastic tree, which is grown on the Greek island of Chios. It is an ingredient that is used in many health and beauty products in Greece and has many proven benefits. In our formula, it is used to help care for the pores, as well as refine the skin. It helps to visibly reduce the size of dilated pores while fighting against shine, blemishes, and clogged pores.
ESP: Tell us more about how these ingredients work together?
V: Each of these ingredients has been clinically and dermatologist tested for the claims they make. Together they create a balance in the formula to care for the skin from every direction. This formula created a deep hydration without a heavy feeling, which can be appreciated by all skin types while providing anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, skin refining and oil controlling benefits. It creates a soothing comfortable balance that works with most skin types and is not harsh or heavy feeling. The bio-active complex is great for young skin to more mature skin, as it helps to protect against future damage, but also helps to correct the damage that has already been done to the skin.
ESP: Who is the Voula woman?
V: The Voula woman is someone that is looking for a bit of pampering and luxury to be sprinkled into her everyday busy lifestyle. This is exactly what we are looking to create and bring to the market.Voula Beauty
ESP: Right now, there are 8 shades available. Are you planning on extending the line with more colors?
V: Yes, extending our shade range is a top priority for us. We would like to keep growing the range not only when it comes to the depth of the shades, but also in terms of undertone. I know this is going to take some time to do, but we have already begun work on extending the range. I am working to release some new shades by late 2017/early 2018.
ESP: What's your morning routine?
V: In the morning, I use a basic cleanser, followed by a day serum, moisturizer and finally a primer. I have quite oily skin, so it is very important for me to use oil-controlling products, especially in the summer months. If I feel my skin needs some extra care I will use my Clarisonic in order to exfoliate and give a beautifully smooth texture to the skin. I also use a dermaplaning razor once every week or every other week to get rid of the natural tiny peach fuzz we all have on our face. This creates an extremely smooth finish that lets my makeup glide on and looks almost photoshopped. Of course, these tools need to be used with extra care in order to not damage or cut the skin in any way. This is just what I use in my routine and I do not recommend anyone use them without consulting with your dermatologist or cosmetologist.
ESP: What is your nighttime skincare routine?
V: At night, I start with an oil cleanser in order to remove most of my makeup. I then follow that up with either a simple cleanser or a treatment cleanser. A treatment cleanser for me is usually one that contains glycolic and/or salicylic acid. I always use a nighttime serum, but 3 or 4 times a week I will use a glycolic toner before the serum. Lastly, I always use a moisturizer and sometimes I will use coconut oil as my moisturizer at night if I feel like my skin needs some extra moisture and protection while it has a chance to rest throughout the night.
ESP: Let's talk application. Do you have any pro tips for use?
V: Even though a primer is not necessary, I do see it as a skincare product and I truly believe in layering products. For oily skin, it is best to use an oil-controlling primer, and this will help for the foundation to adhere nicely to the skin and for it to last longer throughout the day. Dry skin, of course, needs a primer that gives plenty of hydration to the skin. This will benefit the skin, as an extra layer of moisture, and will help your foundation to glide onto the skin without attaching to any dry patches. Again, I view primers as an extension of our skincare and so I recommend them even to people with normal skin. Having healthy and prepped skin is the base to creating beautiful makeup looks that will last for hours.
These tips apply to most liquid foundations. You may choose any tool to apply your foundation, whether it is your hand, a brush, or a sponge. Each tool will give you a different finish. If you choose to apply your foundation with your hand, you will end up with more of a light coverage look. A synthetic brush will give you the most coverage while using the least amount of product. For a lighter coverage with a brush, you may use a buffing motion, and for fuller coverage, it is best to use short strokes with light pressure. Using a sponge creates a beautiful finish. It is best to use a slightly damp sponge in order for the sponge to not soak up too much product. That being said, you will always lose a lot of product in the sponge, but your final look is a bit more natural and blended while still providing medium to full coverage (depending on the amount of product you start out with).
When it comes to layering your foundation, it is best to do so with almost a feather-light pressure for the second layer. This will help the second layer of foundation lay nicely on top of the first layer, while not disturbing the makeup that has already set. This will also help to not over apply product on the second layer, while still providing fuller coverage.
Most times, when I am in a rush, I use my foundation as my concealer on any blemishes I may have. When doing this, I apply a very tiny amount to the tip of my sponge or brush, and I very very lightly place the product on the blemish, without blending it. I literally only take the product from what is left on the pump of the foundation bottle and I make sure that it is so minuscule so that it is just enough for the blemish and nothing else. I use an extremely feather-light dab, again to just place the product without disturbing the base foundation I already have in place. Liquid foundation usually looks a bit lighter when it first comes out of the bottle, but once it sets it becomes the final shade that should last for the rest of the day. For this reason, I do not blend out the foundation on the concealed blemish. I only place a very tiny amount of product and leave it to set. If I see that it needs to be blended at all I may add just a smidge more just around the edge that needs blending, but I do not disturb the concealed blemish.
ESP: What is the one reason women should try The Serum Foundation?
V: The Serum Foundation is a professional quality foundation that cares for your skin, not only in the short term but also in the long term. It is unlike any other foundation you have ever tried.
It's your turn to check out The Serum Foundation available at VoulaBeauty. If you need help color matching for your perfect shade you can email: info@voulabeauty.com.
This is a sponsored post by Voula Beauty. All opinions are my own.