Belladonna’s Cupboard is an independent brand of cosmetics that believes in cultivating a self-expression revolution. Worn by various types of performers all over the world, founders Rachel and Beth have created a diverse and vibrant line of cosmetics that are not only used as stage make-up but for anyone wanting to express one’s self freely and define one’s own beauty through the artistic medium of cosmetics. After releasing a multitude of stunning new products shortly after the New Year began, we spoke with ladies of Belladonna’s Cupboard about the beginnings of the brand, what they stand for and what’s coming up next for the company.
Tell us what inspired you both to create the company and what is it that makes Belladonna’s Cupboard stand apart from other beauty companies in the industry? (We love that you’re so involved with the music business/fashion world and special FX community by the way!)
Rachel: Makeup is a tool for self-expression. Our makeup line is 100% Cruelty-Free, Gluten Free, Vegan, and Paraben Free and designed for special effects makeup artists and performers to be long wearing for stage and film use but gentle and easy to wash off. We are a brand for several niches that mainstream brands have left behind. We only get our ingredients from ethical sources and the results are quality cosmetics without exploiting anyone. Everyone’s style and skin are different and we encourage you to do your own research and experiment until you find the best makeup and skincare out there FOR YOU. We disclose all of our ingredients on our website as well as the breakdown behind the science of why these ingredients are in our products and what they do. We also offer free online Special Effects and Basic to Advanced make-up lessons on our website.
Cosmetics are an art form, just like music is; self-expression – What does self-expression mean to you?
Rachel and Beth: We believe very strongly in #selfexpressionrevolution, the idea that everyone should be respected and allowed to express themselves regardless of their race, age, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, disability or style choices. This includes tattoo and piercing acceptance and inclusivity in the workplace. People should be free to and feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and ideas anywhere & in whatever medium they choose to (from makeup to clothing to music) so as long as they are being respectful of other people. The world would be a very boring place if we all looked and thought the same way.
Inspiration behind the brand?
Beth: When formulating new products I’m normally listening to music. Music is everything to me. It’s my life. The new color then ends up feeling like the song that was playing and gets named thusly.
Your company has partnered with bands/musicians, models, and the special FX community – I can say personally by wearing your make-up that it is stage make-up through and through – Tell us about who you are partnered with in the arts/music/fashion/special FX world?
Rachel and Beth: We’ve spent years working in haunted houses, on horror films, alongside musicians and burlesque performers to develop and improve our products. We love sponsoring bands to help get our name out there. We don’t require exclusivity like a lot of brands do. Everyone’s style and skin are different and it’s boring to do one thing all the time. We use other brands too although we mostly use ours because the products really are that awesome. We believe in collaboration and lifting up other artists and entrepreneurs rather than competing bitterly. We’ve worked with a handful of local bands in Kansas City including a really talented and undersung pop music band, Red Velvet Crush. They’ve got that girl power thing going on. Nationally and internationally, One-Eyed Doll, Dellacoma Rio, Lord of the Lost. In 2014 we helped sponsor Lord of the Lost’s first US tour and went on the road with them selling our makeup alongside their merch. There are some larger bands we are working with now that are in Los Angeles, but we haven’t announced anything yet.
Can you tell us some exciting news on what you have planned for Belladonna’s Cupboard as a company in 2017?
Rachel and Beth: Together with Too High Cosmetics – T.H.C & Cosmetics By Tanderson, Belladonna’s Cupboard has founded a consumer advocacy association. Our goal is to strengthen education and safety within the Indie Cosmetics industry. We want to promote and uplift other rockin’ less well-known brands and keep beauty lovers faces safe in the process. ‘Like’ our Facebook page, Saving Face Academy & check out our website www.indiecosmeticmakers.org for more information. We have two big events coming up this year. We will be doing a live art installation for our #selfexpressionrevolution movement in KC for April First Fridays at the Outburst Gallery and we will be hosting a follow-up #selfexpressionrevolution Fashion Show at the Clubhouse in Kansas City on May 20th.
You can purchase cosmetics by Belladonna’s Cupboard online, find out where to purchase in stores and connect with the company at www.BelladonnasCupboard.com