• By Rebecca Fearn  || Monday, 12 September 2016

Rebecca Fearn sat down with tattooing legend Kat Von D to discuss the long-awaited UK launch of her makeup line, Kat Von D Beauty…

Congratulations on bringing the line to the UK – what do you think are the absolute must-have products in your range?

That’s so impossible to answer! I use everything I have ever created. But I do love red lipstick so I would say- depending on what formulas people like – the everlasting lipstick range. The reds in there are some of my favourites.

And then as far as eyeliner goes, the tattoo liner is so amazing and precise. Even if sometimes I feel like drawing in my eyebrows I can use this. I think those two are my absolute go-to favourites.

What is it about the UK that made you want to sell your range here?

I wanted to bring the range to the UK since I first launched but unfortunately you guys don’t have Sephora here. It took us so long to really find the right partner but now we’re with Debenhams it’s been so exciting because I feel like I have definitely found my match for the UK so now we can launch here.

What are your desert island beauty hero products?

A red lipstick and an eyeliner!

Are there any important beauty lessons you have learnt on the way?

It’s always interesting when you find out how something is made. When I was tattooing in the first tattoo shop I worked in when I was 15 years old I was told I had to make a tattoo machine. The idea of machinery really turned me off but I sat through really boring videos and a lot of trial and error and I made a crappy machine. But it wasn’t about making the machine, it was about understanding how it works so when I was using my tattoo machine I could listen to it and see if it ran a certain way.

So the lesson works the same way now. So when I first launched my fragrance I sat with the nose who wrote down the notes and taught me how to actually smell perfume and since then I have never smelt perfume the same! Even with lipstick and eyeliner and formulations – understanding how the different components distribute the pigment will play in big part in what I am making. So I think learning about how something is made shows you how you can use your tools.

What makes your makeup line stand out from others?

There’s definitely this unapologetic approach to colours and shades but I don’t think that’s what makes it that unique. I think what it is is my DNA within all aspects of it. You see tons of licensing deals with people who just stick their name on something and then collect the cheque. But for me it is super important to be a part of it and when I first designed the studded kiss component which is the studs I just drew that out on a piece of paper and through hard carved moulds and things we finally came to the final version. I remember holding it in my hand and thinking there was a certain familiarity a certain sense of, you know, Kat Von D beauty is blowing up but it’s still something that goes down to grass roots of a do-it yourself approach. I think that really resonates with people. When people hold the product they see the artwork and it’s very personal. That’s what makes it stand out the most.

If you could only have one beauty look for the rest of your life, what would it be?

A cat eye and a red lip for sure!

How do you get ideas for your line and where do you pull inspiration from?

Ideas are something I really don’t have a shortage of so it’s easy to constantly create stuff. If my team let me I would release a lot more in the time that we do spend. I’m inspired by everything! From elements of nature to past experiences in love like in heartbreak. It’s everything from my art background to my Latin heritage – all these things play important roles in inspiring me. We throw trend predictions out the window – I don’t even care what’s going on in the real world!

You obviously flew a long way to get to London from LA – what are your best in-flight beauty tips? What is your regime?

Hydrating! Just drink so much water. I have known from my years flying that if I don’t drink water I just get super dry skin. I take my makeup off for the flight usually and wash my face – doesn’t everyone?

We’re big fans of tattoos at GLAMOUR – do you have any advice for those wanted to get inked but not sure of where to start?

The best advice I could give anybody thinking about getting a tattoo – especially for a first timer – is really make an effort to research your artist. With the success of talent shows and everything, there are so many tattooers out there. There are a lot of really great people and there are a lot of hacks so I think just because someone has a tattoo shop, doesn’t necessarily mean they’re good. So the beauty of the internet now is that everyone has online portfolios to check out. Don’t be afraid to travel too, I have travelled across the ocean to be tattooed before and saved my money for it and waited patiently on a very long waiting list. I just think at the end of the day if you’re going to wear something forever it’s not like a purse that will go out in a season. You really want to make sure you find the right person. And not just someone that is a great tattooer but someone that gets you and understands you.

What’s your favourite tattoo?

My Dad on my arm – I love my Dad so much, he’s my best friend. So this is his graduation photo – when I got it, he wasn’t necessarily a fan of tattoos but this one above all won his heart over!  Even on trips like this when I don’t get to see him, it’s nice to take your Dad with you wherever you go.

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“Say hello to my new favourite Fall lip shade: #Plath [inspired by the Sylvia Plath, of course]. @katvondbeauty will be releasing this shade at the end of THIS MONTH in our mini #EverlastingLiquidLipstick set – along with a few of our most coveted shades, PLUS another new vibrant purple shade”

“Say hello to THE BEST longwear neon grape shade: #Roxy! Launching this month in the upcoming@katvondbeauty Everlasting Liquid Lipstick set!”

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Introducing my new favourite shade of Everlasting Liquid Lipstick: #ProjectChimps ❤️ This special shade will be launching August 23. In an effort to promote #crueltyfree beauty and raise awareness, proceeds will benefit @ProjectChimps – a chimp sanctuary dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating chimps from testing labs.
I’ve been spending time out in Georgia volunteering at @ProjectChimps getting the sanctuary ready for the 300 chimps who are about to be able to experience a life of freedom after decades of testing. I’m excited for everyone to wear this shade and celebrate compassion with me! [yes, this formula is #vegan and #crueltyfree. Yes, this will be limited edition.] ❤️

You can read more about Project Chimps on their site: http://projectchimps.org

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Her iconic, highly pigmented, long wear, make up collection is one of the most talked about brands, so we cannot wait until it hits Debenhams this September. Mark it in your diaries now!

Here’ what Kat had to say about it all…

Which product should we check out first?

Lock-It Tattoo Foundation, I think you guys will love it here in the UK, I worked on it for so long to get it perfect. It’s so good for the British weather.

The longevity of the makeup formula’s means this stuff won’t budge – this makeup requires no touch ups.

Why did you create your own makeup line?

I don’t want mini me’s everywhere, I want people to use this makeup line to celebrate their own sense of style.

It’s important for me to create in all aspects of my life, whether that’s designing tattoos, playing the piano or creating this line. We don’t give ourselves enough credit, we are capable of doing so many things and I’m going to die trying to do everything.

What inspires your makeup look?

Music has a big influence on it for sure. It wasn’t until I got into punk rock music that I really started using makeup it as a form of self-expression. Most girls get into makeup to look cute but for me it wasn’t about that.

What do you say to people who don’t like your makeup look?

Makeup is not like getting a tattoo, with make up you can relax, you can mess up all day long but it comes off in the shower at the end of the day. If people don’t like something I do when I post it on Instagram, they just need to relax!

Who’s you beauty icon?

The people that have inspired me really weren’t really lookers; they’re not beautiful in the conventional way. Like Edith Piaf for example, she is so beautiful to me, but has been considered strange looking. Confidence and contentment in yourself is such an attractive characteristic.

Kat Von D Beauty will be available online at Debenhams.co.uk from September 13^th

CELEBSNOW July 6th, 2016

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Kat Von D is making major changes to her namesake makeup line, Kat Von D Beauty. In an interview with vegan lifestyle magazine Laika, she announced that she’s taking it 100-percent vegan.

“What’s that mean, exactly?” you might be asking yourself right about now. Think about that friend of yours who doesn’t eat anything that’s an animal byproduct—dairy, honey, etc.—she’s vegan, right? Now replace the food part with beauty products. It means—in addition to also being cruelty-free (i.e. never testing on animals)—Kat Von D is now eliminating the use of common ingredients like beeswax (often used in lip balms) and Carmine, a dye made from beetles’ wings. (Yes, that’s a common additive, look on the back of your makeup packaging for CI 75470 to find out if your favorite brands are using it.)

“We have been reformulating anything that had carmine in the past, and if we can’t reformulate, we just throw them out,” she told the magazine. “I can live without a purple eye shadow, it’s fine.”

It’s a gamechanger for the makeup-loving animal enthusiasts among us.

“When I launched [the line,] I was not sober; I was not vegan yet. So I had no idea about ingredients in formulation,” she said. “I would always think it was funny when brands would be like, ‘Oh, we’re vegan.’ Yeah, well, you don’t eat lipstick. [I was] super ignorant, you know?”

Wondering when you’ll be able to get your hands on the reformulated goods? The jury’s still out—but we’ve reached out to the brand for more info and will update this post as soon as we hear back.

GLAMOUR July 6th, 2016

Major news for makeup junkies who love Kat Von D products but also really love animals: Von D announced today that she plans on turning her entire makeup collection fully vegan.

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So, questions from Twitter:

Where does the inspiration for the product names come from? “Everywhere! Art, music, architecture, bands, people and pets.” This question also tied into my own question about whether Kat is a ‘wake up in the middle of the night with an amazing idea kind of person or more of a slow burn, long thought process gal. “I don’t have kids so I can and do get up at 3am because I want to compose a song or write down an idea.” Although she is obviously a spontaneous and creative woman, running your own businesses requires organization and she’s also comfortable with that. You should also know that Kat has had criticism for some product names such as Underage Red and Celebutard.

Have You Any Stand Alone Stores Planned? Stand- alones are much more common in the US than in the UK/Ireland where they’re just starting to appear in volume so while Kat has no plans for a stand-alone in the UK (the range launches into Debenhams in October), she told me that there is a concept stand-alone under construction in LA right now where it’s all about the store experience. When you’re under your own roof you can do as you please, so Kat has creative space workshops planned. We talked a little about Covent Garden turning into London’s ‘beauty area’, and quickly turned to talking about London weather! “I love the rain and the creative energy of London which is a lot like LA. Many great creators come from the UK and Ireland so I always like to be in the UK, and I have lots of friends here, too.”

Are There Any Christmas Gifts To Tell Us About? I actually thought I wouldn’t get an answer to this question but Kat was very happy to tell me that there’s a bundle of all her ‘must-haves’ to put on your list. There is also a special product coming for the UK/Ireland market only, but I couldn’t squeeze any more info on that one!

Which is Your Favourite Product That You’ve Ever Made? “There are so many!” Her first products, however, were four red lipsticks in the Tainted Love collection. “I made them in my quest to find the perfect red lip, so they’re special and the shades still exist.”

Even though Kat is surrounded by an army of ‘people’, she seemed very genuine and excited to be here. When you’re with someone with tattoos all over their face, dropping the F bomb into every sentence and still just can’t stop thinking how beautiful she is, that’s quite something.

It matters to me what the person at the end of a brand is like – it’s one of those things that we don’t really think about and yet, it’s so important. Kat’s range is vegan as is she, she’s got a dark and gothic personal style, just like her products, and she’s tense and relaxed at the same time in her demeanour and that shows through in the product range too, somehow. You need more time than my 5 minutes to truly get the measure of someone but I didn’t have any doubts about the fact that her beauty brand is her absolute passion. She is a talented tattooist, sketch artist and musician although quite where she gets the time I’m not sure!

I’ll have plenty more information on product lines in the forthcoming range as we go along – October is a way off yet. If you have recommendations for me please do let me know.. I’m keen to discover and share more about this brand.

British Beauty Blogger July 6th, 2016

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SHOP:
Kat von D Beauty http://www.katvondbeauty.com
Sephora http://www.sephora.com/Kat-Von-D

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Hi Kat! How does it feel to be in Dubai?
It’s quite hot but it is exciting to be here, more importantly just excited to bring the brand out here! I’m just excited to see how well people respond. One thing I really noticed even from before getting here is that people in Middle East really embrace a bold eye, and for me this is something that I love doing personally so I know my make up liner will definitely work with the women here.

Is it your first time here in the region?
Yes

Why was this the right time to your brand here?
I don’t know, I personally wanted to come here a lot sooner. We’ve been a smash hit in the US for 8 years now but you probably have to ask Sephora Middle East what took them so long! I am just glad to be here

How was the transition from tattoo artistry to cosmetics?
I’ve never actually moved from anything because I want be Salvador Dali, you know Salvador Dali did everything from painting to drawing, a cookbook, designed jewelry, furniture, poetry, all that stuff and that’s what I want to do. So when Sephora approached me about doing a makeup line it was something that really made sense on an artistic level because I felt like I could really express myself in the creative process, and also selfishly create products that I want to use myself.

How do you come up with new products?
Similar seasonal launches like most brands do but unlike most brands I usually take the trend predictions and just throw them out the window. I don’t really care what’s popular or what’s in because I am not really interested in creating anything that’s going to be season. I’d rather have long due in every product that I release, and I think that’s the key – to create something that you really believe in, and for me there’s not one product that I’ve ever made that I wouldn’t personally wear myself- so that’s kind of how we work more on creative.

If you had to choose one product from your range, which is your favorite?
People ask me that all the time and it is really difficult for me to decide because I really do love everything I make, but I love and if I guess I have to choose two, I would say my Tattoo Liner because I use my eye liner everyday and a red lipstick.

You draw the perfect line with your liner, do you have any tips?
I’ve done Youtube tutorials on different approaches – some more artistic than others but I think that a lot of people are scared of liquid eyeliner, if they’ve never used it because it is intimidating. I believe that the tattoo liner is dummy proof and it really is made easy to try out – even for beginners. For me it was like I do want to impress the makeup artist, but I also want it to be very like user friendly. In general I want my mom to be able to use it just as easily as a makeup artist.

You’ve launched the brand in several regions, do you see that there are best sellers that depend on the region?
I am totally surprised and happily shocked that we seem to be continuing to produce heroes. There’s not a weak link in the line. I’m not interested in making any fillers. For me, if you’re not using it, let’s not make it.

I was looking at the shade & light collection, and contouring here is huge – people here love it, do you have any tips for contouring?
You know I’ve done a lot of tutorials, but you really have to contour for your own face shape. I think the biggest mistake on contouring that I’ve seen is that just because it is a very hot trend -It doesn’t mean that you necessarily need it. For example, I have a really small nose, if I were to contour it, it will look even smaller and I think it will look weird.

How important was it for your products to be long lasting and high in pigment?
It is the quality of the makeup line that is a selfish one, because I personally love long wear so to me, I rather create something that I don’t have to touch up all the time. Especially when I was filming the TV show, there’s no room for mistakes, when you are filming really long hours, it was really important for me that it would stand the test of time especially on camera.

What are 5 beauty products that you use on a daily basis?
Obviously, the eyeliner and the red lipstick. I love my foundation because it has just become part of my regime, but I don’t know if I have five things I need. I am a pretty simple person, if I don’t have a brush – I end up just using my hand.  I think it’s mainly in the lipstick!

What are you currently working on?
The Metal crush collection which is coming soon. We just launched it in the US and it really is such an amazing eye shadow formula, and it’s the first time that I’m releasing individual pots, because for me it is important to have a very reasonable price point and that’s why I started to create palettes, because I felt like you get a lot more for the money instead just buying one, That being said, the metal crush collection formula are special, and the most highly pigmented formula that I’ve ever created, and has such an amazing metallic finish. You can use it as a highlighter for your face, you can use it as eyeliner, you can use it for everything, I am excited for you guys to try it!

[myfashiondiary November 20th, 2015]

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Kat is not only one of the world’s most successful female tattoo artist but also a beauty junkie to rank! However, she is careful to point out that she is not a makeup artist when she talks about her label, but just incredibly interested about makeup.

Now finally released Kat Von D beauty  for sale in Scandinavia at Sephora. As we have longed! Despite the fact that until now has not been possible to obtain products in Sweden, there has been a big hype around the brand. All products are vegan and “cruelty free” when Kat herself is vegan and animal lover.

I was honored to interview Kat at the launch event of the Copenhagen, where she tells us how much she loves Sweden and Kent is one out of her absolute favorite band. Kat is a real power woman who has many balls in the air and is a true creator and inspiration to many. She has an exuberant personality and is not afraid to bid on its own. She stands for what she is, which we Colin love!

Where do you find the inspiration to Kat Von D beauty?
I am inspired a lot of patterns in nature and architecture. The names of the products all have a personal connection to me in any way: my cats, music, urban or my fans.

What current trends do you think are the absolute hottest right now?
I’m not a big fan out of trends but I love it when a man or a guy running a full-face makeup with foundation, brows, eye shadow and everything (do not pull the makeup). It screams freedom! I hate the other hand, all this with strobing and baking that abound around on social media right now. I’m the type who does the opposite of what everyone else is doing. The photo also hopes way too much, people blurs their entire faces. I like when you see the little pores! Skin should look like skin.

If you only had to choose a product to use for the rest of your life, what would it be?
It’s tricky, but you can do an awful lot with just one liners! It works on the brows, eyes and lips. Or by the way so I actually did a great look with only one of my lipstick once. But I would probably still say eyeliner. However, would the world be a very sad place if I had to use red lipstick.

Lipstick or mascara?

Lipstick!

Which do you think is the most common mistake people make when it comes to makeup?
I do not understand why people use makeup when they do not need, especially when it comes to contouring. I made ​​a video when I contourade my nose once, just to show how it was done for training purposes. I have a very small nose so I got incredibly much shit for that. Yet people go out with the full ‘evening-contouring “when they absolutely do not need it. I really do not understand!

You’re an artist to his fingertips. When you create the best?
I like to create when I’m alone. I do not want to be bothered when I create when I was easily distracted out the surrounding noise.

Tell me about your daily makeup routine!
Every day I put base, eyes and lips. I have dark eyes I drive lighter lips, or darker lips with more natural eye.

Confess your beauty sins, if you have any?
Hmm .. God, how difficult! I do not think I have any, I’m very careful how I use makeup. I probably would however need to wash my brushes more often …
Oh yea! I shall never use my eyelashes and maybe it’s a bit pointless because I buy an awful lot lashes but it feels a little like using a pair of dirty socks.

After the interview I do, and Kat a little lip-tutorial together and laughing until the corners of the mouth ache.
I walk away with a big smile and feel so inspired. What an incredibly beautiful and exuberant woman Kat is!

[colin magazine was trasnlated with google translator app]

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