Happy Birthday Alima Pure: Portland Cosmetics Company Celebrates 10 Years

Friday, August 29, 2014

Kemea Smith, GoLocalPDX Contributor

Alima Pure

"Labyrinth" eyeshadow part, of the "By Night" collection

Portland-based natural cosmetics company Alima Pure just turned 10 years old. And they're celebrating with the launch of some film noir-inspired limited edition eyeshadows.

Founded by mother and wife Kate O’Brian, the cosmetics company celebrated its 10th anniversary on Aug. 16. It all began when O’Brian’s mother became ill in 2004, which set her thinking about the things we put on our bodies as well as what we put in them. She began researching mineral ingredients and creating batches of her own makeup, and Alima Pure was born.

The makeup line now features primer powder, glittering eyeshadows such as rich vivid purple Shimmer Eyeshadow in "Aubergine,” and blush in a variety of shades like deep rose “Zinnia,” pinky coral “Leigh,” and soft red copper “Cerise.” Brand Director Alyson Hancock said Alima's top-selling products are the No. 25 Foundation Brush, Satin Matte Foundation, Natural Definition Mascara, Natural Definition Eye Pencil, and the Lip Tint in “rhubarb.”

Hancock recommends the foundation for new clients because “the color range is massive, and we have 61 shades of foundation.” So how do you find the right shade for your skin tone?

Alima Pure has a foundation selector tool online, and once you've made a selection you can get a free sample mailed to your home.

“We also send you a coupon for our products when you get the sample” said Hancock.

Their new limited edition “By Night” fall collection is inspired by film noir, and features edgy and darker eyeshadows such as “After Hours,” a mineral eye shadow with gold flakes.

“This is one of my favorite products because the color is gorgeous and really unique," said Hancock.

Alima Pure

Orchid Pearluster Eyeshadow

The company is all about makeup without any potentially nasty chemicals; Alima Pure received the Natural Cosmetics Seal from the European BDIH, a nonprofit that develops natural cosmetic guidelines for consumers.

Ingredients include organic white tea extract, cocoa seed butter, and china clay to create products that contain no toxins and preservatives.

“We don’t test on animals, our brushes are all synthetic, and our mineral line is made up of only seven ingredients. Our makeup is fashion forward and safe,” said Hancock.

Not convinced? They publish a list of all their ingredients for their makeup products online (see it here).

As well as feeling good about the products' natural origins, the other advantage to buying mineral makeup is that it doesn't expire. “Our mineral products are made of inorganic compounds, so they will last forever.

"There's no expiration date.”

Natural, with organic ingredients, and with a long shelf life?

Even in Portland, that's saying something.

You can find Alima Pure products at Palace, Green an all-natural product hair salon, and Flora. Alima Pure, 18342 SE River Rd., 97267, (503)-786-8224. www.alimapure.com