A Logical Harmony Exclusive Interview with Jeffree Star
Recently Jeffree Star Cosmetics was approved as cruelty-free and vegan by Logical Harmony. People have been asking about his line for ages and I am very excited to have been able to add them to the Cruelty-Free Brands List. Working with Jeffree to get his brand on the list was a great experience. He was very transparent and honest about everything.
I am SO excited to be able to share this interview with you!When I suggested a quick interview to Jeffree, I was not expecting him to agree because he’s so busy. Jeffree Star Cosmetics has been growing so fast and he has quite the beauty empire to run. In this Q&A interview, we talk about how Jeffree Star Cosmetics came about, the impact of social media, and why being cruelty-free matters.
Continue reading A Logical Harmony Exclusive Interview with Jeffree Star!
Logical Harmony: What inspired you to start Jeffree Star Cosmetics? What was your vision for the brand?
Jeffree Star: I’ve been a makeup artist since I was 12 and it was always a dream of mine back them to have my own line. I would spend hours every night recreating looks I saw in my mother’s Cosmo magazines and it was my escape. When you come from a poor background and a family full of alcoholics, you don’t fully understand what that means when you’re a little kid. I found art and makeup, it changed my life. It was only later on in life was I confident enough to try to create my own brand! My vision from day one was to deliver only products that worked and did exactly what they say. So often as consumers, we’re disappointed at products and their lack of quality. I’m here to make sure that doesn’t happen!
Logical Harmony: It’s been amazing to watch your business grow. As it’s gotten larger, what lessons have you learned along the way?
Jeffree Star: The biggest and hardest one: Patience. I never imagined in a million years that my brand would grow this quickly! It opened the doors on Nov 27th 2014 and it’s been a whirlwind! I’ve learned to be patient and let everything organically happen. The most amazing part is getting to be so close with the customer. My assistant and I are on social media all day talking with them, answering questions and sharing other artists work. It’s humbling and unreal.
Logical Harmony: A lot of us remember you from the MySpace days. Now YouTube and Instagram seem to be amazing platforms for you. How has social media played a role in expanding Jeffree Star Cosmetics?
Jeffree Star: I like to say I have Internet Immorality. From the beginning of the “internet famous” era until now, I’ve evolved and went with the flow of change, always changing my makeup looks, fashion, and vision. My brand has grown so fast from social media and I don’t know how life would be without be logging onto MySpace for the first time 10 years ago!
Logical Harmony: Jeffree Star Cosmetics was recently added to the Cruelty-Free Brand List here on Logical Harmony and is also certified by both PETA and Leaping Bunny. Why is being cruelty-free important to you?
Jeffree Star: I think it’s so archaic that cosmetic companies are still using animal by-products and insects in their products! It’s 2016, why is anyone still doing that? I think as a human being, you have to realize that things have evolved and it’s a good example to other brands and companies that it’s time to be re-think their ways. I’ll be 100% transparent right now: There were a lot of questions in the beginning about my brand being vegan and why I chose that route. As someone who is obsessed with fashion, I personally own non-vegan materials and am very open about that. I don’t think it’s right to pretend to be someone you’re not to get sales. People know me on a real level because of how open I am in my videos. It was a simple choice: I didn’t want to exclude anyone, that wasn’t fair. I wanted EVERY customer to be able to wear my art. And it’s morally right. End of story.
Logical Harmony: You have grown Jeffree Star Cosmetics so much since it first started. Beyond the expanding line of liquid lipsticks, there are also lip scrubs. Based on Instagram is looks like some exciting new products are in the works! What can we look forward to adding to our beauty stashes?
Jeffree Star: I spent all of last year putting out a big volume of liquid lipstick colors! I wanted everyone to understand I perfected one product. I didn’t want to start a brand and put anyone out that wasn’t amazing and high quality. So now that my lipstick is a staple in my line, it’s time to release new products! In May we have 2 releases… Our Skin Frost™ highlighting powders which look like melted diamonds on your cheekbones… Get ready to glow all summer! And after that will be the launch of the first ever JSC eyeshadow palette! It’s called BEAUTY KILLER and will be packed with extreme pigment and shadows that feel like butter! I spent months on the formula and I think everyone will be really pleased! The palette can be worn by everyone! It has a few wild colors and some amazing neutrals… Something for everyone!
Logical Harmony: When it comes to creating new products and new shades, what inspires and motivates you?
Jeffree Star: The customer is always what inspires me first! I love talking to everyone on Instagram and seeing feedback on SnapChat! I can ask a question like “What product do you wanna see next??” and they give you immediate answers. I will never make a product I personally wouldn’t wear every day! But I think it’s important to be in tune with your audience and see their expectations.
Logical Harmony: Everything that you have made so far is vegan, and it looks like the upcoming releases are going to be as well. Why is offering vegan products important to you? Will Jeffree Star Cosmetics always be a 100% vegan brand?
Jeffree Star: Yes, my brand will be 100% vegan moving forward! I think as the beauty industry moves forward, you will start to see more brands opening their eyes and becoming vegan. Excluding a huge part of the beauty consumers who only buy vegan, isn’t right and if you can make just as high-quality makeup, why not stop cruelty?
Logical Harmony: If you could only have one product or shade from your line, which would that be?
Jeffree Star: “Unicorn Blood” liquid lipstick.
Logical Harmony: If someone is brand new to Jeffree Star Cosmetics, what do you consider the must-haves? There are so many things to choose from!
Jeffree Star: I think any customer or fan of the brand will say you have to have “Celebrity Skin” & “Androgyny” liquid lipstick!
Thank you so much, Jeffree for taking the time to talk with me and for going through the process to be approved by Logical Harmony! And, most importantly, thank you for being cruelty-free!!
I love jefree star and I’ve held off for a long time from buying any of his products because his brand wasn’t on your list and now it is so I’m going to splurge! I’m very excited for his new products that will be releasing soon <3
I liked the interview, but I still feel insecure about lines that have non-vegan products!
Jeffree’s entire line is vegan, which is awesome! 🙂