When it comes to knowing what a women on the go needs, CEO of Mereadesso skin care line Linda Stephenson wins the prize. She's created an all in one product that will eliminate the piles of beauty product cluttering up your bathroom counter. The best part? It actually works!
I met up with Linda to chat about the line and answer some burning questions I had. By the end of the meeting, I learned a lot more about the beauty industry and how beauty products worked than I ever expected. As a graduate in microbiology, chemistry and botony, she was beyond knowledgeable and even worked for prominent companies such as Johnson & Johnson, Mary Kay, MAC cosmetics, Estee Lauder and Clinique on their product development team. She may just be the ultimate beauty guru we've been searching for.
After watching a group of girls line up at The Bay (back in the day) to get on a wait list for a shade of lipstick, she decided it was time to launch her own line. She soon realized that there's a lot of noise in the industry and consumers are often confused by the endless selection of beauty products to choose from. “What does 57 different versions of something really do for you?”, she adds.
Every part of a Mereadesso product has been strategically placed to serve multiple purposes right down to the packaging. The face and neck cleanser comes in a carrying case that is water resistant and measured to fit most make up brushes. The envelope style case for the lip treats will also double as a business card holder. Even men are using their line and the all in one moisturizer after shaving to soothe irritation.
Lip treats from Mereadesso features a carry case which doubles as a business card holder. ($28)
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Photo (above): Linda Stephenson, CEO of Mereadesso
Q: How did you come up with the name Mereadesso?
A:Mere stands for mother in French. Adesso means now in Italian. After being a mom I really realized that I had no time. I also think there's an elegance to the name.
Q: Where do you live?
A: I was born in Toronto and currently live there but lived in Montreal till about 4-5 years old. My parents are from Austria and I actually didn't speak English until I was 4 or 5. I definitely understand the European sensibility.
Q: Where are your products made?
A: Prominently Canada. The lip treats are made in Germany but we're shifting all products to be made in Canada.
Q:Is there SPF in the products?
A: No and there's a reason for that. One reason why this works is it's not a single magic bullet theory. The nature of SPF blocks the ingredients. They're actually heavy waxes and that's how it protects you from the sun. The product will not be able to be absorbed into the skin if SPF is integrated into the product. Aloe is the first ingredient and is a great vehicle to drive absorption of all the other ingredients. By incorporating SPF, it would change the texture, feel and application of the product. Also, not all people want sunscreen incorporated into their skin care products. You can certainly apply sunscreen over the Mereadesso all in one moisturizer if you want an SPF protection.
Q: What is your beauty regime?
A: Mereadesso of course. I usually start with a shower then wash my face with the Mereadesso face and neck cleanser then apply the all in one moisturizer. I then put on my makeup and off I go.
Photo (above): Mereadesso all in one moisturizer ($120)
Q: What are some beauty lessons you've learned?
A:I think in terms of true beauty, less is more. What women really want to achieve is beautiful skin versus trying to cover it up. It is freeing for women to be able to walk out of the door with just some mascara and lipstick on. In terms of colour, after a certain age you shouldn't fall into trends. You should go with what looks good on you and your bone structure.
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Q: What is next for Mereadesso?
A:I have product ideas all the time but every product I make has to have as many function as it can hold. For example, the lip balm comes in two because I want one in my bag while the other by my bed . I usually create products that grow out of my pet peeves. I start with how I solve a need and what makes things practical and understandable. We will be offering new shades of lip treats for 2015. Fragrances and hair care are also not off the table for me. We're also working on a tinted moisturizer.
Q: We have to ask about pimples which is really every person's arch nemesis. What are some tips you have to tackle pimples when it arises?
A: Acne is caused by 3 things: hormonal imbalances, diet, bacteria that do not do well in acidic environment. Keeping a low PH will help with acne and you will notice some products out there to treat pimples will attempt to lower the PH level on your skin. Mereadesso also integrates this feature and will help with skin issues associated with acne. However, if you have a skin condition that requires a dermatologist that's a different issue and requires medical attention. If you're noticing acne continue to pop up in specific areas, it's probably due to something you haven't cleaned properly that continually comes in contact with your face (such as your cell phone!).
Here is what you do to lance a zit:
1. Don't squeeze! Treat it like an infection.
2. Wash your hands (use purell).
3. Take a needle and heat it slightly with a lighter.
4. Pierce the side of the pimple and use a clean cloth to put pressure excise the pimple.
5. You then use a antibacterial ointment like polysporin (not the cream) and dab the pimple with it.
6. Put a bandaid over it and go to sleep.
Keep it sterile. The old wives' tale of toothpaste does not work!
Q: What's a good summer skin routine?
A: Lighten up during the summer. If you're using two pumps of moisturizer, use one for summer. Use waterproof mascara, switch to powder foundation and use creme eye shadow.
Photo (above): Travel sized all in one moisturizer with resealable cap. ($28)
Q: What do you think about society's obsession with beauty?
A:It's a part of human history and not one culture is exempt to this. Our definition of what beauty is has changed over time. The Marilyn Monroe would never be a model today, they would ask her to lose 10 pounds. I think people are slowly moving from plastic surgery to naturally enhancing beauty. Healthy skin has always been beautiful and glowing hair has always been prized. I think we're returning to committing to healthy diet and habits versus going under the knife. We're in a generation that doesn't want to accept ageing. Men are also starting to jump on beauty products more than before.
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10 question on {Linda Stephenson, CEO of Mereadesso}
1. Cupcakes or Macaroons: cupcakes
2. Lipstick or concealer: Lipstick
3. Favourite ice cream flavor: Traditional chocolate
4. One thing most people don't know about you: I've acted and done stand up improv
5. Do you keep up with the Kardashian? No
6. What is your guilty pleasure? BBQ potato chips. Lays to be exact.
7. Best advice you would give someone: Don't sweat the small stuff. Think before you speak. Also, always go towards learning.
8. Favourite thing to do on a Friday night: Cuddle up with my son and watch television
9. In high school you would have been voted: The nerdy kid who can make people laugh
10. What do you currently have in your bag? Mereadesso, bottled water, sunglasses, my phone, lipstick and vitamins.
Amy Yew is a contributing columnist at Vancouver Courier and a fashion and style writer. She is also a Lucky Magazine community contributor. Tell us what you think and submit any questions you have to [email protected]. You can also tweet your thoughts @AmyYew.
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