Beauty in the #NewNormal: Rinse + Repeat by Kira Ramirez
I met Kira in the beauty blogging circuit some years ago. We shared rides, coffee and have been through some personal things together - yes! We just didn’t talk about makeup!
Creator and founder of Rinse + Repeat, an eco-conscious and sustainable homegrown brand of bath and beauty products, Kira shows that caring for Mother Nature and your skin has a win-win result!
As you see in the Q&A below I had with her, you’ll get to know what Rinse and Repeat is all about and why it has gained quite a cult following. You’ll learn more than a thing or two about her brand and the best-selling products. But what I made sure to ask are some points on how the world of beauty is changing in the time of the pandemic and how her brand is evolving through this. It's quite exciting to read such positivity and light in each of her answers and I hope aside from enabling you to try her products, you are also inspired her with tenacity and her advocacy.
What made you start your brand?
I started the brand in 2018, during the height of my surfing adventures. I wanted to create my own products that I could take with me on trips -- products that were multi-purpose, easy to stash in my backpack, and considerably has less impact on the environment. I've seen how irresponsible use of plastics has littered shorelines and destroyed our oceans (I surfed with diapers and napkins beside me -- yuck!), and I wanted to somehow remedy that.
The idea was to offer washable and reusable products, hence Rinse + Repeat ;)
What’s the best beauty advise you have received?
Never scrimp on sunscreen on all exposed parts of your face and body! Also, eye cream is very important :)
What are your best-sellers?
The Purify + Detox Shampoo Bar is a crowd pleaser. It was made in response to a customer who asked advise on her itchy scalp. We realized it was such a common issue! So we created a formula for this and it's been a favorite ever since, even for those who don't have any scalp issues at all! I've received feedback that it helps with hairfall as well.
Another best-seller is our Reusable Cotton Rounds (image above). It may be intimidating at first to switch to a washable option since we're all used to buying cotton pads from stores, but it has actually caught on and a lot of people swear by it. It's been a staple of bathroom and boudoirs ever since it was launched.
What are your beauty essentials?
Sunscreen Gel, Eyebrow pencil (very important!), Hourglass Ambient Blush (my fave for 4 years already!). My routine is pretty simple and straightforward.
What’s beauty in this time of pandemic?
I've pared down my beauty routine to the essentials since I started traveling and surfing in 2015. I'd like to think that beauty is more minimalist, more conscious, and more functional.
What are the changes do see happening in beauty now?
I'm happy that a lot of people are more conscious about their purchases. Although not everything can be plastic-free, I see that they are trying to find better alternatives or at least consider purchasing quality items that they plan to use longer. Some are really mindful about ingredients and compostable packaging.
I also see a lot of brands that are focusing on sustainability from shopping (online) to the plastic-free delivery, to the actual use of the product. There is a whole intimate process when you create something and we want this to translate to the consumer so they find value in what we offer; versus buying something that's easily available of commercially made.
What is Beauty in the “new normal”?
Mindful beauty that cares for our skin and the environment.
What are the precautions and safety measures that you do now that was different before the time of the pandemic?
We've limited our deliveries to twice a week to minimize carbon emissions and contact with riders. We sanitize all parcels with Full Circle Sanitizer which protects for 3-4 hours.
What are the precautions and safety measures that you do now that was different before the time of the pandemic?
We've limited our deliveries to twice a week to minimize carbon emissions and contact with riders. We sanitize all parcels with Full Circle Sanitizer which protects for 3-4 hours.
What inspires/influences you to create beauty products?
I am inspired by the beach lifestyle and my cats! Most of my offerings are aimed at reducing waste and the doodles are inspired by my two adopted cats :)
What’s in store for your brand this 2020?
Pet care products, new shampoo and conditioner bar variants, and new partnerships with stores
You can find Rinse + Repeat at www.rinseandrepeat.ph @rinseandrepeat.ph
They also have an ongoing promo:
For orders that reach P1200, they receive a Purrfect Mini Bag for free. The fabric is sourced from local coffee shops, pre-washed and sanitized before they are made into bags that you can reuse, re-gift, or repurpose.
“We want to make sure you'll be feline fine with every order. Meow.”
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