Introducing Alison Raffaele

1. What type of woman is your line for?

Truthfully, just about anyone. Anyone with imperfections—so basically if you’re human. We are a complexion brand, we aren’t driven by trend—we want to get your complexion right. I don’t want to impose my ideas on a woman, I want to visually highlight each individual’s beauty.

2. How do your products make a difference in women’s lives?

We make products that really work, they do what they say. They are easy to use—women can figure them out. Women’s lives will be simpler and less frustrating. Plus, the products are good for you—no toxic ingredients, just good-for-you ingredients.

3. Why did you choose to go the natural route?

People want healthy products. But we have never claimed to be all natural or organic. All natural doesn’t necessarily mean all good. We wanted to use ingredients with low toxicity that weren’t harmful to people, the environment or animals—non harmful and high performing.

4. What did you take away from working at Bobbi Brown? How did that experience influence your line now?

You can do something. You can make something better if you think you can. It gave me courage to make the concealer I always wanted, but that she [Bobbi] would never make.

5. What actress or models beauty stood out the most to you? Why?

Gisele, she wasn’t perfect looking, but she just had something.

6. If women could only carry one product from your line in her bag, what should it be?

My star products are the True Concealer and the Face Forward Primer. The concealer makes the biggest difference visually, but the primer is good for your skin, it is killer, it has a natural SPF. The acne primer kills bacteria without drying out your skin. It’s the product I could never find. The ultimate consumer is myself—when the best product I can find is mine, I know it is the best.

7. Do you have any beauty tricks? Tips?

Use a little product at a time and build it up. Blend! Have the right products, colors and textures for your skin type.

8. Where do you see the future of beauty going? Good? Bad?

I’m optimistic about the future of beauty. It’s not focused on stereotypes or trends, but focused on health and individuality. Products are being made that make you look good and are good for your skin. Skin care and cosmetics are becoming intertwined.