bella branded: INIKA

I chatted with Miranda, the founder of natural, luxury cosmetics brand INIKA, about the philosophies which drive this niche yet rapidly expanding line, and their amazing range of  colourful and complete cosmetics.

Have you ever wondered way there is such an abundance of natural and organic skincare on the beauty market, but no where near as many options in terms of makeup? So did Miranda Bond - so she did something about it!

Speaking with Miranda, her passion for natural cosmetics, and a holistic way of living in general, is evident - even over the phone. INIKA isn't a brand born purely out of a love of makeup (although I had to know what Miranda's top INIKA picks were - more on which ones she loves best later!) It was founded as a dedication to women who want to know exactly what is in their beauty bag, with all INIKA products being Certified Organic, or made of 100% pure mineral makeup. The INIKA line also incorporates vegan values and ensures its formulations are completely free from synthetic chemicals and harmful ingredients.

So what exactly inspired Miranda on her INIKA journery? With a background in television, having worked as a researcher (not a makeup artist!) Miranda admits she would have thought of herself as the last person to found a makeup line. However, after achieving her personal level of optimum health after embracing an all-natural way of living - which enabled Miranda to finally fall pregnant, and in turn, helped to cure her ongoing endometriosis (a hormone related illness) - Miranda began researching all-natural cosmetics. Rather than hide behind Green-lingo, Miranda's aim was to actually create cosmetics that were as natural and organic as they said they were. This is where her background as a researcher came in handy! The more she learnt, the more passionate she became, which made her even more determined to share this knowledge with other women. Miranda also didn't want to settle for...how else can we put it? Well... boring natural cosmetics! She wanted a line that was just as exciting as it was natural, that she could share with other women. So she founded INIKA.

Today, Miranda's daughter Lola is 10 years old and INIKA is thriving! Innovation, persistence, determination and a dedication to the INIKA woman have all inspired Miranda to make natural cosmetics that were full of colour and pigment and in her words 'sexy!'

For spring we love the Candy Mint Mineral Eyeshadow and the Vegan Lip Whip in Melon - part of the Limited Edition Fairground Collection.

From their biggest selling product - the All Natural Mineral Foundation Powder, winner of 36 awards for product excellence and innovation - to their newest range, the Fairground Collection (perfect to match the spring/summer fashions with its delicious blend of pastels) INIKA have fulfilled their promise; colours are bold, fun and vibrant, whilst wearing refreshingly delicately on the skin.

Now for Miranda's personal favourites! The Liquid Foundation, Melon Lip Whip (perfect for deterring dry lips mid-travel) and the Peachy Keen Mineral Blush all rate at the top of her can't-live-without beauty list. After hearing just how good this blush was, I needed to try some for myself! The highly pigmented minerals in this soft powder blend into the skin so smoothly, it almost feels like it is melting in, and the bold coral shade becomes a 'peachy' soft glow once buffed into the apples of your cheeks. See the proof below!

Me, after trialing the Peachy Keen Mineral Blush. See how the stunning, super-pigmented powder softly blends into skin? Winner!

bb's top INIKA pick is most definitely the Certified Organic Primer. The creamy organic blend contained within the signature black INIKA packaging provides extra-nourishing properties to the skin before makeup application. Containing macadamia oil, avocado and apricot, this primer is one of the most moisturising I've found. It also makes sense to start with a great barrier product like a primer, when integrating natural products into your skincare regime; you know it will work hard for your skin everyday!

INIKA means 'small earth' which represents not only the importance of the mindfulness of finite amount of resources the earth has to offer, but also that thriving healthy women can be a powerful and easily connected global network. With the continued growth of this amazing cosmetics brand (soon to hit the US and Asian markets) and their ever evolving products, INIKA is sure to continue expanding its global presence alongside cosmetics traditional power players. Not bad hey? Give yourself the upper hand by incorporating INIKA into your cosmetics case today, so you can tell your friends you found it first!

Have you ever tried any of the INIKA range before? What is your favourite product? Are you excited to see an all-natural/organic range of super pigmented products, like we are? Let us know! - Lauren