Web Extra Article - Beauty

Oprah’s gift led to successful cosmetics company

(Special)-In February 2005, Kiley Russell, a makeup artist and assistant principal, was in the Chicago audience for Oprah Winfrey’s show.

During that show the broadcaster gave Russell and every other member of the audience a Pontiac G6 automobile.

It was a fantastic gift, but Russell had a larger plan it. Not needing a car at the time, Russell sold the Pontiac and used the profit to start her own beauty firm, Big Girl Cosmetics.

The company proved to be a success and its fifth anniversary was a milestone for Big Girl Cosmetics.

"We look forward to the next five and the five after that," said owner and creative director Russell at the time. "I'm so glad I was able to turn a special gift into something of valor, beauty and empowerment." The company now offers a number of cosmetic and skin care lines including foundations that contain natural moisturizers, powders, as well as eye shadows, moisturizing lipsticks and glosses in a diverse palette of gorgeous colours.

Big Girl Cosmetics’ line of luxurious cleansing products, masks, toners and lotions are designed to bring out your skin's natural brilliance and create a glow that is the perfect base for your make-up.

Hot sellers include Ginger Almond Butter and Honey Almond Scrub, both of which have been created to nourish the skin while alleviating pain. Blended with ginger and sweet almond oil, each serum is rich in Vitamins A and E, providing an extra ounce of protection. Ginger is considered to have an anti-inflammatory effect, so this almond butter may be useful for arthritis sufferers seeking relief from joint pain.

Russell states that she started Big Girl Cosmetics to empower women to take control and honour their bodies, to make informed choices and feel more secure with their own definition of beauty.

Big Girl Cosmetics products are not tested on animals, and have been featured in magazines such as Essence, Kiwi, and OK Weekly.

For additional information, go to www.biggirlcosmetics.com.