By Clare Jennings
It’s no secret that I’m a makeup lover. My usual focus is sharing my skincare knowledge and recommendations, but once in a while I like to shake things up a bit. And today I have an absolute banger to introduce. My new favourite makeup brand - Max and Louie.
This woman owned, produced and developed brand from Tauranga, right here in Aotearoa, was born from the heart and soul of makeup artist, and brow specialist, Nat Bos.
Seven years ago Nat started her business Mount Brows, hoping to help women feel confident in their own skin. She would always finish off her brow work by doing a quick face of makeup on her clients, and soon realised there was a gap in the New Zealand beauty market for easy to use, vegan and cruelty free makeup that actually works, lasts and suits a multitude of skin types and tones. And so the dream began, and the process of producing and formulating her perfect collection of products was underway.
I first came across Max and Louie quite by chance through a mutual friend, Rachael. We soon decided she would send me some items to try and see what I thought of them. All I did was snap a selfie in natural light, send it through and the next day a beautiful parcel arrived. Let me just say - I had no decision in the shades I received. Nat has an extraordinary knack for colour matching, and when I tell you every single item was the perfect shades for my fair, cool toned skin I’m not kidding.
I decided to give them at least two weeks before voicing my opinion. I knew after the first day that these products were very special. I was a newbie to contour and blush sticks, but oh my goodness I’m hooked. So easy to apply (the double ended brush is a miracle worker). They last all day on my oily skin, and paired with their new Serum Foundation it’s a home run for me. I have never had so many compliments on my makeup. Ever. Everything just blends so seamlessly on my skin. I haven’t experienced that before.
So I wanted to know more. What her favourites of the product range are. How she chose what to include in her makeup offerings. And where she’d like to see her brand going in the future. Here’s what she said.
Clare: What are your favourite products in your range so far?
Nat: Definitely the foundation stick. It’s so good on almost everyone, and something I worked incredibly hard to perfect. The blush and contour sticks also are up there. They’re multitasking - you can use them as contour and blush of course, but they’re also great on the lips and eyes. Our mascara is really special too. It’s a firm favourite. And of course what started it all - our brow gel.
Clare: How have you chosen which products to produce?
Nat: My main goal was ease of use. I realised that a lot of women felt overwhelmed with the idea of wearing makeup, as it can be quite intimidating knowing what to get or what works. And of course it was important that they would look good on everyone. Nothing too heavy. And things that gave a bit of a glow, but nothing too sparkly.
Clare: What are your hopes for the future of Max and Louie?
Nat: I’d love to see expansion of our brand, both in house, and with partner stockists. The beautiful messages and feedback we receive from our customers is just so incredible, I’d love for more people to have the opportunity to try them.
Clare: Any final points you’d like to share?
Nat: I designed this brand to help women feel confident wearing making. I didn’t want it to be intimidating, or complicated. Simple, well made, versatile products was my aim.
Clare: Well you’ve absolutely nailed it. You should be incredibly proud of your brand, your team, your formulators and most of all - yourself.
If you would like to get your own beautiful products from Max and Louie, visit their website
https://www.maxandlouie.co.nz and get 10% off your first purchase. Supporting small, woman owned and local businesses is so important. Especially when they’re as wonderful as this one.
Disclaimer: While these products were gifted to the Sans Pareil Online team to review, our opinions are our own and we have not been paid or coaxed to say something either way. If you would like to have your product reviewed please contact us here.
