Karen Murrell, creator and owner of Karen Murrell.
Karen Murrell is New Zealand’s natural lipstick queen who has been creating her namesake lipsticks which are free from nasties and cruelty free since 2009. From her office on Takapuna Beach she comes up with beautiful new shades that continue to grow in popularity with her 20th lipstick, True Love, becoming her most popular to date.
We caught up with Karen to find out more about her brand, what inspires her and what you would never catch her wearing!
Tell us about your latest products?
My most recent lipstick, True Love, has been a huge international success selling out many times! My inspiration for this colour came from my first lipstick and from a romantic holiday on the Gold Coast. I was lying on a sun lounger sipping a drink and looking out to sea. True Love is a total happiness colour which is what I felt when creating the colour.
What made you start your own beauty brand?
Cosmetics and skincare have been a passion of mine from when I was a young girl, as well as an enduring ambition. Inspired by my Nana Gwen, who was like a second mother, I vividly recall afternoons spent exploring her extensive make-up collection because I was curious and liked to be creative. I never had ‘little girl’ make-up – Nana always treated me to her own grown up make-up to play with!
When I starting creating Karen Murrell Lipsticks my core philosophy was that I didn’t want to sacrifice quality for being natural. I set out with a labour of love to make products which perform as well as, if not better than, the more traditional synthetic and mineral oil-based products.
What inspires you?
Life inspires me. As life progresses so does my craft. I love and admire the beauty of floristry as you will see in so many of my creations. However as an artist I derive inspiration from a variety of elements – from the colour of the sky right through to children playing together.
Karen Murrell lipsticks with True Love in the centre.
Describe your personal style and how it influences your products and brand?
Because my lifestyle is varied I have a mixed style. My office is situated in a fashionable beach town which lends itself to a semi casual approach. But I never leave the house without a full face of makeup. I adore Leona Edmiston and Trelise Cooper dresses for work which are so easy to wear. Today I’m wearing Topshop jeans, a Camilla kimino top and a Kowtow long sleeved 100% cotton tee underneath, with navy blue floral Adidas sneakers. I also love Kate Sylvester long sleeved tees and cardis which are comfortable and look great too. I embrace new trends and update my wardrobe with each season. Like many women, I’m addicted to handbags.
What is your all-time favourite purchase?
As an absolute treat to myself, and as a personal reward for something big I had achieved, I purchased a great Louis Vutton bag eight years ago.
What wardrobe item should every woman invest in?
An iconic handbag and a pair of statement sunglasses. Always real, if possible. I personally never purchase counterfeit anything.
Do you have a style rule you always obey?
No chipped nail polish. Better to have no nail polish.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
It’s not one highlight for me, but several. I think it is true what they say – the fun is in the run. I enjoy reflecting on all my triumphs and challenges. Then the big butterflies of thinking about what the future holds. That anticipation drives me too.
What can’t you live without?
My darling Zane and Anna.
Finish this sentence – You would never catch me wearing…
Black lipstick.
Images supplied.