Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Five minutes with...Joanna, founder of Shanghai Suzy (and a Giveaway)!

Hi lovelies!

If you've been keeping up with the blog, you'll know I promised you an interview a few weeks ago with the gorgeous Joanna from Shanghai Suzy lipsticks (read my review of the lipsticks here)! So, without further ado, let's kick this interview off and get to know the lovely owner/manager behind the sexy lipstick brand!

A former model, Jo came from a marketing background, specialising in cosmetics marketing, brand management and new product development. Often asked why she chose to found a lipstick-only brand, she explains that she really wanted a go-to lipstick brand where customers could find all the 'in' shades each season for an affordable price, a concept she felt was absent in the market. A big fan of communicating one message and focusing on one thing at a time, she structured her company along the same premise.

Jo from Shanghai Suzy.
(image taken from Shanghai Suzy)
Keep reading after the jump!

1) Hi Jo, welcome to The Made Up Maiden blog! Thank you so much for taking the time to sit down with us for a chat. First of all, the name is completely unique and oh-so-catchy, can you tell us a bit about the inspiration behind the name?
Everyone thinks that my name is Suzy, in fact the lady who I buy coffee from every day still calls me Suzy and I don’t have the heart to correct her! But I actually named Shanghai Suzy after my friend Suzy, who was from Shanghai. All of the colours are named after my friends or people close to the brand and so when it came to choosing the name for Suzy’s colour, Shanghai Suzy came to mind! And I liked it so much, it stuck as the name of the brand!

2) Shanghai Suzy was founded in Melbourne, cruelty-free and is suitable for vegans. Can you tell us a bit about the whole design process and how you decide if a lipstick is ready for the consumer market? Who is involved in the shade selection? Where are the lipsticks made?
Our main packaging and formula is made in HK and China; everything is our unique design and is made from scratch, so it’s a timely process. We finish off the packaging and labeling here in Australia. A lot of people get confused about us manufacturing in Asia due to China’s animal testing regulations around cosmetics, however those regulations only apply to brands that retail in China (pretty much every major cosmetics brand, but not us of course). Obviously, our lippies are sent straight here and only retailed in Australia. I'm strongly against animal testing, and while I'm not vegan myself, I can’t see the benefit or point in using animal derived ingredients and harming animals when you simply don’t need to for a great end result. I've always worked in new product development with cruelty-free brands and I think it’s so important.  We also use a chemically synthetic Palm Oil to avoid using the real deal. Choosing colours for the season is the fun part! I love looking to the UK and the US to see what’s happening over there, I also listen a lot to what my friends are constantly asking for!

3) All your lipstick shades are 'Limited edition' (two very dangerous words), what happens if someone falls in love with a lipstick shade? Are there any plans to bring in a 'permanent' range?
There are no plans to bring in a permanent range but I'm open minded and take what comes each day – the brand may end up going that way, who knows! I've had about a million emails about one of our colours from last Summer, Miss Sally Watermelon, and so I've done a special re-run of that for our website! It re-launched at the end of July – I know a lot of people are very excited! The brand is more about what’s hot at the time and if colours we have already produced are back in hot demand, then of course we will re-run them; it definitely makes sense.

4) Shanghai Suzy takes its colour cues from the fashion industry. What sort of trends do you see emerging for spring/summer 2014/15?
I see a lot of natural nude hues (so you can focus more on the eye) but also very deep and dramatic browns, and earthy colours like brick, bronze and copper (often with some shimmer added).  Bold pinks are huge which is great news for the Australian market. The head of an Australian cosmetics brand once told me that at least half of your lipsticks should be pink as they’re always the most popular, and I didn't always listen to that advice, but I should have because it’s absolutely true.

5) If you had to personally choose a signature shade for yourself, what would that be? And are you more of a 'matte' or 'nourish' girl?
I’m a matte girl myself, and I love rich, vibrant shades. My signature colour changes each season, last Summer it was Miss Claire Fire Engine Red, now I’m really into Miss Kitty Black Plum (I wear it pretty much every time I go out). I’m already loving the colours for next season and starting to play around with those – my absolute favourites for next season are Miss Leah Baby Cocoa, Miss Nicole Burgundy Brown and Miss Ally Amethyst, so keep an eye out! They’re launching in September so I have a bit of time to decide which one my ‘signature’ shade for the season will be!

6) Can you tell us a bit about your personal style? Does that integrate at all with the Shanghai Suzy brand?
Shanghai Suzy has her own personality and style, she’s quirky and often unexpected on the inside and her packaging is minimalist chic. I definitely don’t think I'm as cool or as edgy as Shanghai Suzy! My personal style – my day-to-day is a bit tomboy actually. I love crew neck tees and skinny jeans, simple round neck jumpers, I wear a lot of black (hey, I’m from Melbourne!) and always a bit of gold bling, I never wear silver or white gold jewelry.  In saying that, I very rarely leave the house without heels on and I have a lot of crazy, colourful things in my wardrobe that I would call out as some of my favourite things – I guess they’re more for my weekend wardrobe though! I buy heaps of basics from Cotton On and ASOS, and I have a lot of dresses and blazers from Sass and Bide, you can’t go wrong!  My favourite high-end fashion brand is Givenchy – I wish I could wear it everyday!

7) Can you tell us a bit about what might be coming up next for Shanghai Suzy? We'd love a sneak peek!
Our new range drops in September, we’re shooting it with amazing photographer Ed Purnomo and makeup artist Blondie! I mentioned a few of the new colours before, but they’re all pretty bright and bold, very Shanghai Suzy! We have two Nourish formula lippies, and the rest are Matte.

I hope you enjoyed reading that chat with Jo as much as I did, lovelies! I'd like to thank her for sparing the time to sit down with me and answer my questions! Don't forget to drop by her website to check out her gorgeous lipsticks!

Jo has also generously provided four packs, each containing two of her Shanghai Suzy lipsticks, for a giveaway for my readers. To win, all you have to do is follow the Rafflecopter prompts below!

You could win two of these lipsticks for yourself! Shade selection depending on availability.

This giveaway is only open to Australian residents! Remember, you must be a GFC or Bloglovin' follower of my blog, and you must leave a comment on what your favourite makeup product is, and why! Please also include your GFC name and email address with your comment. I will be checking, lovelies, and I'd hate to disqualify anyone because they hadn't followed the rules! You can also tweet once a day to increase your chances of winning!

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Much love,
MM.
x

46 comments:

  1. It has to be eyeliner for me, in particular the Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Eyeliner! I love how it can change up your look whether you go for a natural look with no flick or a crazy wing, love love love it :)

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  2. My favourite makeup product would have to be mascara! I have never stuck with one, but atm I'm using Benefit they're real! I need to wear mascara otherwise I feel like a boy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. GFC: Lunar Sparks
      email: chaya_balasuriya@hotmail.com

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  3. My favourite makeup product would be foundation! I don't think I'd be able to live without it haha x

    The Sunday Chapter

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  4. Lipstick! You don't need much skill to apply lipstick.

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  5. i love my chanel bronzer- it lasts forever and it lasts all day on my face!!

    thank you!

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  6. Great Interview Nalini! After reading your last Blog about the Shanghai Suzy Lipsticks I went in search and found them at my local Hairdresser. I am loving it!!
    My favourite makeup product would have to be my Guerlain Meteroite Pearls......have always wanted them, they are so gorgeous and so is the packaging and they leave me with a gorgeous soft shimmer!
    Thanks Flaming Beauty xx

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  7. Very interesting :) great post. My favourite makeup would have to be mascara, I practically look dead without it haha
    Loz x
    steiger2002(at)yahoo(dot)com(dot)au

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  8. Favorite Makeup product?...only one?...thats like making me pick my favorite child (the one that sleeps the longest btw)...oh oh oh....I know....and this will be a surprise to everyone...Cyclax lipsticks...especially the colour Pink Penny...so beautiful :)

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  9. Ooohhhh lipstick cherry lush. Every single time it gets me comments without fail!
    Following you on GFC porkchopsnest and bloglovin sixinchheel

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  10. Such a tough question!! Hmm...either mascara or lipstick, both make such an impact if that's all you have to wear. I think people are more drawn to your eyes in general so I would say mascara because it makes eyes look so much bigger, awake, feminine and flirty. ;)

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  11. I love concealer. There are so many type these days and it literally hides a multitude of sins. You can get spot concealer, dark circle concealer, firming concealer... I love hiding my flaws with it!

    GFC name - Di from Max The Unicorn
    email - djchilds@hotmail.com
    logged into rafflecopter as Dianne Childs :)

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  12. My favourite makeup product is lipstick. A pop of colour on your lips instantly makes you look more put-together and brightens up your complexion. Also, you can use lipstick as cream blush when you are in a rush, well, as long as you don't use a black lipstick! A true multi-tasker!

    GFC: Fei Wilsmore-McCluskey and my email is fay underscore zwitter at hotmail dot com

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  13. I love the sound of these lipsticks!! As much as I am a lipstick junkie, I just can't live without mascara!

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  14. Mascara, it helps highlight my eyes my best feature I've been told.

    I loved learning about Shanghai Suzy, Nalini! Unfortunately there are no stockists near me.
    So thankyou for the opportunity to win some!
    Kate xx

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  15. As much as I go ga ga for lippie, my go-to product is eyeliner. But vibrant matte lipstick and sultry black eyeliner are a match made in heaven, right? :)

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  16. My favourite is my Dolly Wink eyeliner. It's my go to and it's amazing! Doesn't smudge or budge at all!

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  17. My favorite makeup products, lipsticks, more so bold colors.
    Saumya - thegiftingbag@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. because with just the lipstick and so less effort, you instantly look so polished

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  18. Gosh what an entertaining read Nalini - congrats hon ♥ While I'm a total lipstick and lipgloss fiend, I'd be fibbing if I didn't nominate eye shadow as my numero uno fave - the colour range is endless, and the potential for self expression knows no bounds. Just don't ask me to choose any one in particular - I'm in love with all of them ♥

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    Replies
    1. Whoops - my GFC name is Kat Shepsutt, and email is katshepsutt(at)gmail(dot)com

      Delete
  19. Shanghai Suzy is the bomb! I'm loving my little collection and I can't wait to see what else they have in store for future collections. As for my favourite makeup item, tough decision! I'd say either lipstick, mascara or liquid liner.

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  20. I think eyeshadow would be my favourite - you can use it as eyeshadow (duh), or eyeliner, blush, contour or bronzer! Mascara would be my second favourite.
    My email address is mmandyw@hotmail.com

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  21. Mascara is my favourite! I love long lashes!

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  22. My favorite makeup product is eyeliner, can't go without it and I just started using lipstick and loving it too.

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  23. my favourite is concealer, I have lots of spots and blemishes to conceal!

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  24. I love my rimmel brow pencil! It's affordable, comes with a good brush, easy to use and I can go anywhere without the rest of my makeup on (especially if I'm having good skin days) as long as I've put on my brows with this! :D

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  25. Boujoris Healthy Mix Foundation Shade 54

    Jay C

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  26. oh, how I love this brand. After all, there products fall into my favorite makeup category: Lipstick. I just love how can finish off a look. I also find that lipstick is a great way to boost confidence and how different colours can really influence my mood.

    Annie V. at beatypi.blog@gmail.com.au

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  27. My favorite make up item would have to be lipstick. Even if I dont have the time to make up my whole face just a slick of lippie makes me feel like I have made an effort.
    Thanks for the opportunity Nalini, Claire xx

    Email claire.floyd@hotmail.com

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  28. My fave makeup item is definitely bronzer. It gives me glow, lots of compliments and takes two seconds to apply. Love it. X

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  29. Mascara is my favourite product! It can easily make a minimal make up or no make up face look less drab! I feel naked without mascara!

    mssnob2@gmail.com

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  30. I love lippies as well and I normally have 3 or more inside my bag everyday! But ever since I discovered the eye brow powder I can't go out of the house without doing my brows first!

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  31. Concealer without a doubt, provided I'd have access to an eyelash curler, would always be my number one favourite makeup product! Evening out my skintone and brightening up my undereye is very important to my freckle faced self. Next best thing would be mascara but I'm going to assume lash curler and tint is at hand ;)
    I'm just embarking upon a No Buy for September and October and I'm now kicking myself that I haven't already tried these Shanghai Suzy lippies... the Instaworld is blowing up over them currently (always the way on a No Buy it seems)!

    GFC: Dustyn Rumble
    Email address: dustynrumble@gmail.com

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  32. That's a hard one...I never leave home without my eyebrows, so probably a great eyebrow pencil! (I overplucked when I was a lot younger, and they never grew back!) I chop and change the brand depending on how I feel though.

    That and concealer for brightening my under eye area!

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  33. My favourite is listick or lipgloss. I've always been told that I have beautiful lips so I like to play up my best feature.
    makeupwithkrystle@gmail.com

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  34. I love, love, love my Urban Decay eyeliner - it's dark, gorgeous and good for every day wear!

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  35. I love nail polish! I love looking down at my hands and seeing a pop of colour.

    jqlilian (jqlilian@gmail.com)

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  36. Lipstick is my favourite make up product, it adds colour and life to my pale complexion.
    faiza Tariq(faizaqau1@gmail.com)

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  37. I love the way blush adds colour to my cheeks, but I can't stand having naked lips! My lips always feel dry so I need to have a lip balm, and at least 1 lip colour with me when I go out!! =P
    Pink Designs (thepinkdesigns@gmail.com)

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  38. My favourite make up product has got to be mascara, I just love how much it changes my face and makes me look more awake! :)

    Ash / thebeautycollection.wordpress.com

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  39. My favourite makeup product (at the moment) is my hourglass ambient blush in diffused heat. It's super pigmented and so beautiful!

    shrinkingwallet.blogspot.com.au

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  40. Lipsticks!!!! Because that is all you need to lift the whole face/ mood.

    Reshma( dazzlegloss3@gmail.com)

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  41. Surprise, surprise it's concealer for me because it brightens up my under eye circles so I look more refreshed and awake. I've been a daily concealer fiend since my teens!!!

    Vita (makeup4myage.blogspot.au)

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  42. It would have to be lipstick. The right lipstick can brighten up your look instantly (and for only a few dollars too!)

    Amy Steele (sprinkles37@gmail.com)

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