By Johanna Ferreira
Makeup artist and beauty entrepreneur Tai Creme is a true artist in every sense of the word. Her work goes way beyond a well executed look. It’s captivating, ethereal and angelic. It’s the gift that allows women — Black women in particular — to feel seen. And it feels spiritual, magical and dare we say it — even fairy-like at times. It’s no wonder, Creme refers to herself as the Afro Fairy. Everything she creates is rooted in her strong belief in God — in a divine and higher power — and her love of vibrant colors, nature, and the theatrics. This all sets the foundation for her cosmetic brand Tai-Lite.
After years of working as a makeup artist, Creme started noticing the lack of highlighter shade options that existed for darker complexions. At first she tried using eyeshadow pigments but the undertones were always off, so she started researching how to create highlighters on her own. Not only did she discover how to make them but she also learned about the numerous toxins that are often used to formulate makeup products especially those targeting women of color.
“Throughout my career as a makeup artist, I have always loved to experiment and create fun and vibrant looks. I often struggled with finding products suitable for all complexions, so I began making pigment as a hobby. As my career grew, I started to educate myself on clean beauty and its benefits. I was mind blown when I learned what we have been putting on our skin and the effects it could have overtime,” she tells thirteen lune. “This led me to revisit my hobby of making pigments now using clean ingredients, which was the birth of the brand. Tai-Lite creates products that are versatile and suitable for all skin types and tones. Our Glow Pigments have the range to be vibrant and bright but can also be subtle and light. Tai-Lite is truly an extension of your skincare.”
Tai-Lite’s 6 glow pigments come in a variety of rich and vibrant shades. As an ode to Creme’s dedicated faith, each is given a spiritual name including Prophecy, Grace, Redemption, Eden, Messiah and Omni. Each one is formulated with natural and nourishing ingredients like jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, arrowroot powder, rosemary extract, and mica, which is a natural occurring mineral dust. The Dream Lash collection includes a range of beautifully crafted false lashes decorated with bright and bold colors that give very strong goddess meets fairy godmother-eque vibes. But before anything else, skin still comes first for Creme. She’s all about the glow. Her beauty philosophy is rooted in the idea that good makeup is a result of good and healthy skin.
“Skin is the foundation of any great makeup look,” she says. “This is why we are 100% transparent with our ingredients as skin health is our first priority. My second [beauty philosophy] would be [that there is no such thing as ‘not being able to pull a look off.’ I truly don’t believe we have to look a certain way to wear certain looks. If you like it, do it, and own it.”
Get to Know – Tai Creme
Where are you from originally? Where do you live now?
I come from a Haitian family and I grew up in Massachusetts. I moved to NYC at 17 and have been here since. I live in Brooklyn now!
What were some of your first memories of beauty growing up? What are some early beauty influences?
My Mummy is a hairdresser so beauty has always been a part of my life. I am the youngest of 4 and the only girl, so I was naturally my mom’s little doll. Some of my earliest memories are falling asleep while I was getting my hair braided and waking up to a whole hairstyle with beads.
What does self-care look like in your life?
Self-care in my life looks like crab legs and bubble baths.
What inspires you most about the beauty landscape and industry today?
What inspired me the most is the push to embrace and represent all people in the beauty industry. As well as, discovering so many Black-owned brands that are doing well and being celebrated. It makes me feel excited about what’s to come for Tai-Lite!
What has been the biggest challenge in starting your business?
My biggest challenge has been capital. I am self-funding the business and running it as a one-woman show. I have been grateful for the ability to get creative with certain aspects of the business and still get it all done but I am looking forward to building a team and having the capital to operate at our full capacity.
What has been the biggest win thus far?
My biggest win thus far is seeing how much Tai-Lite has grown in the last 6 months. We have gotten so much exposure and love. It has been such a heartwarming experience.
What would you like to see more of in the beauty industry when it comes to diversity and inclusivity?
I would love to see more opportunities for investments and funding for Black-owned businesses. More platforms of guidance for new founders, so that we can be set up for success and be given the same opportunities as others.
]
