Karen Murrell

CEO and Lipstick Creator

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenmurrellofficial/

From when she was a young girl, beauty, cosmetics and skincare have long been a passion and an enduring ambition of Karen Murrell’s. Inspired by her Nana Gwen - who was like her second mother - Karen fondly remembers creative afternoons spent curiously exploring her Nana’s elaborate make-up collection. 

Karen draws on these memories, as well as nature, her favourite flowers, and travel, to capture new shades, continually formulating breathtaking hues which effortlessly enhance the natural beauty of every woman’s complexion. “I have always had a love of colour cosmetics. 

I began my career by cutting my teeth formulating skincare and during that time I saw a gap in the market for a natural lipstick that was environmentally friendly yet functionally as good as any top international brand. I adore combining my love of flowers and colour into a lipstick collection designed, just like nature, to inject colour into your day.”

BC: You started the Karen Murrell range in 2008, what did this journey look like?

KM: Nothing is ever lineal there have been great highs & lows but I have learned from the most difficult times. Difficult times make you grow and I have become a stronger and better leader for my team.

BC: Your background was in the beauty industry formulating skincare, is this something that has carried over into the KM lipstick range? 

KM: Definitely, in fact, I would say it was a perfect grounding working in the lab at times. We use a different language I was able to transfer skills which saved a lot of time formulating and creating my ranges.  

BC: Liv (co-founder of BC and model) is obsessed with how your lipsticks feel, how do you gauge the right amount of moisture without losing the colour intensity and staying power?

KM: Initially this was a work in progress lots of sampling and resampling. I use three natural waxes that fuse with the oils in your lips so when they meet that’s when the magic happens the pigments burst open and infuse with your lips resulting in a long-lasting yet nourishing lipstick. 

BC: You really were at the forefront of the “natural” movement in NZ, have you ever consider expanding the range to other makeup products?

KM: Only now after having a few weeks at home due to Covid-19. It allowed me more time to explore and create being in an office you get caught up in other parts of the business that are demanding attention. Designing takes time, science and love so it was the perfect time to get creating again.

BC: Tell us a little bit about the Karen Murrell sustainability promise 

KM: We started as a sustainable brand from day 1 and have maintained this right through to now 12 years on. All of our packaging is made from recycled materials and printed with vegetable-based inks. We are always researching new ways to improve our sustainability even further.

 BC: does this spill over into the rest of your life?

KM: I was bought up in a sustainable manner not using single use plastics, looking out for ways to improve my carbon foot print. I am not a big driver often only taking my car out once a week.

 BC: What was your first KM lip colour and is it still in the range?

KM: My first range was 01-05 they all launched at the same time and are staple colours that suit all skin tones and types. I never discontinue a colour or range unless I launch it as a limited edition.

BC: The KM range has such a great fragrance, what is the inspiration behind them?

KM: I mixed the fragrance as I wanted a scent unique to Karen Murrell lipstick, however, the cinnamon scent is due to adding cinnamon to slightly plump your lips whilst wearing Karen Murrell Lipsticks.

BC: First thing you do when you wake up?

KM: I brush my teeth, have a shower, and apply my makeup for the day.

BC: How long do you spend on beauty in the morning?
KM: 15- 20 minutes, you get it down to a fine art after doing it daily. 

BC: Signature makeup look?

KM: I wear full makeup, foundation to eye makeup I love lots of mascara and big cat eyes. I always use my Karen Murrell lipsticks as blush to match my lip for the day and my favourite colour for this look is Peony Petal.

BC: Tips and tricks when applying Lipstick? 

KM: Apply lip liner at the start of the day then your lipstick shade, kiss lips together once applied and this will seal your lipstick to your lips.

BC: Favourite skincare product?

KM: I am using products with high amounts of hyaluronic acid as my skin is really dry.

BC: Favorite makeup brands?

KM: I love trying any new recommended brands especially when it comes to foundations and powders. I am making an effort after COVID to support local New Zealand brands so I’m hoping to find some new favourites as I try new products.

BC: Save/splurge products?

KM: Korean Brands I have found are the best they are low cost but high quality.

BC: Beauty icons?

KM:  Woman who are happy with themselves that is iconic. 

BC: Career highlight?

KM: Working in China has extended me not only as a business woman but in having an understanding for other cultures in everyday life.

BC: What are your plans going forward for KM?

KM: After the unexpected COVID- 19 I have learned not to take anything for granted. I plan to keep creating and producing products I love and hope Karen Murrell customers do it.  

BC: last thing you do before you go to bed?

KM: I apply our moisture stick to my lips and elbows.