When it comes to skincare, let it be known that coconut oil is always a surefire way to catch my attention. After discovering Moneé Cosmetics while browsing Instagram, I received a sample of the Coco Shea Souffle Body Creme ($28).
Of course, I was intrigued by the fact that it’s made with coconut oil. The body creme is a slightly thicker than normal lotion. The company lists the product as “99% natural and 70% organic.” The main ingredients are listed as follows:
- Shea Butter
- Coconut Oil
- Aloe
- Flax Seed Oil
- Cocoa Butter
- Grapeseed Oil
Surprisingly, the texture of the product is light and fluffy, almost like whipped cream. The fragrance is sweet, a perfume thick with sugar and coconut. The creme spreads easily and doesn’t take too much effort to sufficiently blend into the skin. In terms of moisture retention, the souffle body creme worked just as well as any store brand lotion. Before using Moneé’s body creme, I’d been working my way through a jar of Nivea. The body creme just as good a job as Nivea. In fact, not only did its performance match Nivea, but it was easier to absorb into my skin.
I was able to interview the company’s founder, Brittany Brown. Brown founded the company in 2014. As a licensed esthetician, Brown was motivated to create a beauty brand that didn’t misinform or over exaggerate. Read below to learn about Brown’s daily beauty routine, her professional background, and future plans for the company.
Literally, Darling: What is your typical beauty/skincare routine? What are some products and/or practices that you’ve learned to avoid?
Brittany Brown: I like to keep my beauty routine very simple. In the mornings I cleanse daily with Seaberry Cleansing Lotion and follow-up with the Berry Beauty Elixir (toner) and Seaberry Hydration Crème (moisturizer). The evenings are the best time to rehydrate and rejuvenate the skin since you aren’t battling outside pollutants so I cleanse, use the Seaberry Hydration Masque for 15 minutes remove with a warm towel and then follow up with the Berry Elixir, Nourishing Silk Honey Serum, and Seaberry Hydration Crème.
Things I try to avoid would be going to sleep without removing my makeup and picking at breakouts.
LD: What motivated you to get into this type of beauty market?
BB: My natural journey began in 2009 when I decided to skip out on perming my hair. Once I fully transitioned my hair to its natural state I began experimenting with household beauty ingredients like coconut oil, honey, and shea butter. After awhile I LITERALLY became obsessed with incorporating natural ingredients into my beauty routine. I guess you can say I came a kitchen chemist.
LD: Which beauty products do you carry in your purse?
BB: It’s funny because I am kind of a tomboy at heart. I only carry a new lip balm product that I’m working on that will be released soon.
LD: Does MC practice Fair Trade and/or cruelty free? How are your products sourced?
BB: All of our products are cruelty-free and our Coco Shea Souffle’ Body Crème includes Fair Trade Shea Butter from Ghana.
LD: How big is your team?
BB: Currently I am a team of ONE. I handle all of the aspects of my brand solely.
LD: How does your personality and sense of style influence your beauty habits?
BB: I’m a very simple girl. I don’t like complicated routines. When I created Moneé I wanted my products to be dual-purpose so that it would be easier for people to add them to their current routine.
For example, the Seaberry Hydration Masque exfoliates, draws out impurities, and hydrates the skin with its creamy texture. Typically, that would break down to 2-3 separate products.
LD: What is one piece of key advice for women who are looking to start their own beauty/skincare businesses?
BB: Create a business with a purpose/goal and stick to your mission.
LD: What are your future plans for Moneé? Where do you see the company in 5 years?
BB: In the immediate future, I am working on a beauty event catered to multicultural women called PROJECT BEAUTY. The event will provide women information from industry professional and business owners about natural hair, skin, and nail beauty. The inaugural show will take place in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 14.
Long-term goals will be to have my own brick & mortar beauty boutique along with continuing to grow and expand my brand into other genres of beauty.
For information on other Moneé products and where to buy the Shea Souffle Body Creme, visit their website.
Literally, Darling received Coco Shea Souffle’ Body Creme’ at no cost as a potential product for review.