SKINEDIT - The Face Behind RMS Beauty – Discover the Story!

She’s worked with all the top fashion and beauty photographers, and painted some of the most famous and beautiful faces from Gisele Bunchen, Miranda Kerr, Celine Dion, Paloma Picasso, Isabel Rossalini, and Milla Jovovich. Name a glossy magazine and make up artist Rose-Marie Swift will have a credit on it. From Vogue (French, Italian, US, Japan, China…) to W, Harpers Bazaar, Allure, Glamour… You get the picture. But then something changed and her whole world turned upside down. And she used that to make a BIG change to the cosmetics industry we know today.

This month's SkinEdit goes deep into the passion, life and work of Rose Marie Swift, the woman behind the makeup line and more.

"Do you work in the cosmetic industry?"

Rose-Marie developed serious health issues including hair loss, panic attacks, weakness, insomnia, memory loss and candida. Researching what was happening to her body and brain, Rose-Marie discovered that some of the toxic chemicals and heavy metals in her system were in the beauty products she used liberally daily on herself and her clients. (And, of course, the ones we all use too, though likely in lesser quantities.)

Traditional doctors could not help. Finally extensive (and expensive) lab tests showed that she had toxic levels of the heavy metals lead, cadmium, aluminum, barium and mercury. She also had high levels of pesticides and many other chemicals in her system. When the results came through, the lab technician had one question: “Do you work in the cosmetic industry?”

After she recovered and rebuilt her health, Rose-Marie created RMS Beauty. Here is her story.

Passion leads the way.

“My passion in life is to spread the word and educate women to be aware of healthier options in cosmetics and skincare. We have been brainwashed into believing so many untruths and fallen prey to false promises it saddens me that so many of us actually believe these cosmetic ingredients that we use every day are actually safe. The cosmetic industry needs a complete overhaul and needs to have to take responsibility for what they sell and advertise. If I can help one person at a time to exchange their chemical-laden skincare and beauty products for one healthy alternative I will have started the ball rolling.”

Why start your own company?

“I started a website back in 2004 called Beauty Truth, where I expose some of the toxins and chemicals in the beauty biz. I got so much press and constant questions from readers asking me what the better alternatives are that I actually started researching all these tongue-twisting ingredients listed on the backs of all the beauty products. I decided that nothing was up to my standard so I created my own line of organic color cosmetics called RMS Beauty.”

What makes RMS products different from other "clean beauty"?

“My line is based mostly on organic, raw, food-grade ingredients because when a raw material is refined bleached and deodorized (RBD) they are essentially robbed of their healing enzymes and nutrients. Avoiding processing assures active purity by not damaging any of their natural healing properties. My all-time favorite being organic, virgin coconut oil. It is a natural antioxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal due to its high lauric acid content and the skin loves it ….even acne-prone skin (believe it or not) .

Not only is the line super clean but we use superior ingredients (including raw minerals) than most cosmetic labs would ever use. I also have a thorough knowledge of their origin, manufacturing process, right through to development. My products are concentrated (they contain no water) so last longer than most other beauty products. They also deliver a beautiful, natural glow to the skin, as well as heal the skin due to the natural enzymes and anti-oxidants that have not been destroyed by heat and chemical manipulation.

Over the longterm they are very anti-aging to the skin and are completely without all the synthetics (vitamins) and derivatives that most of the other natural/organic lines are adding.”

What is the most toxic ingredients to avoid when purchasing cosmetics?

“The scary thing is that the most toxic ingredients that women need to avoid is never on the ingredient deck. The worst are by-products of chemicals such as which cause reproductive abnormalities (high amounts found in nail polish). Another one under public scrutiny are the parabens which are preservatives (these will be found on the bottom of the ingredient decks such as methylparaben…butylparaben….propylparaben etc.) Cosmetic companies are quietly removing these because they want to avoid liability. My beautytruth site has more information on toxic ingredients”

What preservatives are in RMS products?

“Besides using quality healing oils I also use oils that have an extremely long shelf life. My products last for about 2 years but on my labels, I suggest 1 year (after opening) because there is no reason for any beauty product to be sitting around for over a year. The products are healthy for the skin so use it. They also contain (non-GMO) Vitamin E which is NOT genetically modified like almost all vitamin E in beauty products.”

What are your plans for the future?

“Work and more work……. I have plans for new products and hope to build the brand one step at a time.”

What are 3 things that women can do daily that will help them feel better about themselves?

“I am a firm believer of exercise no matter how little. It is necessary for oxygen supply in the body, and it lifts one's mood.

Also, stop comparing yourself to any of those adulterated tv commercials and magazine pictures. They have been so retouched. None of that is reality. Believe me, I work on some of those. 

Meditate or even give yourself an affirmation to do every day when you have a free moment. Clears the mind and calms the nerves.”

Excerpts from an interview done by Sophie Uliano