It was a thick, glittery, navy blue stick that looked like a crayon. Silver on the outside, the crayon was fun and whimsical, and it was the only makeup I had. My mother had just told me I was now allowed to wear makeup, and it wasn’t something I requested, but I was intrigued. For three months, wearing glittery navy blue eyeliner became part of my routine when getting ready for school. I don’t think anyone noticed, but I felt like a million dollars - sophisticated and stepping into my ladyhood. I would tell my girlfriends I was wearing mascara.

Mascara?

To be clear, I wasn’t wearing mascara. Mascara is for eyelashes. I just called anything that wasn’t lipstick…mascara.

I didn’t know what I was doing; I didn’t know the names of things. But I knew I wanted to feel what other girls felt when they wore makeup. I craved this seemingly magical experience. That wouldn’t happen until several years later, but I knew when I felt it.

It happened last year when I was on a phone call with my sisters. I struggled with my changing appearance which was taking place because I was pregnant. I remember my mother saying it’s important to do things that make you feel good about yourself during that time. So, I hopped onto YouTube and Instagram and bought a few makeup classes. I wanted to feel something. I wanted to feel empowered with some kind of magic and wanted to have some fun. I shared my journey with my sisters and mother. One day, we were on a video call - all of us now women, all of us unique and different from each other - figuring out makeup together. It was so much fun.

The more calls we had like this, the more I realized so many people like us approach makeup with uncertainty. There is endless information and even more products. All of it can be so daunting.

Pinkaya Beauty was born out of the desire to decode makeup for beginners while ushering new makeup lovers into the world of beauty through a reimagined experience - one that is delightful, fun, and not at all intimidating. One that makes inclusive, sensory-friendly products. A brand driven by the need to remove barriers that limit imagination, self-exploration, and expression. One that will save you the embarrassment of not knowing the difference between eyeliner and mascara. We are a brand for beginners, started by beginners. We understand your thoughts, fears and curiosity. And we know the beauty journey is deeply personal. It means the world to us to be trusted to take the ride with you and make it fun.