Have you ever wondered how cruelty-free are the contents of your make-up bag? I do like to believe that conscious lifestyle choices can extend to our beauty rituals - be it bathing or enhancing your radiance for a memorable night out. These natural, organic lipsticks by Axiology, with shades ranging from subtle natural nudes to queen-of-the-night black, make sure you stand out from the crowd on every occasion. Ericka Rodriguez, founder and formulator at Axiology Beauty, shared their love for beauty with us.
Words: Johanna Raudsepp
Theory by Axiology / Photo: Ed Dasso.
What inspired the launch of Axiology?
Axiology was inspired by our dedication to a cruelty-free lifestyle. I have been vegan for many years and during the time of Axiology's beginning, I was delving more into understanding animal testing and animal derived ingredients in our home and personal care products. After lots of research, I vowed to only purchase make-up products that were dedicated in their stance on being cruelty-free. Unfortunately, at the time, I felt a lot of brands fell short. I didn't like the feel of the lipstick and didn't think any of the brands were marketed for me. I wanted something vegan, high performing and cool. I thought it would be fun to try to make my own lipstick (if you can't tell, this has always been my favourite make-up product) and would formulate before and after work 5 days a week. Eventually, I found a recipe I loved and had to bring it to the market.
"My boyfriend and I lived along rice paddies and had a view of a volcano from our studio."
Ericka Rodriguez, founder of Axiology.
Axiology is aligned with the values of sustainability. What is your take on sustainable beauty? Where could it evolve in the near future?
Sustainable beauty is here to stay. Ingredients are key to keeping our bodies healthily sustained and I think consumers are demanding this more than ever.
What are Axiology’s characteristics?
Axiology is intentional in her actions, intelligent in her worldview, and compassionate above all.
What has been your most memorable experience on the journey of creating Axiology lipsticks?
The most memorable experience is journeying to Bali, Indonesia, to study ingredients and it is also the place that led me to the women who hand-recycle and hand make our boxes. Bali is wonderful and my boyfriend and I lived along rice paddies and had a view of a volcano from our studio. I was also able to work alongside many other entrepreneurs, which has been crucial to my success. They all really pushed me and gave me valuable advice that I still put into practice.
"Most crucial to me when we talk about a ‘slow’ lifestyle is just slowing down in general. I meditate every morning and that's what really aligns my day."
Noble by Axiology / Photo: Ed Dasso.
Black by Axiology / Photo: Ed Dasso.
How do you understand slow living and how do you apply its principles to your day-to-day life?
I'm all for the slow lifestyle. I know that in most cases the slow lifestyle is referring to avoiding mass production and eating organically, so I usually host clothing swaps instead of going shopping and frequent farmers markets. However, most crucial to me when we talk about a ‘slow’ lifestyle is just slowing down in general. I meditate every morning and that's what really aligns my day.
Who do you look up to as your beauty inspiration?
Beauty inspiration would be Beyonce. She's the queen.
If Axiology was a flower, which one would it be?
Axiology would be a cactus flower. We see ourselves in the desert under the open sky.
Shop here: