Behind the Label with Purple Lab Creatrix Karen Robinovitz





From the pages of Marie Claire to in front of the camera at VH1, Karen Robinovitz has done it all. As a seasoned fashion and beauty journalist, published author, and TV persona, she’s in the know when it comes the latest in fashion, beauty, and lifestyle. Former Pre-Med student turned beauty entrepreneur, she’s going to take the cosmetic world by storm with her premier product: Huge Lips, Skinny Hips. Imagine ladies, a gloss that not only moisturized and kept your lips smooth and shiny but also suppressed your appetite. You’re not dreaming so don’t slap yourselves!

We got the chance to sit down with Karen - while we treated ourselves to a pedicure - and she dished us in on what’s going on with Purple Lab!

Where did the name Purple Lab come from?

KR: Since I was a kid, purple has always been my favorite color. It was purple everything for me! To me, the color represents something or someone ultra chic, sexy, sophisticated, and confident - which is the way I want women to feel when they’re using the product. As for lab, I’ve always said I traded my Pre-Med ‘lab coat’ for a ‘fab coat’ when I decided against medical school and instead move to New York City and pursue fashion and beauty journalism.

What's the story behind "Huge Lips, Skinny Hips"?

KR: Well, my husband and I were at a fashion party and I was stalking the waiters - like I was strategically positioning myself near the kitchen doors! Pretty soon, I felt that dreaded red line - you know when you've stuffed yourself too much and you feel like your outfit has shrunk a size! I jokingly said to my husband, "If my lip gloss could plump my lips and not my hips, that would be my dream." And just like that, the idea was born! I got on the phone to call a few friends in the beauty biz but my husband suggested that I make the product myself and here we are 2 years later!

As a published author and an authority on all things fashion and beauty, will you be putting your writing career on the back-burner for now?

KR: I’ll always be a writer - whether it be on Purple Lab’s blog (Purple bLAB) or on my new AOL blog Beauty bLab. Of course, Purple Lab is a part of me - it’s my baby - and I wanted to put a little something of my own into each package. So, I put - what I call - “love letters” into each Huge Lips, Skinny Hips package. In my own words, each letter tells the story of the shade you’re holding.

What kind of women are you trying to seek out with Purple Lab? Is there a set type?

KR: No, not at all! Of course, the line is all about 'double-duty beauty' - items that do more than one job! That's definitely focused on busy, multi-tasking mavens who never seem to have enough time - like myself. Purple Lab is for the confident, sexy woman who knows what she wants and has a sense of humor! I'm not seriously telling women they should shrink their hips - the name is catchy, fun, and fresh - just like Purple Lab.

What's in store for men with Purple Lab?

KR: I have a lot of unisex product ideas so that Purple Lab can cater to both men & women.

Out of the six shades that are debuting - what is YOUR personal favorite?

KR: The shade I wear everyday - "Worship Kate". It's a very sheer mauve & pink concoction with a hint of glitter. It's a tribute to the one & only Kate Moss. I love, love, love her style-sense!

How does Huge Lips, Skinny Hips differ from the other lip plumping glosses out there?

KR: When designing this gloss, I thought about the problems I had with other glosses I'd tried. I didn't want it to be sticky, didn't want it to dry out my lips, and I definitely didn't want the plumping agent to sting my lips. And of course, I wanted it to include the appetite suppressing marvel that is Hoodia Gordoni Extract. It all goes in theme with double-duty beauty - something that does it's job and a little bit more!

How does Hoodia Gordoni work?

KR: Taken from a cactus-like plant in South Africa, molecules in the Hoodia mimic the effect glucose has on the brain that tells you you're full.

A lot of people are waiting to get their hands on some Huge Lips, Skinny Hips! The question is when, where, & how much?

KR: Customers can purchase online and they will be on shelves by May 1st at ALL Scoop and Space.NK stores; as well as the Space.NK counters at Bloomingdale’s. In these crazy financial time, high-quality beauty products should be affordable for all so I'm happy to say that Huge Lips, Skinny Hips is only $20!