The creator of I’M FABULOUS COSMETICS, Ms. Lacerte, is a renowned medical esthetician with more than two decades of experience in an array of medical esthetics specialties (including working with patients facing cancer or serious burns). Despite her wisdom and impressive experience, her smooth skin appears untouched by age–surely a testament to her incredibly advanced vegan formulations for I’M FABULOUS COSMETICS along with dedication to a healthy lifestyle. Ms. Lacerte has a deep understanding of skin and what it needs. For example, as she has wisely stated on I’M FABULOUS COSMETICS’ social media, “I believe that our skin is so much more than just our outer covering. It’s the outside of our inside and although it has evolved to protect us, our skin is still very sensitive and vulnerable and constantly under attack and so it needs our protection. That’s why I make raw organic skincare products that will feed, nourish, protect, and love our skin.” I am delighted that I had the opportunity to interview Ms. Lacerte, and you will find more of her insights below.
My Interview with I’M FABULOUS COSMETICS Founder Anis Lacerte
What is the story behind how you became a skincare formulator and an entrepreneur?
Anis Lacerte (AL): I became an esthetician in 1993 and did an aromatherapy training as well as plant medicine, and by 2003, I started developing skin peels and it quickly became a full line of skincare products. I wanted to use organic plant-based products for my skin that at the time I could not found in stores. I started working with a chemist and decided to do lots and lots of research on ingredients and plants and realize I wanted to focus on an anti-aging and skin correction products.
How would you describe your beauty and skincare philosophies?
AL: I use nothing but 100% botanical ingredients, nothing harmful, formulated for particular actions. I formulate to assist the body in calming the nervous system and enhancing the skin. This also assists in the regulation of the immune system. I believe plants heal. Phyto-Medicine is the future of health and skincare. I also love peptides, especially copper Peptides for skin healing. I believe in quality over quantity meaning no mass produced ingredients. We spend up to 75% of our costs on raw ingredients for certain formulations, so you aren’t just paying for a pretty bottle, you’re paying for what’s inside.
How has your extensive background as a medical esthetician—along with experience helping burn survivors and cancer patients–informed your approach to skincare and product formulation for your outstanding line, I’M FABULOUS COSMETICS? What did those patients teach you about healing and rejuvenating skin?
AL: In the 90s and early 2000, I was working with several plastic surgeons and helping with patients with scars from burns or mammectomy. I started doing microneedling using a tattoo machine and a single needle to relax the scar tissue. The patients were excited to try any new techniques. We worked with microneedling, peptides and plant medicine.
How is I’M FABULOUS COSMETICS enhanced by your additional studies of plant botany, herbal medicine, Ayurveda, and traditional Chinese medicine?
AL: We pack the most ingredients at the highest levels of concentration to deliver maximum results without a single drop of artificial chemicals. We use Miron violet glass bottles and jars to keep our ingredients fresh, and craft our products from the highest quality plants available. We source more than 300 different ingredients from over 68 countries. The best organic ingredients come from all over the globe – and Tata leaves no stone unturned to find the best. We believe in quality over quantity that means no mass-produced ingredients. Most brands will get clinical feedback on a raw ingredient and put the bare minimum in the formula to deliver just the bare amount of results possible because that’s the most cost-efficient way to make products. But we believe more matters. If science shows that a result requires a minimum of 0.1% you’ll likely see much more than that percentage (and anywhere from 2-4X what our competitors put in) to deliver what we find is the absolute best possible result to our clients.
Could you please suggest a few standout I’M FABULOUS COSMETICS products that you would most highly recommend for each of some specific skin challenges?
AL: Below are key I’M FABULOUS products targeting each concern.
Signs of Aging—Copper Peptide Serum, Caviar Serum, Luxurious Organic Serum, Retinol Cream, Peptide Collagen Repair Cream, Bio Gorgeous Peel, TCA Cleanser, Powerful Volumizing Serum, Super Peptide Eye Serum, Power Anti-Aging Eye Cream
Acne— TCA Toner, TCA Cleanser, Blemish Potion
Dryness—Caviar Serum, Luxurious Organic Serum, Retinol Cream, Peptide Collagen Repair Cream, Bio Gorgeous Peel
Redness/Impaired Barrier— Niacinamide + B3 serum, Renew Serum
Pigmentation—TCA Toner, TCA Cleanser, Bio Gorgeous Peel, Super White Bio Serum, NIacinamide + B3 Serum, Vitamin C Brightening Serum
What are your favorite ingredients to work with, and why?
AL: With organic anti-aging ingredients that play an essential role in diminishing the visible signs of aging without the side effects of chemical ingredients. Botanical extracts contain antioxidants and help in retaining the youthful appearance of the skin by smoothening wrinkles, fading spots, reducing skin inflammation, and preventing oxidative stress.
What are some common mistakes you see people making in their skincare, and of these what makes you cringe the most and why?
AL: To spend most money on makeup and nothing on skincare, they rather cover their face with makeup to hide imperfection instead of making their skin glow. Most of them realize later as their ages that it is better to take care of the skin at an early age to prevent deep wrinkles and fine lines.
How have you created such an extensive line? What is your process for creating a new product, and do you have anything in the works right now?
AL: I wanted a line that address every skin type and skin condition. I read a lot about new ingredients, research a lot and always look for the new peptides or anti-aging ingredients and includes them in my formulas. I always want to stay on the top of the anti-aging research and formulation.
If you had to pick a favorite product or two from you line of which you are most proud, what would it (they) be, and why?
AL: All of them, I use all of them, I alternate all my serums, creams and peels. The My ultimate favoite are the Luxe Cleanser, the Seaweed toner, the Caviar serum, the Bio Gorgeous peel, the Powerful Volumizing serum and Super peptide eye serum.
How would you describe the experience you want people to have with I’M FABULOUS COSMETICS?
AL: To fell in love with our products and never stop using them.
What current trends or pressures in the beauty industry frustrate you and which ones excite you, and why?
AL: Nothing frustrate me, I am a very positive person and I focus on my brand and not what others do. I am excited by the fact that now people are getting more educated on what they put on their skin and realize it is better to use organic skincare and makeup, then the ones loaded with toxic ingredients and preservatives.
What do you see as the greatest success of I’M FABULOUS COSMETICS so far and what is your vision for the future of your brand?
AL: Hopefully to sell it one day to a big brand.
Thank you for such a wonderful interview, Ms. Lacerte!