Pure + Simple is Simply Pure

Kristen Ma has one of those enviable complexions that seems to radiate a healthful glow. But, it wasn’t always so. Kristen and her mother Jean created the company that Kristen needed when she began struggling with acne at the age of 10. As a pre-teen, she began a journey that lasted into her twenties, experimenting with commercial products before moving on to natural alternatives without finding a solution that satisfied her.

“I used a lot of commercial brands that were pretty harsh on my skin; a lot of drying, a lot of peeling, but nothing that was addressing the root of the problem,” Kristen explains. “But it’s not enough to swap out chemical-based ingredients for natural ones. You need to find alternatives that are going to be really nourishing and feed your skin.”

Pure + Simple takes a holistic approach to skin care, focusing on the external and internal causes of problem skin. With four locations in the GTA, they offer a full range of spa services. And while you might find hidden chemicals or drying ingredients in the products of other “natural” skin care companies, that won’t fly at Pure + Simple. In an age of health-washing and negligible labeling regulations, they’re serious about delivering products that live up to their name.

I’ve long searched for truly natural cosmetics that didn’t aggravate my adult acne while delivering flawless results. I put Pure + Simple to the test, and the results were, indeed, stunning…

I was happy with the level of coverage provided by Flawless Complexion. It blends easily and evened out my skin without looking too heavy. Without powder, this liquid foundation has a dewy finish but doesn’t look too shiny.

The Pure Pressed Powder Foundation can be used on its own for light coverage and to reduce shine. Used on top of the liquid foundation, it provides additional coverage, creates a matte finish, and adds staying power. I found it easy to apply evenly and it didn’t look caked on my skin.

The Pure + Simple Face Colours are a line of multi-use products that can add a dash of iridescent pigment to your lips, eyes, or cheeks. I found it easy to layer the colour to achieve a light highlight or a darker hue, depending on the look I was going for. Plus, these colours have the staying power to last throughout the day.

Best of all, the condition of my skin has improved since I ditched my favourite department store brand. With competing claims over the definition of organic, a laundry list of harmful ingredients to avoid, and a million other things to worry about on any given day, it’s a relief to have found a skin care company that I can trust… pure and simple.