Patricia de León turns into a beauty boss with PDL Cosmetics
When actress and activist Patricia de León is not working on the set of HBO Max’s Generation series, she’s crafting gorgeous lip hues for her latest venture. The Panamanian starlet has stepped into the beauty spotlight with PDL Cosmetics launch. As a proud Latina in Hollywood, De León recognizes the connection many Latinx have with makeup, particularly lipstick. Inspired by the fierce and fearless women in her life, the star included three versatile and kiss-worthy formulations of matte lipsticks, silky liquid lipsticks, and shimmery glosses. All products are vegan and cruelty-free, a priority for De León, who has been a PETA ambassador for years. “I was inspired to launch PDL Cosmetics when I noticed that there were few brands under the luxury category inspired by the Latin culture. PDL Cosmetics celebrates our diverse culture with vibrance and joy,” expresses De León. She even named lipsticks such as Bonita scarlet color liquid lipstick and Chiquita for blush matte lipstick hue to show off her Latinx pride. Ahead De León reveals why it took two years to get the products to the market, her beauty rituals, and more.
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Launching PDL Cosmetics
I was motivated to launch PDL Cosmetics when I noticed few brands under the Latin culture’s luxury category. PDL Cosmetics celebrates our diverse Latinx culture with vibrance and joy. It was important to me to create gluten-free, cruelty-free, and vegan products with formulas that would be long-lasting and soft on our lips. I need to acknowledge; I supervised daily the colors and recipes to ensure all items were of high quality and care.
Conscious Messaging
This line is a message to every woman out there, that makeup is to magnify the beauty we already have; it’s not about looking different. My own experience with playing with colors is that– it can be transformational. Every purchase of our Justice Speaks lipstick, goes toward organizations to fight sex and human trafficking. The plan is to build a program where makeup artists help, teach, and inspire survivors through makeup lessons. Each product offers all-day luxuriously hydrating coverage. The lip colors range from neutrals, such as Azucar Morena, rouge red in Mexico Lindo, to Berry Latina, a cool berry pink with uniquely formulated pigmentations that complement Latinx & Afro-Latinx skin tones.
Timeline Turnaround
After being on production sets and working at beauty counters for a couple of years, I realized that lipstick was the most popular product. I continued my research of why lipsticks were in such high demand. I learn lipstick alone transforms your look, even if it’s all you are wearing. Also, rich pigments help women who are experiencing hormonal changes. Most women will agree that once they throw on a powerful lipstick shade, the way they see themselves positively changes.
Gender & Lipstick
Initially and naturally, as a woman, I requested a female chemist; however, I began to work with a male. At first, I said, “Oh no, no,” but after learning his background and passion, I gave him a shot. He was amazing – until we got stuck on one color, Scarlet Red. He was mixing hues for two weeks, and it was wrong. Then, I gave him the color I mixed at home in a tube, and I told him to try it on. His face was full of terror. I blurted out, “This is why I need a woman.” Though it was an interesting request, after that moment, he finally got it right. I appreciate his open-mindedness because he understood that I would not settle for anything until I would get what I wanted.
Power Shade & Makeup Tip
Before applying my favorite two products, Scarlet Red Bold Aspirations Liquid Lipstick or Berry Latina High Powered Lipstick, it’s essential to exfoliate. I usually wipe away dead skin cells around my lip area with brown sugar and honey.
Latinx DIY Beauty Rituals
When it comes to natural remedies, I use mix-up avocado, olive oil, and coconut oil mask for my hair every chance I get. For treating under-eye dark circles, I enjoy applying frozen tea bags before a shoot. Another essential beauty ritual I stand by is constantly washing my face before bed, meaning never go to sleep with makeup, like ever. I wash my face and neck every morning and night and use eye cream, vitamin C serum, and moisturizer.