Interview with the founders of BeautyTicket.com
Beauty aficionados, savvy shoppers, clever chicas. No, not Tyna and I, I’m talking about Jill and Lindsay, the beautiful brains behind one of our favorite sites, BeautyTicket.com. We had a feeling we’d have a real meeting of the minds even before we interviewed the duo. But to hear that the ladies are animal lovers, passionate and fiercely dedicated to their venture, and they slipped in a Simon le Bon shout out to boot? Well, we felt like we were looking in a mirror.
If you’re already a customer, you know why we’ve been fans ever since their April 2009 launch. But if you’ve never heard of the site, and you’re a beauty addict who gets a thrill from saving money, it’s your lucky day! The site has high-end items selling for a fraction of the original cost. Huge names like Bliss, Vincent Longo and Smashbox, just to name a few. And just to squelch the naysayers; these are new items, you’re not buying testers, nor anything past it’s expiration date. The ladies are using their connections from years in the beauty industry to bring you the best deals possible. Think of it as having friends in the know!
Not sold yet? One visit to the ultimate beauty lovers bargain bin – their 100 items under 5 bucks section, should make you a believer; BeautyTicket.com is the best beauty site on the web!
We’re proud to help you get to know the people who are making it all possible…
wht: Who are the geniuses behind the site?
Jill: LOL, geniuses? You are too kind! In a nutshell, Lindsay and I both have extensive experience in the beauty industry. Most of my time was spent in cosmetics and most of Lindsay’s in skincare before branching out on our own.
And how do you know each other?
Lindsay: Several years back, a colleague put me in touch with Jill who was a cosmetic company executive at the time. We had a great discussion and I just never forgot her. She was obviously fabulous at her job, super knowledgeable, smart but down to earth and wonderfully helpful.
Jill: Lindsay was one of those people that you meet and think, “We should really keep in touch – this girl has something special!” Looking back, I’m really glad we did.
What lead to the great idea to start BeautyTicket.com? (and thank you, by the way!)
Lindsay: I don’t like talking in cliché’s but in this case necessity was truly the mother of invention. I was laid-off from my executive position at a premium skin care company with the unusual circumstance of being 7 months pregnant. It just wasn’t realistic to believe I could go to an interview in that condition and secure my next position. I reconnected with Jill who also had a lifelong dream of starting her own business and BeautyTicket.com was born.
Jill: We put our heads together and realized that there was a real market for premium beauty products at a discount – especially with the recession. The fashion industry has been doing it for years with sample sales and moving overstocks through stores like Loehman’s and TJMaxx. We figured there was no reason why it couldn’t work in beauty.
Without giving away any secrets, how do you get your items at such great prices?
Lindsay: We’ve both worked for top beauty and skincare brands, so we know their hot buttons and the right people to build the right partnerships. We’re always on the lookout for overstocks of new items and keep in close contact with manufacturers and high-end retailers to get the best deals on items they need to move.
What are the dream brands that you would love to bring to your customers? (we’re jumping up and down that Molton Brown is on the way!)
Lindsay: Chanel – their formula textures are like a great cashmere sweater: from the outside, it may look like the others but from the inside the luxurious feel makes you feel fabulous!
Jill: I hope to eventually get NARS, Tarte, Lorac and MAC on the site. Cross your fingers!
What do you think is the biggest must-buy on the site right now?
Lindsay: Yves Saint Laurent Opium Legendes de Chine Powder For Eyes & Complexion. It’s one of the most beautiful palettes I’ve ever seen – more a piece of art than a makeup. Plus, with the passing of YSL we know that Couture House will see some changes and I like to think having this item is having a bit of history.
What are your three personal beauty must haves?
Jill: I absolutely cannot live without lip balm, black mascara and sunscreen!
Lindsay: Sue Devitt Loose Powder (which goes on without being heavy and stays with me through my long days), any colored mascaras, and Sun Science products (which are broad spectrum and organic so they’re safe for my son to use too. Neither of us leaves the house without it!)
You’ve got a great knack for bringing us beauty discounts, any recommendations for deals beyond beauty?
Lindsay: I’m a regular at Off Broadway Shoe Store. I always feel so clever when I’ve scored a fabulous pair of shoes there and still have a credit towards my next purchase. I also like the swap meets in Greenwich village NYC when I have a chance to get there.
Jill: I’m addicted to sites like Ruelala.com and Ideeli.com. They’ve always got amazing brands way below retail – you just have to snag items you’re interested in as soon as you see them because they sell out fast.
Anything else you’d like to let our readers know?
Lindsay: We always want to hear from you, good or bad. Please always let us know what you like about BeautyTicket.com and what we need to improve on. We are constantly striving to make your shopping experience the best it can be and your feedback is more valuable than you could ever imagine!
And no we heart this interview is complete without a trip to the potluck question vault…
Me in a nutshell:
Lindsay: Passionate and intense to a fault (my mother might say just plain stubborn), creative and caring.
Jill: Loud, fun-loving, charismatic, loyal and a bit of a perfectionist.
I heart:
Lindsay: Horses. All animals, but especially horses, have a special place in my heart and soul. And I adore getting flowers – always makes my day!
Jill: Animals, birthday cake, Smart Cars, handmade jewelry and Russian nesting dolls.
I’m a do-gooder because I…
Jill: I have a huge soft spot for animals and give to animal charities every month. (I even rescued an 8 year old Italian Greyhound that nobody wanted. She’s the best pet I’ve ever had!)
What book do you think everyone should read?
Jill: Breakfast of Champions by Kurt Vonnegut – you will never look at the world the same way.
You can have front row concert tickets to see anyone, who do you choose?
Jill: It would have to be the Foo Fighters – David Grohl can really put on a show.
Favorite TV show(s):
Jill: The Soup, True Blood, and The Daily Show on Comedy Central.
Favorite movie(s):
Lindsay: I adore movies. As far as classics go, Out of Africa for the cinematography and When Harry Met Sally for the lines and the life lessons. This year I have to put Slumdog Millionaire on the list – although watching the first half was like getting a punch in the gut.
My favorite room in my house and why:
Jill: The bedroom. You can do almost everything from the comfort of your own bed – especially with the advent of laptops!
Five people alive or dead I’d invite to a party:
Jill: Stephen Colbert, Jon Stewart, Joel McHale, Margaret Thatcher and Mae West.
If I were an 80’s movie/tv/music star, I’d be:
Lindsay: Madonna. So maybe I could never be so experimental, but you’ve gotta love her creative expression through music and video (plus I totally want to look like she does at 50!)
Jill: Simon LeBon from Duran Duran. Wasn’t he dreamy? (Not that I want to be dreamy or anything.)
What’s your sign and do you fit the traits of it?
Lindsay: Scorpio. The passionate part is definitely me — too much sometimes. They are supposed to be notoriously jealous but I’ve never had a jealous bone in my body so I don’t get that one.
Jill: Leo. I’ve been told they don’t get anymore Leo than me. Not sure if that’s a good thing or a bad thing!
What are 3 things you can’t live without?
Jill: My family, my dogs and sunshine.
What’s the one thing always in your bag?
Lindsay: My motto is lipstick and plastic (credit cards) – as long as I have those I can wing everything else!
Jill: Hard candy. I think I get that from my grandmother.
What characteristic do you admire most in a person? Which one do you despise?
Lindsay: Integrity and lack of integrity.
Jill: I admire perseverance and despise heartlessness.
If you had a spare $500, what would you do with it?
Lindsay: LOL, right now I’m investing every spare penny in BeautyTicket.com!
Jill: I would take Lindsay to the spa with me for a day of pampering. Neither of us has had a pedicure in months!
Our thanks to Jill and Lindsay for taking the time to speak with us. And if you love their site, let them know!
Filed in: beauty & fashion
gotta say i love their prices
great interview. i love supporting female-owned companies, and i gotta say, this is a great one!
My heart just skipped a few beats when, MOLTON BROWN AND CHANEL!!!! My heaven would have those two stores in it along with Jo Malone, Fresh and Kiehls. I love that Jill would invite Joel McHale, I heart him and watch The Soup every week. Lindsay “Lipstick and plastic” is a great motto, I think the world would be a happier place if more us lived by it.
I agree with Hannah, supporting a female owned business is always great, as is supporting a smaller company.
Discount makeup? Well that’s just the icing on the cake!
Now, Beauty Ticket is a great website. I haven’t purchased anything from there yet because, you know, there is a recession going on. lol. However, I would if I could! Great interview.
Aww, I love these 2! Now I feel even better shopping on the site knowing how nice the owners are.
Any gal who takes her friend to the spa with her if she runs into some extra cash is OK in my book.
Great interview we heart this!
I love this site! I was a little skeptical the first time I ordered from them (because you never know with “discount” sites) but the stuff was pristine and packed beautifully. Now I’m hooked :)
Great interview!! And what an awesome site! How did I not know about Beauty Ticket before?!! I cant believe the deals on there!
Thank you WHT for introducing me to these awesome ladies and
their amazing site! :)
I was just browsing their site and found
Anna Sui face color for 10.99 !!!! Ahhhhhh!! It’s my new favorite site!!!
http://beautyticket.com/annasuifacecolorstickno400-1.aspx
Agreed.. Great interview Ms. Stef! I say this too often.. why didn’t I know about this site? humm, well, living like a mushroom has its pitfalls..I’m glad you have shed light on beautyticket.com on many levels! I love their story too.. so wonderful to hear some good has come out of a rough time!
By the way, I am a Leo the Lion too! :) August 15th! My sister is the Scorpio- so I feel your pain! HA!
Blessing to the both of you!
I think I must live under a rock. Why have I never heard of this site? Thank you WHT for this interview. I always love a good deal. I’m off to check out what they have right now.
It is a fabulous site! Especially for bargain lovers and those on a budget (which is everyone nowadays!) I can’t believe what a huge spot in the market this fills (and that no one has thought of it!). Like Jill mentions, the fashion industry has its own smaller niche industry of sample sales and events, the explosion in premium outlets, etc. It’s about time we started seeing similar shopping options in make up and beauty.
Oh and if you are a palette or gift set lover, (my biggest weakness) make sure to check the selection at BeautyTicket.com often – you never know what you can find!
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