When Nordstrom opens its doors to the Vancouver public this Friday at 9:30am, beauty lovers should keep their eyes peeled for a very special homegrown success story amongst the Dior lipsticks and Chanel fragrances: Toronto-based Mèreadesso, whose claim to fame is a simple two-step skincare system that will replace your cleanser, makeup remover, toner, eye cream, serum, and day/night creams combined. Mèreadesso founder Linda Stephenson holds a degree in chemistry and botany, and boasts 20+ years' experience at companies such as Estee Lauder, MAC, and Mary Kay; needless to say, she knows her skincare and makeup inside and out.
I've been a big fan of Mèreadesso since trying out the skincare system myself last summer. Linda and I caught up recently to talk about her Nordstrom coup, travel tips, and what's next on the horizon.
Congrats on landing Nordstrom as a retailer! That's huge. How did this partnership come about?
Thank you! We realized that Nordstrom was coming to Canada and reached out to them hoping that they would be interested in including prestige Canadian brands. Luckily for us, they did!
I see that you've introduced quite a few new products since we met last year in Vancouver. Can you talk about some of the new launches?
I was getting a lot of requests from customers begging to have their Mèreadesso All-In-One Moisturizer and Cleanser in travel sizes so this was a real priority for me. Putting them in sachets that pack flat with a resealable closure was a major success! The Mèreadesso Travel Ease Kit is really what caught the attention of the Nordstrom buyer.
Makeup artists are also raving about my recently launched Tinted All-In-One Moisturizer. All the same amazing ingredients as the original Moisturizer, this time with a hint of colour.
Do you still encounter skepticism about Mèreadesso's two-step system?
Of course! Women have been trained to believe that they need to layer all sorts of products on their face to see any effectiveness. That was true in the past. Thankfully, science has progressed and I can now combine these ingredients. Once people try my multi-purpose products they become believers!
Mereadesso feels like the ultimate lifehack for product junkies who want to travel light. (I seriously don't think I would've gotten through airport security without it!) Do you have other travel tips you swear by?
I use my Mèreadesso Cleanser pouch to carry my jewelry, makeup brushes and other small items. It’s see-through which helps when security want to take my tweezers away. (At least I don’t hold the line up!)
Also, this tip freaks makeup artists out: you can apply my All-In-One Moisturizer directly on top of your makeup on a flight to refresh your face and provide much needed hydration. What’s more, it won’t move your makeup!
Always carry a big bottle of water and snacks; I’ve been the envy of my fellow passengers when trapped on a tarmac and meals can’t be served.
Lastly, did you know that you can start a movie BEFORE the plane takes off? Movie watching time is precious to me, so I value being able to fit in a film, even on a short haul flight!
Are there any new products in the works?
We will be launching our Beautiful Body Balm with Nordstrom hopefully for holiday. I can’t wait to introduce that product to the Nordstrom customer.
What's next for you, personally and professionally?
Personally, I always look forward to the start of ski season. Whether I get time to get out there on skis is another story!
Professionally I’m excited to open up in new locations of Nordstrom and continue to grow Mèreadesso as a brand with them.
Will you be visiting Vancouver again soon?
I hope to be back sometime in the spring to enjoy your beautiful weather and flowers! Sometimes we joke in Toronto that winter just keeps going for us until summer arrives.
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