Background
For most of my life I have struggled with extremely sensitive and acne-prone skin. I have battled with products that irritated my skin to the point that my eyes swelled shut, have been annoyed by gentle products that look horrible after just a few hours and used to constantly carry a full makeup bag with me because I needed to touch up throughout my long days.
While I always loved to experiment with makeup, makeup didn't always love me. I could never find something that would last all day, treat the different needs of my skin and not cause breakouts.
Well, I finally got sick of it all, and set out to find a solution myself.
It all started with my Two-Step Foundation. I was getting up at 5 am to ride my horses, Urban & Ego, would change and wash up at the barn, head straight to work for the day and usually would have plans after work. I needed makeup that I could quickly apply at the barn, could handle my busy schedule, not cause breakouts and maybe even help my skin. Why was that such a crazy concept?
I used to ask myself, why should I spend time and money on skincare products and then clog up my skin with harsh makeup? As equestrians we are especially around a lot of dirt and get sweaty, neither of which are great for sensitive, acne-prone skin, so I needed makeup that could help nourish and treat my skin and not encourage breakouts.
I created the Two-Step Foundation to give everyone options to apply foundation based on THEIR skin. Step 1 provides oil control to help reduce oil production throughout the day. This helps hold your foundation in place (and not let it melt away). Step 2 provides nourishment, helps reduce redness and inflammation and provides more coverage. The two steps are made from the same base and toned exactly the same so no one will even know you used two steps. They can be applied alone, side by side or layered. It is completely up to YOU and what YOUR skin needs.
The Name
After months of trial and error until I got it just right, giving products to friends to try and color-matching my friends to create "stock" colors, I just needed a name to launch this little passion project. I promise I'm not exaggerating when I say I went through hundreds of names, but it always came back to my boys, Urban (right) & Ego (left). I say they're the fuel to my fire and the reason I work so hard. So, URGO just felt right.
About Our Products
After the Two-Step Foundation, URGO has expanded to include many more easy-to-apply, gentle and skin-loving products. We like to say we're the makeup for "makeup haters" or people who "never wear makeup." Our products are simple, so anyone can use them! They are natural looking- we don't go for the caked up look. And they're lightweight. You won't even know you're wearing them!
Our products are all cruelty-free, made in the USA and made-to-order. Each formula is meticulously created to combine easy application, maximum function and high quality, skin-benefiting ingredients. Our products are made-to-order to ensure the freshest ingredients and to allow for customizations. Be sure to check out our custom offerings.
Why an Equestrian Beauty Brand?
So, why are we an equestrian beauty brand? Can't equestrians wear any makeup? Well, of course. But each product is created with the equestrian lifestyle in mind. I want to help you find beauty solutions that work in this crazy, badass, horse-lover lifestyle. Makeup shouldn't be complicated, intimidating or hurt your skin. You can apply products easily, in just a few minutes, love the way your skin glows and feel great knowing that you're treating your skin while you wear them.
I'm so glad you're here and I can't wait to see your beautiful face. Please do not hesitate to send me an email or Instagram message. The barn door is always open.
xo,
Chelsea