After searching for nearly three decades, I've finally found the perfect makeup...."

Since the age of 13, I have experienced chronic acne. Being a typical self conscious teenage girl, I looked to the cosmetic industry for help with concealing my troubled completion. To my disappointment, I found that although everything I tried covered my breakouts, by the end of the day they would be much worse.

At age 17, I even entered the Natural Product's Industry as a retail clerk in a health food store in an effort to learn more about health and nutrition in order to improve the condition of my skin. I remained in this industry and eventually became the owner of a chain of natural products stores in Columbus, Ohio. During my time in this industry, I was able to gain considerable knowledge of food and dietary supplements and how they relate to the skin, but my skin continued to break out.

By the time I reached my twenties, I noticed my pores had expanded noticeably. In response to this, I decided to use more talc based powder in an attempt to cover them. By the time I entered my thirties, I began developing Rosacea in addition to my acne. Once again, I turned to the cosmetic industry because it was the 90's and they had made some "advances"... or so I thought. I tried makeup that claimed to be non-acnegenic and suitable for sensitive skin. Curiously, however, the breakouts continued. Could prominent cosmetic companies be deceptive in their marketing?

My breakthrough finally came after a week in bed with the flu. I found at the end of the week that my complexion was clearer than ever and the only difference was that I had not been wearing makeup. Because of this, I began questioning the marketing of the cosmetic industry.

I researched makeup and ingredients, and found that talc, which is the basis of most makeup, expands the pore wall and is similar to asbestos in structure. I also found that "oil free" is designed to appeal to the trusting majority who don't understand that some of the man-made oil substitutes are even worse for one's skin.

Most importantly, though, I learned there's an alternative - mineral makeup. For me, mineral makeup was the "holy grail" I had been searching for since I was 13. I found that by blending certain minerals, you can obtain a gorgeous appearance that mimics that of a healthy, vibrant complexion. To me, the ideal skin is that of a pre-pubescent 10 year old... and the closer a make-up can bring the wearer to that goal, the more ideal the make-up.

The process involves creating a smooth, even skin texture appearance - minimizing wrinkles, minimizing pores and evening out skin tone. This can be achieved by lending the skin a vibrancy that mimics healthy circulation. The older one's skin gets, the slower the circulation within the skin. Ideally, the make-up also shouldn't migrate on the face during the day or "weigh" the skin down. Otherwise, the person wearing it will actually appear older as the day goes by.

With Larenim, I believe we have achieved that goal. By combining a precise blend of minerals including zinc and mica, the complexion of any person wearing it will be improved. We don't stop there, though. Based on the amount of damage I feel that conventional make-up can render upon the skin and the ridiculous amount of time women must put into reversing this damage, I wanted to bring to market a make-up that actually improves the state of the skin every time an individual applies it.

At one point in my life I was spending a shameful amount of time picking and treating my skin. My face was continuously covered with approximately 80-100 pimples in varying states. My pores were clogged and face was red, irritated and peeling. Every morning I would get up and begin the process of picking and treating and then covering my face with make-up. Every night I would go into the bathroom and treat and pick again. This vicious cycle consume my life. My husband actually thought this routine was a chosen "hobby!"

Now, at age 43, I wash my face, apply my make-up and can be out the door in 15 minutes looking better than ever. At night I wash my face, apply the Larenim Dusk Til Dawn, and am ready for bed in less than 5 minutes still looking better than ever. My skin now is smooth, even toned, with tight pores and virtually no lines. The flushing of the rosacea is gone. The liberation and confidence that this has brought into my world is indescribable and based on the amount of feedback I receive, worthy of gospel status. I hear from women everyday who say that my story is also their story.

The reality of most foundations and concealers on the market is that they make the wearer look made up. And I know they feel made up. I went into the studio of a very popular brand of cosmetics recently, and was amazed when I looked at the face of every woman who worked there. Wearing the make-up is obviously mandatory... they all looked like glamorous cadavers. (I can just image what their skin looks like under there.)

That's why I founded my company, Larenim (mineral spelled backward!) Because of Larenim, I'm not only more confident and comfortable during the day while wearing it, but also at night when I'm not.

Kirsten Corcoran