Are you as worried as we are lately about what you put on your skin, including your face and lips? So were the ladies who founded Primitive Makeup, an all natural line of lipsticks and other makeup free of the toxins often found in many drugstore brands. (Just check out all of the harmful chemicals found in many leading brands, which have been linked to cancer and other illnesses.) We chatted recently with Primitive founding partners Susanna Ronner and Nancy Caigan to find out more about how they're working to offer a safer alternative.

Tell us a little about your company. Primitive Makeup Inc. was born of our personal desire to create natural, beautiful makeup. We started with lipstick, as that is what you ingest (we all know that we kiss our lipstick away - onto our mates and children). We were personally not satisfied with what was available in the natural realm, but wanted to wear makeup without objectionable/unhealthy ingredients. So we created Primitive lipstick - with beautiful and appealing colors (for women of all colors, of which we are so beautifully varied), wonderfully emollient and moisturizing, with a subtle vanilla taste.

We have just created two new lip products, to hit the shelves in November - gloss and lip pencil. The glosses are silky (not sticky!) and the lip pencils are creamy as well (perfect used not only as a liner, but on your entire lip, followed with gloss or lipstick, for longer wearing).

The name Primitive came out of our appreciation for world cultures, and the knowledge that for centuries, women everywhere, used real ingredients to enhance their natural beauty. We wanted to bring this ancient and intelligent concept into the modern world. The names of our colors reflect places all over the world - Corsica, Mali, Morocco, Martinique, Rio, Fiji, Lanai, to name a few.

How did you get started? We formed a partnership, with Nancy researching the formula, and finding a wonderful chemist! Susanna created the logo, and the visual brand of Primitive. We have been working at this for a number of years; its exciting to now be selling all over the country!

Who are your favorite designers or other beauty companies?

Nancy: I love Michael Kors; he designs for "real women". I love Stella McCartney; she has a (very expensive!) natural skin care line, and I adore her perfume. I love Kiss my Face soaps and lotions!

Susanna: I enjoy all designers that try to bring a new way of seeing to their craft, through just the right kind of twist. I appreciate all companies that are earnestly trying to create products that are healthy.

What are your top fashion & beauty must-haves?

Nancy: I realize that I must have lipstick and mascara on to leave the house; it makes me feel pretty! And great skin lotion is a must, summer and winter! I also love the "pop" any outfit gets from high heels, and bright jewelry.

Susanna: Stylish black items of every category - that can mix with each other for a high fashion/arty look, or can be used dressed down and mixed with jeans and boots.

Any advice you would give to aspiring entrepreneurs?

Nancy: Just go for it; it really just takes someone who is willing to do the little extra things that makes the difference!

Susanna: Do something that feels natural to who you are, and ignites your passion - it will never feel like 'work', when you are involved in something that gives you joy.

Where can people find your products? We are available in almost all the Whole Foods markets on the East Coast, Vitamin Cottage stores, and over 170 stores throughout the U.S, and online (just go to our website: www.primitivemakeup.com)

Anything else? Our mothers and grandmothers used to say to us 'wear it in good health'. Primitive has adopted this wonderful saying - and it's a wonderful wish for all.