HAVU - what a wonderful reason to wear lipstick
HAV U was born from the idea of creating pure cosmetics, simply beautiful and aesthetic products, which are inspired by Finland's cool waters, quiet forest, pristine snow covers and clear morning sky. In this blog, we want to introduce you to our cooperation partner whose deliciously luxurious products we can't resist and whose world of values meets ours.
Behind everything is Lumi Maunuvaara , who while studying chemical engineering got the idea to combine his own interests into a brand; chemistry, cosmetics and design. That gave birth to HAVU, a natural lipstick in an eye-poppingly beautiful wooden case.
The spark for his own product started because Lumi was dissatisfied with the superficiality of the cosmetics industry. He wanted to create something luxurious, but at the same time sustainable. However, there is huge competition in the cosmetics industry, Snow, where did you find the courage to enter the industry?
- I probably didn't even realize how competitive the industry is at first! I was looking for a long time for high-quality natural cosmetics with exciting and environmentally friendly packaging, but when I couldn't find one, I got the idea for HAVU, says Lumi.
Lumi made HAVU's product prototypes during Aalto University's summer course.
- Originally, I actually made the product for myself, but then the co-founder of HAVU, Tatu Fontell , showed me the product prototypes when he saw that it seemed like a pretty good idea, should I start the company?
Tatu and Lumi have known each other since high school and there were many entrepreneurs in Tatu's family. Lumi was still 19 years old when he founded the company, and according to his own words, his head was not spinning much when Tatu proposed business operations. He just thought "this can't go too far".
- Together with Tatu, we also reasoned that if the company is not founded right away, it will remain and other things will push the idea past, Lumi states.
Lipstick at the Habitare interior design fair - what the heck ?
The final works of Aalto University's summer course were exhibited at the Habitare trade fair in 2017, and HAVU immediately received enormous attention - and no wonder. The lipstick's wooden container is made of alder and aspen. When this is combined with a timeless and elegantly simple design, the lipstick becomes an individual design object.
What makes the product particularly comprehensive is that it is ecological throughout. The lipstick mechanism and the jars of the lip care set are made of biodegradable PLA, i.e. polylactide. Therefore, the entire package can be disposed of as bio-waste after use. On the other hand, the beautiful bark can be used in the interior after use. And when you get a whole set of puns - what interior design ideas can you come up with?
However, HAVU's entry into the market only happened a little later. A small pilot batch went on sale after the fair in the summer of 2018 and was sold out in a day. The purpose of the batch was to listen to demand and gather feedback. The official launch didn't happen until August 2019.
Snow, what does it say that HAVU's pilot batch was sold out in a day?
- I see that others have exactly the same need as I had in the summer of 2017. To find a brand that supports one's own values and uses products that bring joy and beauty. Of course, the product is also exciting, new and domestic. Many of today's megatrends such as the circular economy, minimalist design and the wave of indie-beauty brands are also combined in our products, says Lumi.
- And at the end of the day, we're all starting to get annoyed by the endless flow of plastic cosmetic packaging, says Lumi.
Responsible cosmetics so you know what you're using to beautify your lips and skin
HAVU aims for pure and simple ingredients in its high-quality products. The products are made completely without harming nature. They are bio-based and contain only natural waxes, such as beeswax, and nature's own oils. No additives or perfumes have been used in the lipsticks or creams.
HAVU uses only internationally approved natural oils and shea butter as its main ingredients. Lumi and his colleagues believe in the transparency of the production process - they want you to know exactly what you are putting on your lips and skin.
Snow, tell me more about the lipstick colors. What has been used in them?
- Our lipsticks use inorganic dyes such as iron oxides and ultramarines. We have ended up with these because their alternative would be organic pigments, i.e. synthetically produced dyes, which are less popular and recommended in natural cosmetics, says Lumi.
In addition to simple, beautiful and minimalist elegance and values that respect the environment and nature, HAVU is curious. The working principle is an open mind, which helps create innovative products and focuses on design and quality. HAVU wants to be constantly inspired - and to inspire you too.
Let Finland's clean nature caress and beautify your lips.