Kjaer Weis, the pioneering nontoxic makeup brand founded more than a decade ago, is losing its founder.
“After careful consideration, I have made the decision to end my association with Kjaer Weis,” Kirsten Kjaer Weis said in an Instagram post on Tuesday. “My heart is filled with gratitude to everybody who has supported the brand and myself over the many years since launching in 2010. Kjaer Weis has been my life’s work and my joy, so far.”
She did not respond to request for further comment by press time.
Waldencast Ventures acquired a majority stake in the business in 2021 after sales had grown 200 percent year-on-year. “Kirsten built the brand on the basis of being a non-compromise brand,” Michel Brousset, founder and chief executive officer of Waldencast, said at the time. “She is a makeup artist who wants products that perform, but deliver in a way that is consistent with her beliefs. She speaks with a quiet voice, but one that comes with conviction.”
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Of the departure, Waldencast said: “Kirsten Kjaer Weis has made the decision to part ways with Kjaer Weis. While Waldencast Ventures is an investor in Kjaer Weis, it is a completely separate entity from Waldencast plc, the public company. We wish Kirsten all the best in her future endeavors.”
Kjaer Weis currently sells at Nordstrom, Bluemercury and Detox Market, in addition to its website. The assortment spans complexion, lip and eye makeup products. In the third quarter of 2024, prestige makeup grew 5 percent, according to Circana.
Waldencast Ventures also has Whind, Glaze, [Coat]s, Contém1g, Revea, Sallve, Manual.co and C16 Bio in its portfolio. Waldencast plc counts Milk Makeup and Obagi as its two assets.
