Beauty Boss: Aashna Sharma, Founder of Shared Planet

Aashna Sharma.

Our latest Beauty Boss is Aashna Sharma, Founder of Shared Planet—a vegan beauty brand that creates color cosmetic product collections inspired by endangered animals. She created the line solely to bring awareness to animals that are at risk of becoming extinct, and her debut collections featured eye shadow palettes and lip glosses inspired by tigers and polar bears and their natural habitats. Her third beauty collection consists of shimmering, pearlescent highlighters inspired by the colors of the sea turtle and was created to shed light on the plight of this animal.

Shared Planet is committed to keeping its use of plastics to an absolute minimum. Their brand ethos is to be as thoughtful as possible with regard to anything they put out into the environment, and their palettes are made of paperboard and hand wrapped in foil paper. In addition to being vegan, all their products are cruelty-free, Leaping Bunny Certified, and free of parabens, gluten, and GMOs. To further support at-risk animals, Shared Planet donates 10% of sales to its animal and habitat-related charity partners.

“99% of all species that have ever lived have gone extinct over the course of five mass extinctions, which, in the past, were largely a result of natural causes such as volcano eruptions and asteroid impacts,” says Sharma. “Today, the rate of extinction is occurring 1,000 to 10,000 times faster because of human activity. The main modern causes of extinction are the loss of habitat due to deforestation and climate change. There are also other threats to species such as the pervasive plastic pollution in the ocean. A recent study found that 100% of sea turtles had plastic or micro-plastic in their systems.”

We chatted with Sharma, who shared the inspiration behind the brand, favorite products and wellness tips, secrets to success, and more.

When was Shared Planet founded? What does the name mean?

Shared Planet was founded in October 2019, but I had been working on the company for almost two years before our launch. The name Shared Planet was very important to me and it helped tell the story of our brand in two words. But I believe the name has two meanings: the first is related to how we share this world with one another and should practice compassion and take part in ethical practices. It also conveys how we are not the only beings on this planet, so we have a responsibility to ensure all other species are thriving as well. 

What inspired the creation of the brand?

The inspiration behind the brand came from a gap in the market. I think we all noticed big brands making a shift to being “greener” or “sustainable.” But I felt that they were using these words more as a marketing ploy and more substantive action needed to be taken. In today’s world, it should be a given for brands to create high-performance products in an environmentally-friendly manner. But they should also contribute back to the planet in a way that is actually effective which for us, such as funding small organizations dedicated to saving endangered species.  

Do you have a hero product?

I would say that Shared Planet has two hero products: our eyeshadow palettes from our debut Tiger and Polar Bear collections. Our shimmers are so pigmented and reflective, while the mattes are incredibly blendable and buttery. 

What are your favorite product(s) from your brand? 

For me, my favorite products are forever changing. It’s almost like picking a favorite child! Currently, I would have to say that my favorite product is our Sea Turtle Highlighting Palette. Even if I’m not wearing anything, which I’m often not during quarantine, I just pop a little bit of “White Sands” or “Coral Reef” on my cheeks for that gorgeous summery look.  

Where are your products sold?

Currently all of our products are sold on our website.

Future plans for the brand?

I’m a product person at heart, so the biggest plan right now is to expand our product line into other color cosmetics and possibly even skin care! I would also love to get into a retailer and share our brand’s message to an even wider audience. 

The Shared Planet™ Sea Turtle Highlighting Palette ($44) contains five warm golden shades designed to complement all skin tones.

What inspires you?

My biggest inspiration are my parents. From a business perspective, my dad has taught me everything I know and I’m consistently learning new things from him. I constantly aspire to have his drive and determination. I learned empathy and kindness from my mother. She is always able to show compassion and love to everyone around her and it inspires me to do the same.

Secret to success?

I truly believe there is no secret to success! As long as an individual has persistence and passion, success in any form is bound to come their way. Doing something you truly enjoy and not letting any obstacle stop you will allow anyone to achieve their dreams. 

Beauty secrets?

The best beauty secret I would say is being confident and owning whatever look you want to wear! As long as you’re feeling yourself, people are going to take notice! 

Wellness tips?

Best wellness tip that I have taken to heart is drinking tons of water and staying moisturized. By making this change, I have noticed the biggest changes in my skin and health!  

Best advice?

The best advice I have ever received was from my dad who told me that, “I have to be my own biggest advocate because nobody is going to stand up for you like you.” I think it’s so true as well! You can’t expect other people to go out on a limb for you, so you have to be your own biggest cheerleader. 

How do you like to relax?

It’s really difficult for me to turn off my brain and relax, but I have found the best way is by just hanging out with my friends and family. It’s definitely a bit more difficult during these trying times, but thank god for FaceTime! 

For more information, visit sharedplanet.com and follow on Instagram: @sharedplanet

[Images courtesy of Shared Planet]

Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk