A local beauty brand run by Belfast ‘mumpreneur' Emma McCrory has been highly commended in the eyeshadow category of the Natural Beauty Awards 2010.

Rock Face Minerals was set up by Emma on a shoe string budget in January 2009, even though at the time she knew nothing about setting up a website or running a business online.

Just 15 months later, she's thrilled that her collection of mineral make-up has been highly commended in the prestigious beauty awards, in competition with well established brands.

Rock Face Minerals has a loyal following of customers from all over the UK and Ireland, many of whom find that the gentle ingredients in the products have really helped with their skin problems, such as acne and rosacea.

“When I set up Rock Face Minerals, I wanted to ensure that it offered products for every skin tone, and I'm pleased to say that the foundation range now includes 28 shades ranging from pure white to deep chocolate brown,” said Emma.

“The pure white shade Goth Girl is quite unique in the marketplace and is one of my most popular products.

“I have also introduced new eyeshadow shades for spring, including Strangford Lough, a shimmering lavender and

Lemon Parade, and a sparkly pale lemon shade.

“It's been an interesting learning curve, setting up my own business in my spare time, whilst working full time, and being mum to two little boys aged six and two.

“I have made so many new friends and learnt so much along the way.

“Hopefully in a few years' time, I'll be in a position to give up the day job and concentrate on Rock Face Minerals full time.”

Emma has also released a brand new logo for Rock Face Minerals and is working on some improvements to her website to coincide with the launch in April of the Rock Face Minerals lip balms, which are hand made, with all natural ingredients.

To see the range, log-on to www.rockfaceminerals.co.uk.