Welcome to Gunpowder ‘N Gloss Beauty!

Hey Y’all, welcome to GNG!

Chris on the Minnesota farm on her Birthday!
Photo by https://alyssasmolen.com/
Clothing by https://www.whiskeyriverdrygoodscompany.net/
Boots by https://corralboots.com/collections/women

I’m Chris, the founder of GNG!

I’ve been in the beauty world since 1998 when 17-year-old me snagged my first job as a Clinique Beauty Advisor. From there, I wrangled my way through the cosmetic world as an Estée Lauder Counter Manager, Cosmetic Manager for Von Maur, and later an Estée Lauder Account Coordinator for The Bon-Ton Corporation.

Fast-forward to 2014: I’d just become a mom, wanted to be home with my babies, but still had big dreams and a makeup kit calling my name. So I took a deep breath, a bigger leap, and Gunpowder ‘N Gloss was born, starting as an on-location makeup business that eventually grew into the brand you see today!

My husband Andrew, a Veteran and former Ammo Sergeant in the United States Air Force, helped name the brand and even built custom displays for our retailers. He brought the gunpowder, I brought the gloss, and together we created something pretty darn special.

Thanks so much for being here.
You’re part of the GNG family now, and I’m so grateful to share this wild, wonderful ride with you.

xo,
Chris Leivian
Founder, Gunpowder ‘N Gloss

Country Roots, Natural Beauty

Every product I create is rooted in where I come from. Wide-open fields, golden-hour light, dusty boots, and the kind of natural beauty you don’t have to try too hard for.

GNG makeup is designed to enhance what you already have, not hide it. Sweat-proof. Life-proof. Chasing-kids-and-barrel-racing-proof.

Tuff & Pretty Spirit

Fun fact: I was a barrel racer as a kid and if anything teaches you grit, speed, and how to hang onto your confidence for dear life… it’s that.

From that rodeo spirit came my lifelong mantra and now the GNG tagline:

TUFF & PRETTY

  • It’s more than a cute phrase, it’s a way of life.

  • Boots + lip gloss

  • Strength + softness

  • Backroad grit + big glow energy

It’s about owning every part of who you are with confidence, pride, and a little sass.

How GNG Got It’s Heart

Rooted in her legacy

Let me introduce you to the woman who lit this whole beauty-lovin’ fire in me, my grandma. That’s her (and me!) in the photo, perched on a pile of corn on our family farm. She was strong, kind, smart, and devoted her life to helping others.

She’s also the one who bought me my first Merle Norman pressed powder when I was 14. I can still smell it, sweet and nostalgic. She even used her lipstick as blush, which I thought was brilliant.

Growing up with women who told me I could do anything gave me the confidence to actually go do it, and that’s how Gunpowder ‘N Gloss came to life.