Ayurveda's Luxury Renaissance: Redefining Beauty in the Modern Age
In an industry constantly chasing the next big trend, a 5,000-year-old science is emerging as the beauty world's most intriguing disruptor. Long misunderstood, often oversimplified, and culturally appropriated, Ayurveda is now capturing the interest of luxury beauty's most discerning players—and for good reason.
To delve deeper, I've turned to Nick Irani of Subtle Energies—a brand whose philosophy, vision, efficacy, and integrity I deeply respect. Nick, standing at the intersection of Ayurvedic tradition and modern innovation, offers rare insight into an industry undergoing significant change.
The Beauty Alchemist: A Conversation with Samer Zakharia, the Visionary Behind Maison Flamel and Maison Douze
In the heart of Paris, where centuries-old alchemical traditions meet contemporary beauty innovation, Samer Zakharia has crafted something extraordinary. As the founder of MAISON FLAMEL and MAISON DOUZE, he represents a new breed of beauty visionary – one who seamlessly weaves together the mystical and the scientific, the ancient and the modern.
Inside Fields of Yarrow: Crafting Skincare from Seed to Skin
From the rolling hills of southern France to the lush landscapes of Bali, Souhela Ferrah's journey is as much a story of exploration as it is of connection. The founder of Fields of Yarrow, Souhela has brought the heart of Provence to the volcanic soils of Indonesia, crafting a skincare line that reflects her deep reverence for nature.
The Art of Facial Massage: Inside Jeanne Casimir’s Transformative Approach
Facial massage isn’t just about beauty—it’s about understanding the connection between skin, body, and self. Jeanne Casimir, renowned French facialist, brings this philosophy to life with every treatment she offers. From her early days at Nuxe during a pivotal time in French beauty, to her significant role in establishing Aesop across Europe, Jeanne’s journey is rooted in a passion for the sensory aspects of skincare. Her experience shaped her unique approach: a mix of technical expertise, a creative artist’s touch, and a deep belief in personalized care.
The Intersection of Creativity and Authenticity: A Conversation with Frédéric Raillard on Rare Beauty's New Campaign
The campaign, “Every Side of You,” was created by Fred & Farid Los Angeles for Rare Beauty’s first global brand campaign, under the new creative platform “Love Your Rare.” Inspired by Selena Gomez's raw, multi-dimensional persona, it celebrates every unique aspect of our identity, encouraging us to embrace both our perfections and imperfections. Through a powerful film and captivating visuals, Rare Beauty invites us to own our individuality, showcasing beauty as a balance of strength and vulnerability.
In this interview, I spoke with Frédéric Raillard, co-founder, CEO and Chief Creative Officer of Fred & Farid, and yes—my boss :) I suggested he share his thoughts here, and I’m thrilled he accepted.
Crafting Tomorrow’s Clean Beauty, Today - A Conversation with Sandra Gasmi, Founder of Demain Beauty
Sandra Gasmi's journey into the realm of clean beauty was sparked by a realization of the pervasive use of harmful ingredients in skincare products. Her response was to create Demain Beauty, a brand that encapsulates the essence of holistic care for the skin, health, and the planet. With a commitment to efficacy, sustainability, and the use of ultra-sensory ingredients, Demain Beauty distinguishes itself in a crowded market.
Beyond the Trends: How Ambuja is Transforming Urban Skincare
Ambuja is more than just a skincare brand; it's a commitment to scientific excellence and natural purity, born from the vision of cosmetic scientist Frank W. Legart and his wife, Ina Dimsky-Legart. They crafted Ambuja to stand apart from the typical clean beauty movement, focusing on true performance and sustainability. At the core of their philosophy is SUPERFLUID™, a patented cell fluidum™, which encapsulates the resilience of nature, specifically designed to meet the skin’s needs in challenging, urban environments.
The Art of Slow Beauty: Inside Flavia Zhamo’s Skincare Revolution
Flavia Zhamo, the founder of EC Studios and Everyday Chemist, is quietly making her mark in the beauty industry with a thoughtful approach centered on slow beauty, collaboration, and inclusivity. Influenced by her background as a poet and the daughter of a chemical engineer, Flavia creates skincare products that balance creativity with scientific integrity.
Redefining the Future of Oral Care: Inside Selahatin’s Sensory Revolution
In a world where daily routines often blur into the background of our busy lives, Kristoffer Vural saw an opportunity to elevate the ordinary into something extraordinary. As the founder of Selahatin, he has reimagined oral care with a blend of artistry, personal history, and an unwavering commitment to quality. His journey, shaped by a stroke in his late twenties that heightened his senses and unlocked a unique form of synesthesia, became the foundation for a brand that treats the act of brushing one’s teeth as a ritual of self-expression.
Holistic Haircare Innovation: An Interview with Flora Lab Paris’ Nikolina Kisic Mamic
Nikolina Kisic Mamic, the driving force behind Flora Lab Paris, has a mission: to revolutionize haircare by treating the scalp with the same precision and care as skincare. After six years of dedicated development and consumer testing, Flora Lab Paris now offers some of the most concentrated and clean haircare products available, formulated with biomimetic ingredients for immediate and lasting results. In this interview, Nikolina shares the inspiration behind Flora Lab Paris and discusses the concept of "skinification" of haircare.
Embracing Authenticity: An Interview with AYỌ TOMETI
Ayọ Tometi, co-creator of the #BlackLivesMatter movement, is a name synonymous with courage, compassion, and impactful change. Recognized globally and celebrated by major media outlets like TIME Magazine, Forbes, and Vanity Fair, Ayo’s influence extends far beyond activism.
In this conversation, Ayọ shares her personal journey, revealing how pivotal moments in her life have shaped her views on beauty and wellness. From her decision to embrace her natural hair as a teenager to her thoughts on the beauty industry's strides towards inclusivity, Ayọ offers a refreshing perspective grounded in self-expression and health.
Breaking New Ground in Suncare: The Story of Substance of Light®
Introducing Substance of Light®, a French suncare brand that promises to redefine how we think about sun protection. At the helm of this new brand is Clara Nentille (founder and CEO), a woman whose personal experience with her father's battle against skin cancer ignited a passion for creating more effective suncare solutions. Drawing from her background in investment banking and a lifelong passion for cosmetics, Clara has designed Substance of Light® to tackle the specific challenges faced by urban dwellers.
Ancient Wisdom, Modern Science: Redefining Skincare with Subtle Energies
Founded by Farida Irani, Subtle Energies combines the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda with the modern science of aromatherapy to create holistic skincare solutions. This innovative brand offers luxurious, effective products that nurture both skin and spirit, setting new standards in the wellness industry.
Harvesting Beauty: How Oryza Lab is Elevating Rice in Skincare
In the verdant heart of Comporta's natural reserve, amidst the tranquil rice fields that stretch as far as the eye can see, a unique skincare revolution is taking root. Oryza Lab, a pioneering brand co-founded by Marianne Brass, emerges as a beacon of holistic, rice-based skincare innovation.
27 87: Pioneering a New Era of Niche Perfumery
In an industry where the ephemeral nature of scent meets the timeless allure of storytelling, Romy Kowalewski, the visionary founder of 27 87, stands as a beacon of innovative perfumery. Drawing from a deeply personal narrative, Romy shares the intriguing journey behind the inception of 27 87, a brand born from a lifelong fascination with niche fragrances and an epiphanic visit to a perfume production facility.
A Mediterranean Legacy: The Sensory Science Behind L’ODAÏTÈS
Nestled within the verdant embrace of the Mediterranean, where orange blossoms perfume the air and the earth whispers ancestral wisdom, the journey of L’ODAÏTÈS unfolds. This narrative, rich in family legacy and botanical splendor, is further illuminated by the visionary guidance of Nabila Chemillier, one of the founding spirits of L’ODAÏTÈS. Under her stewardship, the brand emerges as a sanctuary where the beauty of nature meets the rigor of scientific discovery, creating a skincare philosophy that transcends the superficial, reaching into the holistic essence of well-being.
Unveiling Ad CAELIA: Claire Andréewitch’s Pledge to Holistic Beauty
Claire Andréewitch's Ad CAELIA Skincare embodies a revolutionary approach to beauty, marrying Scandinavian purity with French elegance to redefine holistic skincare. Drawing from her naturopathic expertise, Claire champions treatments that address the root causes of skin concerns, advocating for lasting health over temporary fixes.
Shaeri: Crafting a New Narrative in Natural Hair Care
In the vibrant tapestry of the global beauty industry, few stories resonate with the depth and authenticity of Meryem Benomar's journey with Shaeri. Meryem's narrative is a testament to the power of heritage, the richness of multicultural influences, and the transformative beauty of the Mediterranean landscape. At the heart of Shaeri's inception lies a confluence of diverse worlds - from the cosmopolitan crossroads of Morocco, Tunisia, France, the Middle East, and Spain to the scientific rigor inherited from a family of pharmacists and chemists.In the vibrant tapestry of the global beauty industry, few stories resonate with the depth and authenticity of Meryem Benomar's journey with Shaeri. Meryem's narrative is a testament to the power of heritage, the richness of multicultural influences, and the transformative beauty of the Mediterranean landscape. At the heart of Shaeri's inception lies a confluence of diverse worlds - from the cosmopolitan crossroads of Morocco, Tunisia, France, the Middle East, and Spain to the scientific rigor inherited from a family of pharmacists and chemists.
HEMERYNE: Charting the Future of Urban Defence Skincare with Valentina Roncaglia
In today’s urban jungles, where pollution and digital exposure are relentless, the quest for a skincare solution that transcends conventional protection has been met with groundbreaking innovation by HEMERYNE. Spearheaded by the vision of Valentina Roncaglia, HEMERYNE emerges as a harbinger of a new skincare ethos, specifically tailored for the modern urbanite. This new Italian brand is not merely responding to trends but setting a new benchmark in skincare, advocating for a regimen that is as environmentally conscious as it is protective.
The Swiss Secret: Unveiling MyPureSkin’s Nutricosmetic Revolution
In an industry where the lines between beauty, science, and wellness blur into a harmonious symphony, Tatiana Brandt emerges as a pioneering maestro. With a career rooted in the refined aesthetics of Switzerland's top-tier clinics, Tatiana has seamlessly woven her profound understanding of skin health into the fabric of nutricosmetic innovation. Her visionary brand, MyPureSkin, epitomizes the marriage of meticulous scientific research with the holistic nurturing of the body, inside and out.