International Women's Day 2024: 25 beauty founders reveal their journeys to success
To mark International Women's Day 2024, we asked some of our favourite female beauty bosses to share the story behind their brands and their three hero products.
1/ Ree Lodge: founder of Really Ree
‘I’ve always loved beauty. I grew up in Leytonstone in East London and we had a local Avon lady that would do the rounds. My mum would let me order a couple of bits from each book and the whole process of choosing and then getting the delivery was pure joy.
Although beauty was an obsession, I never even dreamed that it was an industry I could work in. In 2010 at the age of almost 35, I started a new hobby and wrote my first blog post on my brand new blog, ReallyRee. I didn’t think about what it would bring. In fact I didn’t expect it to bring anything at all apart from personal satisfaction. It soon became a full-blown addiction and obsession and it kind of took on a life of its own.
I launched my own brand REESON in July 2023. REESON is all about how beauty products make you feel. I always say that make-up may not make you look exactly like a Hollywood star, but if it makes you feel like one, then it has done its job.
REESON has a skincare-infused capsule collection of make-up products that have been carefully created to give your skin a healthy, natural looking glow, to improve the look of your skin instantly, and over time.
I turn 50 this year, and I rarely see myself in the marketing and advertising from brands I love and it can feel quite alienating. I want to feel included. That’s why I created REESON. REESON is for everyone – all ages, all stages, and when you use these products, you will never feel old. You will feel good, and look good and above all, you will feel thought of and visible.
REESON is about refusing to disappear when you reach ‘a certain age’. Now is the time to give yourself permission to be seen - but more than that, to stand out.’
What are your 3 go to beauty products?
‘Skincare will always be at the heart of REESON because it is such a passion of mine. I’m extremely proud of our skincare-infused Highlighter Duo. This is all about custom glow for every age and every stage of life. Women ‘of a certain age’ are often told they are too old for highlighter, and I couldn’t disagree more. If you want to shine you absolutely can, and I have made the Highlighter Duo with both a balm and a powder texture, so you can create your own custom glow depending on how you feel on the day. It has specially selected ingredients that smooth the skin, and don’t accentuate pores or lines, like many other highlighters do. And of course, it is packed with skincare.’
'I am absolutely loving the Shiseido Revitalessence Skin Glow foundation. I am always impressed by this brand’s skincare and make-up, and this foundation is a perfect fusion of the two. The serum texture is so beautiful and it just melts into the skin like skincare and gives my skin the perfect amount of natural looking coverage and glow. Plus it has SPF30 so it’s offering protection from UV rays too.'
'Elizabeth Arden Retinol + HPR Ceramide Water Cream has been one of my favourite new skincare discoveries in the last year. It contains a potent blend of HPR and Retinol which is 10 times stronger than pure retinol. What’s key is that despite its high strength, it is super gentle and will even be tolerated by first time retinol users. You can use it day and night with none of the regular associated side effects that Retinol can have, and it makes skin glow immediately. I noticed improvements within days of using this.'
2/ Kate Moss: Founder of COSMOSS
Throughout her illustrious career Kate Moss has maintained a deep-rooted sense of spirituality which has offered her a vital outlet for self-care and support for her busy lifestyle. In recent years, she has become increasingly aware of the positive impact that her spiritual beliefs and daily practices of yoga and meditation have given her, which led her to the launch of COSMOSS in 2022 – her own wellness brand.
What are your 3 go to beauty products?
'I love Sam McKnight’s Cool Girl Texture Mist for that perfect ‘messed up’ sexy hair.'
'Make-up wise I am always lucky to have my friend Charlotte Tilbury on hand. I love her lipsticks; I wear ‘Pillow Talk’ or her new warm nude rose shade ‘Icon Baby’.'
'And, of course, COSMOSS, which is very much ‘me’, Golden Nectar is one of my Hero Products, it’s a rich Pro-Collagen Oil that I use on my face, hair and body every day.'
3/ Dr Ifeoma Ejikeme: Founder & Medical Director of Adonia Medical Clinic
Renowned as the ‘Glow Queen’, Dr Ejikeme is the master at achieving clear, radiant, dewy skin for all skin types and tones. It is Dr Ejikeme’s passion and on-going mission to improve the representation of, and education surrounding, ethnic minority skin in aesthetics medicine, so that everybody has access to safe and effective treatment. She's the founder and medical director of Adonia Medical Clinic which has held the Aesthetics Award for Best Clinic London for three consecutive years.
What are your 3 go to beauty products?
'My ethos for skincare is that prevention is better than cure. Skinceuticals Phloretin CF
is a must in my skincare routine as it prevents against free radical damage, when left untreated this can lead to fine lines and skin irritation.
Heliocare Airgel SPF 50 is a broad spectrum SPF which leaves no white cast. It fits perfectly into my skincare routine and along with my ethos, prevention is better than cure.
'Skinfix Eye Cream is packed with lipids and ceramides leaving my skin feeling plumped and hydrated.'
4/ Aila Morin: CMO and Founding Board Member of MERIT
Aila Morin has played an instrumental role in shaping make-up brand Merit's journey from its inception, is now appointed to of Chief Marketing Officer. Prior to Merit, Morin was a driving force behind Mejuri as the jewelry company’s Director of Marketing and GTM.
What are your 3 go to beauty products?
'The Minimalist: not quite a foundation and not quite a concealer, the Minimalist is a favourite of our customers for a reason. It has a beautiful skin-like finish that is perfect for evening and smoothing your complexion without being drying or cakey. Most foundations are pore-clogging, but the Minimalist was developed with celebrity aesthetician Biba de Sousa, who's famous for her "no list" of clean yet acne-triggering ingredients. It's so easy to apply and blend, and travels great because it's in a spill-proof stick format.'
'Tatcha Indigo Overnight Repair Serum in Cream Treatment: this cream has a gorgeous texture that melts into skin with a balm finish without breaking me out. I’m ultra-sensitive with dry and acne prone skin, so I always make sure products abide by both Biba de Sousa and aesthetician Sofie Pavitt's guidelines around acne-safe ingredient lists. It's super hydrating and makes my skin so soft when I wake up the next morning.'
5/ Natalie Enslöw: Founder of fjör
Years into a successful career at Rolex, fjör Founder Natalie Enslöw made a radical decision. Inspired by her parents’ struggles to find solutions for their polarising skin needs, Natalie left her role at Rolex intent on building a new brand that could answer a multitude of skin issues simply and effectively.
Natalie created fjör to disrupt the skincare market with a brand asking consumers to use fewer products and ingredients, for even better results. The ethos of the fjör brand was inspired by Nordic minimalism, much to Natalie’s heritage of being half Swedish and half Malaysian Chinese.
What are your 3 go to beauty products?
'I don’t tend to wear a lot of make up during the day, so my number one products have to be skincare.
fjör hydrolytic serum: for the simplest (only 2 steps necessary: serum + SPF) and most powerful routine (with only 12 ingredients in total including our proprietary hydrolytic enzyme) to look after my skin barrier, microbiome and while gently exfoliate my skin for cell renewal. I created this product to simplify your regime, it replaces any retinols / BHAs / AHAs in your regime to hydrate, balance and boost skin health.
Zelens daily defense SPF 30: for all year-round broad-spectrum SPF protection super light and wears well in combination with the serum. SPF is a non-negotiable in my daily routine.
Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer – specifically for my under eyes, for a fresh, healthy look without covering up the rest of my skin.'
6/ Danielle Close: Founder of My Skin Feels
Danielle is no stranger to the beauty and wellness industry – she was even Charlotte Tilbury’s assistant when her brand launched 10 years ago! Passionate about skincare as a way to incorporate daily self-care, Danielle is on a mission to make products that focus on how they make you feel, all the while being as planet-friendly, people-friendly and skin-friendly as possible.
My Skin Feels is made with organic ingredients rescued from the food and drinks industry that would otherwise go to waste. It also uses a mix of recyclable, conscious packaging, and for every product purchased a % goes to help fight food waste in the Brighton community where the brand was born.
What are your 3 go to beauty products?
'My skin can’t live without our Healthy Hydrating moisturiser. Made from a blend of rescued food including the by-products of tomato ketchup, olive oil, breakfast oats and orange juice so it’s full to the brim with antioxidants, prebiotic and antimicrobial properties. Soothing, balancing and instantly calming, it’s an excellent base for makeup and leaves your skin super hydrated all day without leaving it sticky or oily, but instead glowing and radiant from the fist use. Plus, because it’s over 99% natural it’s safe to use it on extra dry patches of skin on hands, elbows or anywhere you need a little bit of TLC.
Beauty is 100% about feeling your best and getting the right nutrients for your body is so important. I take Bare Biology’s Certified Marine Collagen daily to help with muscle repair and to support my joints and ligaments. Plus, it’s made from what was once a by-product so it’s sustainable and it’s completely tasteless so it’s a delicious way to make a hot chocolate that much more healthy!
I have tried and tested ALL of the natural deos and I am telling you this is the one! Non irritating, super soothing, calming and 0 white marks - it’s a game changer. If you’re new to natural deo it takes time for your body to adjust, so don’t give up after the first day. You will sweat, you’re meant to, but the magic with natural deo is that you won’t smell. Fit Pit lasts all day come sun, rain, a sweaty gym sesh or a stressful day at work.'
7/ Nyakio Grieco: Founder of RELEVANT
Nyakio Grieco is a beauty entrepreneur and advocate for inclusive beauty that suits all skin types, tones and needs.
Nyakio created Relevant in 2023, a science-led skincare brand that works for all skin tones and types. Working with top labs to ensure a diverse mix of the best chemists, Nyakio formulated each product with superfruits and actives in efficacious percentages to create products that truly perform.
What are your 3 go to beauty products?
‘My go to skincare item for everyday use is Relevant Sunburst C+ Superfruit Serum. It contains 15% vitamin C that my skin drinks up! It helps to even skin tone and contains the most stable form of Vitamin C , for maximum hydration and helps to minimize discolouration.
I also love Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder. This balm to powder formulation reduces oil throughout the day for a gorgeous glow!
Everyday after showering I use the Smooth & Glow Oil Elixir by Caudalie. This dry body oil leaves your skin hydrated and is packed with antioxidants. The green fig, cedar wood and coconut fragrance in the oil smells delicious!’
8/ Josefin Landgard: Founder of MANTLE
Josefin, a tech trailblazer and unicorn founder, became known for bringing innovation to disruptive start-ups spanning diverse industries. Driven by a lifelong passion for skincare and yearning for a new challenge, she met branding expert and co-founder Stina.
United by their desire for skincare that wasn’t fuelled by judgement and ageism, they founded MANTLE – a transformative skincare brand that celebrates personal expression, with products that deliver stronger, more resilient skin.
What are your 3 go to beauty products?
'I love The Westman Atelier Face Trace, £44, plus their foundation stick and everything for the complexion. I love that they give a glowy healthy looking skin and are buildable. And it’s important to me they don’t contain any nasties.
In terms of MANTLE products, I ,of course, need and use almost all of them, but at the moment The Retinol Serum, £114 is a favourite. Great results from the encapsulated retinol and bakuchiol whilst nourishing the skin.
I can’t live without Osis Hairspray, £12.90 from Schwarzkopf. With my fine hair, a good hair spray is a must.'
9/ Lauren & Sarah Murrell: Founders of By Sarah Skincare
The brand’s journey began when co-founder Lauren was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia, her sister, Sarah, became her stem cell donor and saved Lauren’s life. As Lauren recovered, Sarah struggled to find natural yet effective products to soothe and revitalise Lauren’s cancer ravaged skin. So she decided to develop her own formulas and, with this act of sisterly love, skincare By Sarah was born.
What are your 3 go to beauty products?
'The Hero Facial Oil was first developed to help restore Lauren's stressed, sensitive skin post-cancer treatment. It lends an instant glow and we can't imagine a day without it!
Jones Road Miracle Balm adds a pop of colour and looks very natural. Bobbi Brown is such an icon and inspiration – we love her clean beauty line.
When we have a big meeting in the calendar, we love a strong lip colour. The RMS lipstick is vegan and cruelty free.'
10/ Jo Malone CBE: Founder of Jo Loves
Jo Malone, a British fragrance maverick, gained global acclaim for her iconic fragrances after starting as a facial therapist in London. After selling her first brand, Jo Malone London, to Estée Lauder Companies in 1999, she later launched Jo Loves in 2011, showcasing her continued passion for fragrance innovation. Recognised with an MBE, and a CBE for her contributions to the beauty industry, Jo's entrepreneurial journey continues to inspire audiences worldwide.
What are your 3 go to beauty products?
All three of these products give you a really natural look. The Jones Road miracle balm is my favourite. You can pop it on, and it gives you that lovely look where you haven't made too much effort. I have it in a few different shades.
I love the Revolution Superdewy Liquid Blush, I sometimes put that on my lips as well for a little bit of gloss!
And of course, my Chanel lip gloss; I love lip gloss more than anything in the world, this is the best. I love the gold one, for that moment of glam, also the paler colours as I prefer a softer, natural look.
Having glossy lips is the key to looking refreshed for me; those three products can take me from a meeting to a lunch and finishing with a black-tie dinner! There is nothing more I need.
11/ Sarah Brown: Founder and CEO of Pai Skincare
In 2007 Sarah Brown founded Pai after struggling with skin sensitivity. 'Out of the blue, I developed urticaria and my usually calm skin became irritated, hyper-sensitive and acne-prone. Trying to keep it under control was a daily battle and finding products that didn’t contain problem ingredients brought a whole new challenge. I‘d reached a dead-end with a cabinet full of products claiming to be “hypoallergenic” and “organic”, let down by their ingredient lists full of synthetics and irritants.'
'I just wanted effective skincare I could trust and depend on and creating Pai was my way of taking back control. Pai is everything I wanted as a customer; skincare made with effective, organic ingredients, no nonsense marketing and a brand that understands products are just one piece of the puzzle.'
What are your 3 go to beauty products?
'Perricone MD No Makeup Lipstick SPF15 I bought this on a whim and it was absolute love at first wear. It’s like a tinted, moisturising lip balm but with the staying power of lipstick. It comes in subtle, complexion-enhancing shades.'
'I use this magnifying mirror every day - it’s fantastic if you have poor eyesight for doing your make-up or plucking eyebrows. It switches on by sensor, is cordless and keeps its power for ages. I don’t know how I ever lived without it!'
'I add a drop of this booster to my moisturiser daily to supercharge it. It really plumps my skin - peptides are famed for their ability to stimulate collagen production.'
12/ Michelle Feeney: Founder of Floral Street
Michelle Feeney is something of a beauty powerhouse. She started PR, before moving to New York to work on Crème de la Mer before leading MAC to become the world’s biggest make-up brand, spearheading the legendary MAC AIDS Fund and Viva Glam initiatives, realising that beauty could create broader social awareness and change.
After moving back to the UK, went on to become CEO of St Tropez (pioneering their Princes Trust collaboration) CEO of PZ Cussons Beauty Division, before taking a career sabbatical, which bought about the creation of Floral Street, a modern British fragrance brand with sustainability and eco-responsibility at its very core.
What are your 3 go to beauty products?
'It's really hydrating and my beauty confidence booster! But I always recommend visiting a MAC counter where expert makeup artists can advise on the right products for you and shade to suit your look!'
'With vanilla having a trend moment right now there's so much to love about this confident yet comforting fragrance - it's like a warm scented hug! I always carry a small size in my bag to spritz on, walk in and own the room!'
'If you sleep well and you are happy then your skin looks radiant. I love the Aromatherapy Associates pure essential oils which I put on my feet and back of my neck as a meditative way to fall asleep, but ultimately happiness really is the best beauty treatment.'
13/ Susan Gerrard: Founder of Mii Cosmetics
A beauty pioneer, Susan Gerrard's desire to offer women confidence and that ‘look good, feel good’ factor led her to create the nails, make-up, skin and tanning staples Mii Cosmetics is beloved for.
With the belief that beauty is a relatively low-cost addition to give us an uplifting moment in everyday life, Susan is proud to be a leader in the beauty industry, whilst also being a mother and grandmother. Having led the professional manicure revolution in the UK, the launch of Mii Cosmetics is Susan’s proudest achievement in her career.
What are your 3 go to beauty products?
'Mii Care + Caress Hand Serum, because it really does leave my hands silky smooth with a wonderful fragrance.
Clinique Elixir perfume & Clinique Elixir body cream. I have worn this fragrance for about 20 years and I am known for it. It has a real feel-good factor. Wherever I go, people ask me what I am wearing.
Root Pump Volumizing Spray Mousse by Big Sexy Hair - I can’t live without it, It makes my hair looks twice as thick and my hairdresser agrees!'
14/ Ibi Meier-Oruitemeka: Founder of The Afro Hair & Skin Co
Artist and beauty entrepreneur, Ibi Meier-Oruitemeka is the founder of The Afro Hair & Skin Co, her range of beauty and lifestyle products that provide tools for women to embrace the act of beauty ritualising as a form of self -preservation amongst today’s frenetic world.
London native Ibi, was inspired to create her range during her year’s living in Sweden, which saw her reflect inwards and look to bringing elements of value back into her life which she felt had been lost. Her time there was transformative, allowing her to embrace a way of being that encouraged, slow, meditative and intentional thought in all aspects of who she is a Black woman in today’s world.
Recounting how she used skincare from a young age as a therapeutic means to connect with her identity and self, Ibi’s range offers relatable and accessible care and beauty tools that directly spoke to women like her who are seeking and understand the need for moments to slow down, take care and feel held in within self as a priority, thus in 2016 The Afro Hair & Skin Co. was born.Understanding that to stand for one’s self means standing in support of our environments and considering our imprints on the world, Ibi looks to a local and human first approach to developing her range by using native and ethically sourced natural and cruelty free ingredients with each product hand crafted at her studio in Hastings, where she resides with her young family.
What are your 3 go to beauty products?
'I’m loving the Peppermint Daily cleanser by Q+A, I discovered this range while looking for an efficient routine for a camping trip last year.The peppermint cleanser is a great all rounder, really gentle and works well to remove any make-up residue left over after oil cleansing. I love the tingling sensation from the peppermint too.'
'I usually follow this with the Q+A peptide serum. I’d usually use this before applying my facial oil. The serum is really light and sinks in well. My skin does feel plumper and very hydrated whenever I use it, it’s a keeper.'
'Lastly, I use Flow-Perfectly Balanced Facial Oil from my own skincare range. I used it for 5 years before eventually launching it as a product. I love its ability to balance out my skin. I have combination skin and used to struggle to find products that worked on my differing zones. Flow works like magic to balance out my oily zones and really nourish the drier areas. It leaves my skin glowing too.'
15/ Terry De Gunzberg: CEO of ByTerry
Terry, who comes from a scientific family, first decided to pursue a career in medicine but soon gave up her studies in favour of a more artistic lifestyle. Beginning her career at the renown Carita beauty school in Paris, she swiftly rose to the position of in-demand studio make-up artist, working on editorial and runway projects with some of the biggest names in fashion, including Guy Bourdin and Helmut Newton but it was her partnership with Yves Saint Laurent that would have a lasting impact on the history of fashion and beauty. Terry created a variety of goods and formulae throughout her 15 years as the international makeup designer for YSL Beauté, including the enduring Touché Eclat in 1992.
Terry then decided to start her own line of cosmetics in 1998, BY TERRY was born as a bespoke "couture" beauty line offering made to measure cosmetics. Due to a lab error in 2004, Baume de Rose, BY TERRY's most popular product, had double the normal amount of rose butter added to it in 2004. It is often referred to as the Rolls Royce of lip balms and has become something of a beauty icon. .
What are your 3 go to beauty products?
'I love the new By Terry Hyaluronic Global Serum, which contains 10% hyaluronic acid. This is a record-breaking high concentration - for reference, other brands use between 1% - 3%.'
'I believe that your hands can age you, so I try to take good care of mine. For me, this means a weekly manicure and I usually opt for Essie’s Mademoiselle shade. It’s a sheer, nude pink that just makes you look polished.'
'I only wash my hair with sulphate free shampoos, since they’re a lot more gentle on the hair and scalp. They don’t strip your hair of its natural oils, and can stop your hair colour fading.Kerastase Discipline Bain Fluidealiste is a good option.'
16/ Mina Chae: CEO of Farmacy Beauty
When Mina Chae, CEO of Farmacy, first joined the farm-to-face skin-care brand as director of marketing and consumer engagement, the team was small — so much so that she had to help box up influencer mailers and even drive to the warehouse to pack shipments during Black Friday shopping.
Chae stepped into the CEO role in January 2022 and strives to continue Farmacy's mission to cultivate conscious beauty. Using responsible, farm-sourced ingredients to create thoughtful, clean + cruelty-free skincare formulas. And while giving back is the passion, farm-to-face skincare comes second nature.
Her thoughts on the term clean beauty? ' It's a nebulous term. And as a result, it sometimes doesn’t mean much to consumers. When Farmacy first started, clean beauty was new. It was a way to define your brand. Clean now is table stakes. It’s like free shipping — you only notice when it’s not there. When a consumer says they want clean, it just means they want formulas they can trust, and they want transparency and accountability. It’s about being really honest about what you use in your ingredients, why you choose to use an ingredient or why you choose not to use an ingredient,' she said in an interview.
What are your 3 go to beauty products?
'I use Farmacy’s bestselling cleansing balm every night to cleanse my face. It removes all of my makeup and SPF effortlessly in literally one minute. I have super dry skin and if leaves my skin soft and hydrated.'
'This product is a magical skin smoother. I keep it in my shower and use it every week. It doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin and really makes a difference in my skin texture.'
'This is a beautiful, creamy balm that I apply to my cheeks for a quick flush of color. I apply with my fingertips and am out the door in minutes.'
17/ Nikita Mehta: Co-founder of Fable & Mane
Nikita Mehta's brand is something of a family affair. She started it with her brother Akash Mehta and their vision was to turn the age-old ritual of Indian hair oil massage into a new luxury wellness brand. Using Ayurvedic principles to formulate their products, they became an overnight success and sold out twice during the pandemic.
In an interview with Forbe Mehta explained 'I saw a whitespace in the market for something clean, cultural and conscious using Ayurvedic beauty principles but in a modern way. '
It was during a stressful time in her life that Mehta experienced hair loss and remembered her grandmother giving both siblings, traditional Ayurvedic Indian hair massages. 'For Indians, nightly hair oiling massage is part of our everyday life.'
Their hero product line currently includes: HoliRoots Hair Oil, HoliRoots Shampoo, HoliRoots Conditioner and a HoliRoots Hair Mask and each product goes beyond the buzz words of "clean" and "natural".
'Fable and Mane is committed to giving back to the wild and has a “give back” philosophy at its core, supporting the wildlife charities that restore habitats for endangered wild felines,' says Mehta.
What are your 3 go to beauty products?
'In the morning, I use a cream-based cleanser with a muslin cloth followed by Maracuja Oil and Aloe Vera Gel on my face, I also enjoy using the Irene Forte Aloe Vera Face Cream. It’s super nourishing, soothing and brightens my dry skin.'
'At night, I spray Rose de Mai water on my face and scalp and gua-sha around my jaw to release tension. I use a saffron-based moisturiser from India which softens and hydrates.'
'In terms of haircare, the Fable & Mane HoliRoots Hair Mask is my personal favourite. It smells divine and is literal hair food - like a coconut cream, mango and banana whipped pudding, need I say more?'
18/ Diane Cheung, Founder of MELIOR
Melior is latest eco brand that's set to take the beauty world by storm. It's founder Diane who previously work on brands such as Red Bull, Stella Artois, created it as she wanted to give those with disabilities the chance to show their abilities. Because working lifts lives, builds resilience and increases self-belief. 'Making our products makes a difference. So does buying them. It buys a working day for those who have been overlooked. And that’s what we work for. Every working day.'
What are your 3 go to beauty products?
'This is a complete game-changer. Not only is it organic and free of cheap filler oils, it's full of antioxidants and most importantly, it's in a glass bottle - as plastic is a real no-no for me. My skin glows and the serums' heavenly scent is a bonus. Now part of my bedtime routine, it's a little treat at the end of a long day.'
'I discovered the colourful zero waste 900.care range in France last summer and immediately swooped on their refillable deodorants. They're aluminium and EDTA free, and delicately scented with flower extracts. I've been using it for over a year now and it truly stands the test of time. I also bought a refill but I don't think I'll need it for at least another 2 years. I celebrate products that challenge the status quo and do a brilliant job at the same time.'
MELIOR's new powder-to-gel hand wash is just that - not only is it super eco-friendly with no plastic packaging, a tiny carbon footprint and a compostable pouch, but it also looks gorgeous in my bathroom and provides jobs to people with disabilities. The Lemongrass & Thyme scent instantly puts me in a good mood, and I love that I can whip it up from scratch in no time - all I have to do is add water. It's sustainability done better.”
19/ Veronique Gabai-Pinsky: Founder Veronique Gabai
One of the fragrance industry's leading ladies, French born Gabai spent over 20 years developing beauty a fragrance lines for celebrities whilst at Estée Lauder Companies. After climbing to the top of the corporate ladder, Gabai realised that she wanted to finally go it alone thus her brand was born.
Influenced by her French culture to create her scents and brand aesthetic, her scents are inspired by her youth in Cote d’Azur, by the Mediterranean Sea. With ingredients grown and harvested in Grasse, each fragrance is meant to give you an overload of sensations and let you escape and boy, do they.
What are your 3 go to beauty products?
'This serum has been around for ever and yet, it is still in my opinion one of the best ones out there. A miracle product!'
'Our neck is one of the areas that get very little attention, and yet one that says your age before you can even try to lie about it! Thank you Revive for taking care of our necks.'
'I cannot start my day without a moment smelling it. It fills my heart with joy and optimism, allows me to smile to the world and open my arms to this new day and all it has in store for me! And by the way….it does this to everyone! At the crossroads of aromatherapy and perfumery, we are proud to say that for the first time, a perfume has tangible and measured benefits!'
20/ Ada Ooi, Celebrity Facialist and Founder of 001 Skincare
Ada Ooi is name amongst those in the know and her celebrity clients including Rooney Mara, Emma Mackey, Ariana Debose, Jessie Buckley and Ellie Goulding to name but a few., An aesthetician and Chinese medicine practitioner, she is trained in aesthetics and aromatherapy, all disciplines in Chinese Medicine including the sophisticated auricular micro-system acupuncture.
Originally from Hong Kong, Ada grew up spending a lot of time watching her pharmacist grandfather prescribed Western medicines combining remedies taken from Chinese medical principles, formulated and blended at his pharmacy in Macau for people in need. Fast forward over a couple of decades and she mastered the most effective techniques from the Eastern and Western cosmetology and wellness industries for treating the skin, mental health and well-being holistically. By combing over 15 years of extensive skincare and cosmetic science expertise gained across continents she has also formulated a British natural-cosmeutical skincare range 001 Skincare London and her clinic, situated in Harley Street, won best clinic at the Women's Health beauty awards.
What are your 3 go to beauty products?
'2023 has been a very busy year for me so far so I often reach out to this fragrance as I find it very therapeutic. Imagine fresh roses being slow smoked over dry cedarwood, just a sniff of it quiets down my mind. Very soft and warming, it reminds me of the scented sandalwood hand fan my grandmother used to keep me cool on our bus rides when I was a child.'
'There are days that I lag and skip body moisturiser and this shower oil keeps my skin very soft and nourished. It starts off as an oil and lathers into a delicate foam without drying the skin, it feels grounding and cocooning with vanilla and myrrh lingering during and after my shower.'
'I drench my skin every night in this powerhouse serum, layering it before and after applying my moisturiser, allowing its very light and dewy formula to open pathways to push 9 actives like retinyl palmitate (a retinoid that doesn't irritate the skin), vitamin C and alpha-arbutin into the skin to address natural ageing concerns I've identified, which all of us will encounter as our oestrogen naturally drops day by day.'
21/ Amina Ajayi, product formulator and founder of 1611 LABS
If you're not au fait with 1611 labs, then it is certainly a brand to have on your radar. Founded by expert cosmetic scientist with over 14 years industry experience, Amina has been working across formulation, product development, branding, marketing, quality control and legislation.
I’ve worked with global cosmetic companies & independent brands such as COTY Inc, MAD Beauty, Sleek MakeUP, Odylique, Wunder2 & Beautonomy and 8 years ago, I created and developed lila’lli; a range of multi-functional colour cosmetics that combines everyday core essentials with bold colours and high-quality formulations.'
'Today, I manage 1611 LABS; a high-performance skincare solutions brand combining highly effective skincare treatments, with our personal consultancy programme to help achieve your healthiest skin.Each formula has been created & developed by myself; with years of research, and many iterations before approval of the final version. Our actives, bases & delivery systems, have all been carefully selected and engineered to create high performance multi-functional formulas.'
What are your 3 go to beauty products?
'This is a hug in a bottle. It’s your moisturiser, your hydrator, the one product I would recommend to anyone. If you have skin, you need this. Ultra lightweight, silky emulsion designed to help strengthen & restore the skin barrier function. With ceramides, hemp seed oil, purified extract of centella asiatica, glyceryl glucoside & plant extracts enriched in polyphenol sugar esters; to help accelerate skin repair process on damaged skin.'
'An oldie but a goodie. A staple in my makeup bag. I don't wear makeup daily, but I wasn't blessed with full, perfect brows. So, if I don't use anything, I'll be sure to fill in my brows; and this provides the most natural hair like strokes.'
'It's the perfect way to wind down in the evening after a long day.Be it a quick shower or a long bath, it's guaranteed to provide relaxation with its perfect blend of essential oils.'
22/ Dr. Colette Haydon, founder of lixirskin
Lixir skin has become one of the worst kept secret's amongst beauty editors and its become increasingly hard to not shout about how incredible these products are.
Created by Dr. Colette Haydon in her London laboratory, where Colette formulated skincare products for the most coveted brands prior to the creation of her own brand, lixirskin. A doctor in dermo-pharmacy, Colette specialises in medical skincare, and lixirskin focuses on pure molecules with published clinical results. Dr. Colette realised less is more. Products with too many active ingredients which work on different metabolic pathways confuse the skin. It works too hard, cell energy is depleted, the skin gets tired and gives up. It is better to ask the skin to do one thing at a time, but to do it well. Layering too many products is likely to produce the same result. There is also potential for counteraction and irritation if not paired correctly. Don’t play chemist, product formulation is a skill that takes years to master!
Dr. Colette also realised through her years of experience working for other brands that a good formula does it all. She doesn’t believe in having products dedicated to the face, neck or eye. The cosmetics industry creates names for products which have the same base and do the same thing – day cream, primer, night cream, moisturiser, serum etc. There is no such thing as a product which is good for one part of your skin and not the other. All skin shares the same everyday needs. For these essentials, Dr. Colette created lixirskin with multi-tasking heroes that make an instant difference and work for everyone without overloading your skin.
What are your 3 go to beauty products?
'I am amazed how quickly it works to smooth and firm menopausal skin. It also feels so cocooning when mixed with the Universal Emulsion.'
'REN is my go to brand for body care, the wash is so gentle for the skin and a little goes a long way.'
'I don’t actually wear much make-up so I like the face that this feel light with little coverage but is still an excellent concealer.'
23/ Charlotte Vøhtz, founder of Green People
Charlotte Vøhtz first began her mission to launch a range of organic personal care products in 1997, having moved from her native Denmark to the UK. Today, 26 years on, Green People’s multi award-winning range is one of the front-runners in the organic beauty industry, with more than 140 natural, organic products with dedicated ranges for all the family including specialist sun care, sensitive skin and make-up ranges.
'My young daughter Sandra was my initial inspiration to start Green People,’ she told WH. 'Sandra had very sensitive skin and was plagued with eczema. In 1994 I began searching for natural products that didn't contain harsh chemicals. I found that, despite various marketing claims, there weren't any truly natural and organic beauty products on the market. This led me on an exciting journey of researching and formulating truly organic, natural products that would help Sandra and everyone else suffering with skin sensitivities.'
Charlotte came to the discovery that products needed only have less than 1% natural or organic ingredients in the formulation to be termed ‘natural’. Charlotte’s founding principles meant that product performance and ethical practice were never sacrificed for profit. The promise to never use aggressive ingredients or synthetic chemicals, fragrances or colourants and to never test on animals, has been honoured every day since.
From specialist sun-care to organic makeup, Green People products have won countless awards, use fair trade ingredients wherever possible and the company donates 10% of its net profit to charitable causes every year. Charlotte is equally passionate about supporting women across the globe. The fairly traded Shea butter used across the Green People range is collected, naturally processed and sold by a women’s co-operative from a rural community in Ghana.
What are 3 favourite products from your range?
'I can’t live without Green People’s Age Defy+ Cell Enrich Facial Oil combined with Age Defy+ Hydrate & Renew Serum as a hydrating facial treat and make-up primer and an SPF daily. I like to use the Day Solution SPF 15 or Scent Free facial Sun Cream SPF 30.'
24/ Maya Njie, founder of Maya Njie Perfumes
Since launching 7 years ago Maya Njie androgynous notes have left addictive trails to be sought after.
Maya Njie (pronounced 'Maia N-Jai') moved to London in her late teens from Västers, Sweden. While her background lies in surface design and photography, she began experimenting with the sense of smell and initially inspired by an old family photo album that showed images of her small Swedish summer house surrounded by mercurial forests, Sunday afternoon visits to her grandparents' sparsely furnished flat and her Uncle Lars' and Aunt Erene's wedding.
Then during her time at the or The Laundry, an arts hub in London Fields, Maya delved deeper into the world of olfaction, experimenting with various raw materials and teaching herself perfumery. Visitors and tenants alike expressed an interest in her perfumes as she wore them to work and as interest grew it led to the creation on Njie Perfumes in 2016.
What are your 3 go to beauty products?
'This is my staple perfume that I wear most days. It’s a brisk and boreal spicy cedar fragrance that warms up as the day progresses. Invigorating, contemporary and gender neutral.'
'I love this cream as it feels really luxurious and substantial without being too heavy or cloying. It's been my go-to this winter and it has done a great job in keeping my skin hydrated.'
'I have used a few of these over the years and love how it feels when exfoliating, the smell is gorgeous and it's just a such a nice start to the day.'
25/ Annee de Mamiel, founder of de Mamiel skincare
From rural Australia via the Sydney futures trading floor, iron man triathlons and round the world yacht racing, to skincare expert and wellness entrepreneur; a lifetime quest for knowledge and adventure has shaped Annee de Mamiel’s unique approach to skincare.
Focused on healing the body from within, Annee expertly blends natural ingredients with Western science and evidence-based Eastern medicine to target daily stressors at every level; the physical, the emotional and the cellular. Annee is one of the world's most sought-after skincare experts, globally renowned and with a long list of loyal customers, including international Royalty and A-listers at her clinics in London, New York and Los Angeles.
Annee has an uncompromising approach to skincare, striving for visible results and long-term benefits, her dedication to discovering natural raw materials and new bio-tech ingredients to benefit both the body and mind has evolved into an award-winning product range that works on multiple levels.
de Mamiel’s natural products are research led, backed by scientific studies and tested in the de Mamiel Skin Clinic. Handcrafted in the English countryside, the range combines prescriptive botanicals, biotechnology and efficacious oils for a multi-layered and modern approach that addresses both the physical symptoms of stress and the root cause. The philosophy of Routine to Rituals; Rituals toResults turns daily habits into wellness experiences to reconnect and restore the mind, body and soul with daily use of a de Mamiel product.
2022 saw the launch of the de Mamiel residency in London at 180 Health Club and The Ned New York,where Annee and her talented team deliver a unique combination of aromatherapy, breath work and facial massage techniques to transform the skin, address the body from within and restore total equilibrium.
What are your 3 go to beauty products?
'This treats the cause and symptoms of stress on my skin. I’m very proud of this formulation and it really makes a huge difference to the quality, texture and radiance of my skin.'
'This is my go-to hair product to get hair to smell divine and add a lovely shine and smoothness without heaviness or greasiness . I have loved this ever since Adam Reed introduced me to it.'
'This brand only use the best botanicals, vitamins and minerals. It really helps me to rebalance and be much more at ease when I feel a little wobbly!'
26/ Dr Vali, founder of By Dr Vali
What are your 3 go to beauty products?
I love to use my By Dr. Vali Cutis device, every morning and night. In the morning, I usually use it before my makeup and use the micro-contouring setting together with the radiance setting for a sculpted and brighter complexion as I tend to wear less makeup on my clinic days. At night I use the tension relief setting before bed, to help me relax and soothe any tension from the day.
My Tom Ford Ebene Fume is my go to perfume, I wear it all the time. It has a strong and confident scent, I make sure I always have an extra bottle in my office to touch up throughout the day.
My Victoria Beckham eyeliner is one of my newest discoveries. I work a lot with make-up artists and this was recommended to me. I wear the Bordeaux colour as I like how it contrasts to my dark eyes.
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