Susanne Kaufmann's inspiring self-care rituals are soothing by osmosis
There’s self-care-centred skincare and then there’s Susanne Kaufmann, the embodiment of the intersection between beauty and wellness – both in product form and person. The businesswoman behind the brand has breathed holistic beauty and sustainable living for as long as she can remember.
“Growing up amidst the stunning landscape of the Austrian Alps we made healing tonics, marigold cream and arnica schnapps and so I have always had a deep appreciation and respect for nature; how it can thrive in the harshest environments and recognising its incredible healing powers,” she tells us of her culture, which has forever valued the ritualistic practice of skin, hair and body care.
Kaufmann joined the family firm, Hotel Post Bezau, in 1994. “Long known as a medicinal spa for its holistic wellness practices, I took over as the fifth generation, overhauling the concept to incorporate the most modern techniques centred around wellness,” she explains. “When it came to finding skincare for the spa’s treatments, in the early 2000s natural products were not easily accessible or efficacious, so amid these challenges we were one of the first to step up and pioneer this approach.” Her passion turned to producing skincare solutions to fit the family’s high-performance philosophy that embraced the same natural, regional, and sustainable values as the hotel itself for the spa’s signature treatments – “truly effective, powered by natural ingredients for the most powerful results, and responsibly made”.
The brand is rooted in the importance of self-care, of which skincare plays a key part, she believes. From elixirs enabling mindful facial massage, a lymphatic drainage boost, or a soothing soak when bathing, the products present a piece of her world – which she shines a light on here. But Kaufmann's formula for living well can’t be boxed into a model to emulate. “Wellness looks different to everyone. It is not striving for perfection, but about self-growth – by listening to our minds and bodies and doing things that make us feel good.” Her personal philosophy? “Wellness should be rooted in the belief that taking care of yourself is not a luxury but a necessity. By prioritising self-care, mindfulness, movement and connection to nature, we can cultivate a deeper sense of wellbeing that radiates from within.” Here she shares the daily rituals that work for her.
On her morning routine…
“I start every morning with a large glass of water and fresh lemon before doing anything else. Then I have a cold shower, switching from hot to cold and hot again; this process helps to stimulate and promote a healthy immune system.
“I then take my time to apply my skincare routine; our Gentle Cleansing Milk followed by our Soothing Toner, my favourite Rejuvenating Eye Cream, one of our targeted serums, the Moisturising Day Fluid, and a La Roche Posay SPF. For my body care, I will reach for the product my body needs that day; I use our Body Butter when my skin is feeling dry, or one of our Body Oils when I need more nourishing care.
“I also love using a face roller, which relieves muscle inflammation and strengthens the connective tissue, and a body brush, which promotes circulation and detoxification.”
On her daily movement…
“Regular exercise is a top priority for me, both outdoors and indoors. I prefer to start my day with a morning walk in the forest or, if it’s raining, I go to the gym to energise myself. I make sure to incorporate weight training into my routine as well as cardio.
“I vary my workouts by running or biking in the nearby mountains twice a week, and I also like to attend Pilates classes. I love to work out in my Adidas by Stella McCartney sportswear.”
On her daily diet…
“I prioritise healthy eating by consistently cooking with fresh, seasonal and locally sourced ingredients; believing in its importance year-round, not just as a fleeting resolution.
“I find my blender and juicer indispensable for creating nourishing, nutrient-rich beverages and soups that fuel my body and enhance my vitality.
“I like to start my day with berry-filled porridge to set a positive tone, and enjoy indulging in a glass of fine wine during dinner. While I occasionally use alkalising powders, I generally avoid excessive use of supplements.”
On her other daily self-care rituals…
“I have a five-minute ritual where you simply stop what you’re doing, take a deep breath and breathe out very slowly through your mouth. This practice helps calm the nervous system and lower your cortisol levels. My morning walks in the forest, inhaling the fresh alpine air, further support my breathwork.
“Baths are also such a great form of self-care. The wonderful thing about bathing is that you can personalise your bath depending on what your physical and/or mental needs are. You will need a different type of bath product if your skin is dry, for example, compared with if your muscles are tense. It is such a brilliant opportunity to give your body what it needs, and give your mind a moment to rest and re-set.
“Most important for me is sleep; for cell renewal and for the fact that the body benefits more from an extra hour of sleep in the morning than it does from an exercise session. This is particularly important when you have a hectic schedule so you should aim to always give time for your body to rest. “To enhance my sleep, I wear a Hanro eye mask.”
On her evening routine…
“Depending on my schedule, I enjoy creating a tranquil atmosphere by lighting a candle and indulging in a bath, I’m currently using the latest Hayflower Bath Oil which is perfect for relaxing the muscles, unwinding and clearing the mind. I like to exfoliate and then apply a nourishing face mask while soaking. Afterwards, I seal the beautiful moisture from the bath oil into the skin with our Body Butter for deep nourishment.
“When I’m short on time I treat myself to a footbath with our Alkali Salts formula and a relaxing herbal tea for a wonderful self-care ritual, helping to alleviate stress and promote overall wellbeing.
“I've always advocated for seeing beauty holistically. When we prioritise our overall wellbeing, it naturally reflects in our complexion.”
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