How They Got Famous
Find Out Why They're Famous
La Mer | Jo Malone | Lipstick Queen | Dr. Hauschka
Even if you've never used them, you've probably seen these brands before. Your friends use them, or you've glimpsed them at the local department store. But have you ever wondered why so many people flock to buy them? This month, we peel back the curtain and take a look at four hit brands that have revolutionized the beauty world.
The Icon: Crème de La Mer
Weirdly enough, La Mer wasn't founded by a beautician or makeup artist, but an aerospace engineer. In the 1950's, Dr. Max Huber was caught in a lab explosion that covered him with chemical burns. When he couldn't find a product to help him, he decided to create one himself instead. Legend has it he spent the next 12 years experimenting with a kelp-based elixir to remake his damaged skin. And the funny thing is, he actually succeeded!
Why do we love it?
Crème de La Mer means 'Cream of the Sea', and its secret is the potent, ocean-based Miracle Broth that makes up the base. Sea kelp, calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron and various vitamins and oils are fermented for 3-4 months, with sonic vibrations added to unlock their sonochemical potential. The cream was so incredibly effective that it eventually erased all signs of chemical scarring from Dr. Max Huber's face.
What else is cool?
La Mer's entire product range is crafted around Miracle Broth, so you literally can't go wrong. We like The Eye Concentrate for its witchcraft-like abilities to diminish dark circles and wipe out fine lines. Plus, nothing beats the Regenerating Serum in turning back the clock. Check out the product reviews if you're still not a believer. This is a brand that fulfils its promises, so if you're looking for results, this one's for you.
The Icon: Earl Grey & Cucumber Cologne
Jo Malone is the classic rages to riches story - a girl brought up in a council house in Bexleyheath who started mixing bath oils in her house as a schoolgirl and ended up making it big. Her excellent nose allowed her to create winning fragrance combinations which led to a whole range of perfumes that can be layered to create a unique personal scent. Our favourite is Earl Grey & Cucumber, which makes us think of iconic teas and paper-thin sandwiches - the quintessential British combination.
Why do we love it?
There's almost no way to choose just one, because this brand is all about mixing and layering. And though most of them are called 'colognes', everything is super wearable for both guys and girls. Our favourite picks draw on Jo Malone's British background for inspiration and make us feel like we're strolling down through the wild moors, surrounded by heather. Try the delightfully fresh English Pear & Freesia or Red Roses if you want an olfactory trip to the English countryside.
What else is cool?
Besides light colognes, the brand also has an 'Intense' line that boasts a higher concentration of fragrance. Try Orris & Sandalwood Cologne Intense for a sumptuous, powdery experience that is out of this world. Bonus: it comes in a sleek black bottle that will look obscenely luxe on any dresser.
The Icon: Medieval Lipstick
As a teenager, Poppy King scoured local stores for the perfect shade of lipstick and came up empty. So instead of waiting around, she decided to formulate her own. Within 3 years, her iconic lipsticks were flying off the shelves in Australia. King's early start as a lipstick entrepreneur meant that when she eventually founded Lipstick Queen in New York much later, the game-changing company hit the ground running and never looked back. Now her Medieval Lipstick is here to show that you, too, can be a Queen.
Why do we love it?
Medieval Lipstick is brand's bestselling product, though nobody ever expected it to be. While other lippies can brag about being matte, bold or opaque, this one is a sheer soft red that doesn't apologize for being low-key. Once you put it on, you'll see what we mean. Not only does it look flattering on everyone, but it truly pulls off the coveted "no makeup" look that you want to achieve on lazy weekends or laid-back days.
What else is cool?
Want a vintage coral lip? Try Jungle Queen in Pop Payaya, which imparts a stunning orange stain. Feeling like going burgundy in a throwback to the 90's? Saint Lipstick has you covered with a ton of sheer shades. Prefer something decadently opaque? Sinner Lipstick gives you a solid hit of colour with 90% pigment, so you can rock your way to the club. We can't stress this enough: there's a shade and finish for everyone.
The Icon that started it all: Rose Day Cream
The original Dr. Hauschka was an Austrian-born chemist. Inspired by the body's ability to heal itself, he began studying ways to prepare botanical extracts without using alcohol. In 1929, he successfully created a water-based extract of rose petals that would remain stable for 30 years. It was a stunning breakthrough, and the extract quickly made its way into medicine. But it was only when he partnered with Elisabeth Sigmund to create a holistic skincare line using the same extract that the hit product known as Rose Day Cream was born.
Why do we love it?
Everything in the Dr. Hauschka brand is made of 100% natural ingredients, and Rose Day Cream is no exception. This award-winning product is filled with essential oils and extracts of marsh mallow and soothing St. John's wort in order to smooth, hydrate, and fortify. Since Dr. Hauschka is one of the forerunners of the organic beauty movement, the brand is totally transparent with its ingredient lists. You won't find unpronounceable chemicals here! Even the most sensitive skin can use it without problems, guaranteed.
What else is cool?
Besides its super gentle moisturizers, Dr. Hauschka also produces a huge range of products to soothe fragile, anxious skin. Its popular Cleansing Cream, of example, is formulated without irritating, skin-stripping SLS, so it will leave you feeling fresh and hydrated. Other bestsellers include the huge range of body oils, which are so successful at healing stretch marks and revitalizing tired skin that devoted fans won't use anything else. Just be warned: these products are so good, you might get addicted!
