Consumers in the beauty industry are among the most discerning and demanding. They look closely at ingredients. Packaging—whether in the form of luxu flacons or plastic-free bars—factor greatly into the purchasing process. Ethos and messaging also play a huge role in creating that emotional connection with the consumer. And rightfully so. During moments of me-time self-care beauty products are the only companions welcome in our sacred space.

The addition of NAKIE COQUETTE’s inaugural product, Rosehip Roleplay Oil, brought with it a fun retro, almost pin up girl, type of vibe to skin pampering. Contained in a luxurious refillable, reusable and recyclable apothecary bottle, this pure and naked skin elixir held the promise of youth in a bottle. Founders Niki Schwan and Jessica Penzari share, “We know better than anyone that aging gracefully requires quality skincare.” With careers in fashion and PR, the best friends decided to create clean and sustainable products that would support youthful skin—sans the Botox.

“Rosehip Roleplay Face Oil is the ultimate sumptuous blend of naked, nourishing, skin penetrating, anti inflammatory and anti oxidant ingredients for all skin types,” the duo describes. When they launched in mid August, they decided to focus solely on perfecting the formula and packaging for their “debut star,” Zero compromises were made when it came to sourcing the finest and purest of ingredients. They add, “Beyond a face oil, Rosehip Roleplay Oil can also be applied to the scalp, cuticles, neck, decollete and anywhere else that needs a little bit of added opulence.”

SUSTAINABLE IS SEXY

The same mindset applied to the design of their packaging. Typically, clean and sustainable beauty products are housed in chic, minimalist containers and boxes. Choice of neutral colors are often preferred, perhaps as an allusion to it being sourced solely in nature. NAKIE COQUETTE was a most welcome pop of cheekiness, color, and sass.

Jessica writes, “Niki (who has worked as a creative director and wardrobe stylist) is bringing her provocative, yet classic lens to the brand’s aesthetic with cheeky branding and retro luxe packaging the promised to adorn your vanity for a lifetime. But make no mistake this ain’t your grandma’s cold cream.” NAKIE COQUETTE crystal bottles were intended as collectibles that you can refill with the brand’s stellar Rosehip Roleplay Face Oil. 

The glass flacon pays homage to the pre single-use plastic era. NIki and Jessica explain, “It was a time when beauty products were meant to be collected and cherished.” Only sustainable materials were utilized in the making of these beauty keepsakes—glass crystal, aluminum and cork. A velvet pouch for when travelling with NAKIE COQUETTE also resembles jewelry cases of a golden era. Niki shares, “Ultimately, we are striving to create meaningful experiences through intentional, sumptuous products and packaging. We’re proudly Leaping Bunny Certified, the gold standard in cruelty free. For our launch we have partnered with One Tree Planted to plant one tree for every product sold.”

CBD AS THE SAFE WORD

The decision to name their brand Nakie Coquette draws from the intention to use only the purest and cleanest ingredients. They share, “All Nakie Coquette products adhere to Credo’s Clean Beauty Standards (the strongest in the industry) and feature the most potent concentrations of effective, ethically-sourced ingredients.” Both founders are staunch believers in the healing power of CBD and so they thought to showcase it as a hero ingredient. “We source only the finest CBD Isolate—cannabidoil in its purest form, extracted through state-of-the-art process.”

There is limited space on my beauty shelf. Since discovering the anti inflammatory and anti aging benefits of cannabidoil, products infused with CBD have occupied limited places of pride. As the beauty arsenal for cooler climates is rotated to make room for more nourishing formulas, NAKIE COQUETTE is currently front and center. While adding sexy, cheeky yet sustainable flair to the everyday skincare routine, the Rosehip Rose Play Face Oil is as good as a safe word against the brutal reality of aging, drying and dulling.

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View the article by Bianca Salonga on Forbes.com