Clemency and I first made our acquaintance over six years ago, back in 2018, when she sent along the face oil she had been working on (it was amazing). Little did we know that a worldwide pandemic was looming, which would soon put everything we could dream up on hold. Fast forward to the present day, and the skincare specialist and esthetician has leveraged her over two decades of industry experience to create a beautiful luxury skincare range. Imagined from wildcrafted, organic, and plant-derived ingredients—including natural essential oils, floral waxes, marine bio-actives, Eau de Rose, and plant stem cells—this line aims to restore, comfort, and protect skin from environmental aggressors, helping it return to a balanced, healthy state.
In the book All Made Up: The Power and Pitfalls of Beauty Culture, from Cleopatra to Kim Kardashian by Rae Nudson, the author writes, “Before the modern beauty industry, families in many cultures around the world often passed down recipes for face creams and other cosmetics, making makeup a family affair. People generally made cosmetics in kitchens instead of buying them in stores. Recipes for cosmetics were dispersed alongside recipes for cooking and medicines. Families would create recipe books they could pass down to children, or knowledge was traded among neighbors. Many central European families had their own recipes for face cream, often mixed on the kitchen stove then packed and preserved.”
Drawing inspiration from this traditional approach, this range is not mass-produced but meticulously hand-blended in New Zealand. It combines innovation with time-honoured methods, each product created in small batches using carefully sourced natural, organic, and wildcrafted ingredients. Wildcrafting is the practice of responsibly harvesting plants from their natural habitats, allowing them to thrive in diverse environmental conditions. This process yields resilient and nutrient-rich herbs and botanicals, surpassing the quality of their cultivated counterparts. We embrace the philosophy that skincare should be as pure and natural as possible, free from harsh chemicals or unnecessary fillers.
I firmly believe that the overall condition of one’s skin is primarily influenced by genetic factors, hormonal balance, and environmental exposures rather than specific topical products. Genetics, age, and lifestyle choices play a pivotal role.
Habits like smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, poor nutrition, lack of exercise, and inadequate sleep can have detrimental effects on skin health and appearance. These habits contribute to dehydration, oxidative stress, and inflammation, leading to a dull, fatigued complexion and an increased risk of conditions such as acne and eczema. Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can cause sunburn, premature ageing (wrinkles, fine lines, age spots), and heighten the risk of skin cancer. Environmental stressors like pollution, smoke, harsh weather conditions, and chemical exposures can compromise the skin barrier, causing irritation, inflammation, and accelerated ageing.
That said, I started caring for my skin in my teens, beginning with Clinique’s simple 3-step system, which gradually became more comprehensive. However, no matter how late I stayed out, I never skipped at least cleansing, toning, and moisturising. Nowadays, I keep my routine simple, sticking with cleansing and moisturising most days and always wearing sunscreen. I drink plenty of water, sleep on a silk pillowcase, and try not to touch my face excessively. I have never had any injections (Botox, fillers, etc.) and am not planning on going that route (no judgement if it’s your preference). But I believe that sun protection, maintaining a balanced diet (yes, there are occasional wine indulgences on weekends), staying hydrated, managing stress as much as possible, and using appropriate skincare products are key to healthy skin. For me, a high-quality moisturiser is essential.
While the efficacy of certain ingredients like peptides, Vitamin C, collagen, hyaluronic acid, and even retinoids is under new scrutiny, there are skincare products that have proven their worth. Sunscreens, acne treatments, and moisturisers are widely recognized for their effectiveness in maintaining skin health. These products play crucial roles in shielding against harmful UV rays, combating acne, and providing essential hydration, respectively. It is for this reason that we are dedicating our efforts to offering the finest wildcrafted, organic, and plant-derived range of moisturising products available.
“As we get older, skin gets thinner, it gets drier,” states Dana Sachs, a dermatologist at the University of Michigan. “The barrier is not as good as it used to be. Whenever there are breaks in the barrier, that’s when you are more prone to infection, that can lead to inflammation in the skin. Moisturizing the skin is really key to keeping it in good shape.”
Below is an overview of each product, what it does, and what I love about it.
This luxurious face oil serum is a bouquet of exotic floral essences, blending precious Egyptian, Turkish, and Bulgarian rose with the delicate aroma of opalescent jasmine, cradled in organic Japanese camellia seed oil. Crafted with artisanal calendula flowers, infused oil, and rosehip, this serum is suitable for all skin types, including delicate and sensitive complexions. It is a perfect synergy of botanical actives and exquisite rose extracts, meticulously formulated to restore the skin’s lipid barrier, harmonising oil and moisture levels, and gently guiding your skin to a state of comfort and optimal hydration.
NOTES
The Rosa Camelia Face Oil is probably the nicest I have ever used (and I’ve tried many, many). Not only does it have the most beautiful scent, but it also feels wonderfully silky as it absorbs into the skin. This face oil has a remarkably calming and hydrating effect, creating a luxurious experience every time I use it. My ritual involves warming a few drops between my fingertips and gently massaging it into clean, slightly damp skin with upward strokes—on evenings when I sense my complexion needs extra care and hydration. In the mornings, I sometimes add a drop to my liquid foundation to create a dewy blend after applying sunscreen.
Balm of Encens is a luxurious multi-tasking beauty balm that serves as a regenerative face cleanser, mask, and eye/lip treatment. Enriched with plant-based omegas, antioxidants, and naturally occurring vitamins A, B, E, and K, it creates a cocooning experience for the skin and senses. This versatile balm helps maintain your skin’s softness and elasticity with a nourishing blend of pure plant extracts, including Clemency Alice’s signature Camellia (the ‘Rose of Winter’), an infusion of artisanal Calendula flowers (soothing), sea green Avocado (nourishing), and Rosemary CO2 Antioxidant. It is infused with the restorative essences of Frankincense (healing), locally-sourced Te Horo coastal Lavender, Rose Geranium (balances sebum production), soothing Chamomile Romaine, rejuvenating Elemi, and anti-inflammatory Myrrh.
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This versatile beauty balm has become an essential part of my daily routine. Each morning after cleansing, and every evening before bed, I warm a small amount between my fingertips and delicately pat the Balm of Encens around my eye area, allowing it to work its magic as an eye cream. I also gently press it into any dry patches (the winter weather, radiators, and hard water have been particularly harsh on my skin lately). On days when my face needs extra care, I use it as a deeply hydrating face mask. I also use the multipurpose balm as an intensive hand treatment from time to time.
This opulent chamomile creme concentrate draws on traditional cold cream methods to nourish and protect normal, dry, and sensitive skin. Chamomile and rose extracts calm and soothe, minimizing the appearance of redness, couperose, and irritation. Camellia, sweet almond, and rose petal extracts, plus an exclusive Five Flower Complex, soften and tone the skin. Rose petal wax helps lock in moisture and elasticity for a beautiful, healthy-looking complexion.
NOTES
This is a truly wonderful moisturiser. The scent is absolutely divine, making it a real pleasure to use. After cleansing, I melt a tiny amount between my fingertips and gently press into my skin, covering my face and neck. You only need a very small amount, as once it melts, it goes a long way and absorbs quickly, leaving behind a lovely scent of eau de rose and soft, deeply replenished skin. I tend to use this product mostly in the evenings, sometimes pairing it with the Rosa Camelia Face Oil for an extra boost of hydration while I sleep.
