Superwoman Alexis Rose
Alexis Rose is a perfumer, aromatherapist and aromatherapy educator trained in organic cosmetic formulation. Prior to her beauty industry pivot, she was a wine professional! This Miami-based devotee of all things beautiful knows how to tap into her intuition to make great products and live a gorgeous life. “Life is too short for bad wine, bad food and bad music” she says!
What did you do before you founded LILFOX and how has it helped inform how you do what you do now?
I was a wine professional for almost a decade and that was all about the nuance of scent, terroir, plant source and quality. It was a natural progression from there to the aromatherapy academy. I’d always been fascinated with plant and crystal alchemy. I started formulating and the results were amazing. I knew I was onto something special, so I decided to get an Organic Cosmetic Formulation diploma and put myself out into the market.
What’s been the most surprising element of starting your own business?
It’s not been easy but I am most surprised in myself that I was able to break into the beauty business with no industry experience, beauty-industry-connections, or outside funding. To be able to carve my own path and do it my way is inspiring. If something doesn’t feel right, I have learned it's okay to say NO and turn down any of these so-called pending opportunities if they don’t line up with my intuition. Actually it’s quite empowering.
What's your secret strategy to Longevity?
Lots of beauty sleep, surrounding myself with beautiful things and kind people , and at least one long bath daily allowing plenty of me-time and solitude.
What are some daily non-negotiables for you when it comes to taking care of yourself?
- At at least 7 hours of sleep.
- Staying in a hotel with a luxe soaking tub when traveling.
- Always have amazing quality of food and wine around me. I LOVE to cook and try lots of new recipes with new flavors and lots of veggies.
- Life is too short for bad wine, bad food and bad music.
How do you implement your own products into your routine?
I have a strong intuitive nature. I never have the same daily beauty ritual or skincare routine. LILFOX is a maximalist line and I love having so many amazing and effective products at my fingertips. I will switch up my daily rituals based on what my skin is communicating at that very moment. Some days consist of multiple layers of luxurious skin nourishing botanical after multiple masks, while other days may be just a few drops of nectar and a spritz of a hydrosol mist. I call this my own SKIN-TUITION.
What other brands, founders or personalities do you find inspiring?
I have been a huge fan of Linda Rodin, Norma Kamali, and Betsey Johnson. These women have been unapologetic about carving out their own path to accomplish big things with their life’s work, working incredibly hard at it, while also being incredibly colorful with their own unique aesthetic.
What website or IG page do you visit daily for input and to stay up to date?
I love Athena’s Calderone of @eyeswoon for inspiration and daily reminders to do each and everything with intention and beauty. Also Kelly Wearstler. She is a total interior rockstar! If I could move into the Santa Monica Proper Hotel she designed, I would.
How do you structure your work day to help get things done while staying calm?
Lots of little breaks in between tasks. I love to switch up my location and get lots of fresh air and outdoor time with my dogs during the work day. Also eating small portions throughout the day every 3-4 hours really agrees with me. I must schedule my day where I am in my creative space mornings and early afternoons. If I am in the beauty lab and am planning on making a batch of fresh skin treats—that must happen before 1 pm when my energy is high and bright. Energy is Everything.
Who do you turn to for advice, support and help?
My mother for her strength and wisdom. My partner/Spanish lover aka Mr. FOX Jose for compassion and business advice.
Do you have a morning routine that you stick to every day?
Not right now! We just moved into our new home which wasn’t quite finished being renovated so I welcome bringing exercise back into my morning-time. We live on the Biscayne Bay so I will be carving out time for morning walks with the pups and doing some stretching sessions right on the beautiful bay before coffee and emails.
What do you do to unwind and relax in the evening?
Salty Soak with the AZURE and a Lymphatic Chill Wand massage with Dewy Bean and Prickly Pear. It’s such a soothing, beautifying way to end the day.
What’s your favorite meal to eat?
Super fresh and simple sushi, nigiri when the temperature on the rice is just a little warm and the sushi melts in your mouth.
What’s your number one beauty “secret”?
Beauty Hack 101 Hydrogen-Peroxide. I buy the food grade kind as the drugstore brand contains heavy metals. I like to rinse my mouth every night with this for 30 seconds, or before I am going to an event where I will be talking to a lot of people. This keeps my teeth so white and bacteria at bay. It's the only active ingredient in almost all of the expensive teeth whitening products.
What’s your go-to scent to boost your mood?
Bergamot. It's so multidimensional.
Where do you go to relax, rejuvenate and recharge?
If I can’t make it to Italy, my eucalyptus scented steam shower. I love to throw a towel down and stretch in the steam and finish with a cold shower.
What’s your favorite travel destination?
Italy. I LOVE Sicily. You have the smoking volcano that feels like you are climbing a mountain with fresh crisp air and evergreens everywhere and within an hour you can be on the pebbled beaches of Taormino, sipping on some natural Etna Rosso and snacking on marinated carciofio, and within another hour be in a protected Evergreen Forest again. This is everything I could ask for in an island. La Dolce Vita!
Besides your own incredible products, what other Muse & Heroine products do you swear by?
I have not tried this line, but have been ferociously eye-ing CECILIA HOLISTC BEAUTY. I can't wait to try some of her beautiful creations. They seem magical.
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