Superwoman Marianne Brass
What did you do before you founded Oryza and how has it helped inform how you do what you do now?
I have always worked in the beauty industry. I started in fragrance in NYC and then worked in skincare in product development in big groups such as L’Occitane in Asia and France. I was passionate about active ingredients and formulation, but I started to feel limited in what I could do so I decided to start my own business to be free to create my vision of beauty.
What’s been the most surprising element of starting your own business?
It’s been like having a third child, thinking about it every minute. Trying to make it grow the best and most stable way. Regarding skincare in particular, I have been very surprised by the need for advice. I couldn’t imagine that I would receive that many questions about what routine to adopt and that people would be so grateful for it. I now realize that most people do not know their skin, nor their needs and that they are looking for help. Taking time to give good advice is now at the heart of our daily concerns, as it really makes the difference.
What's your secret strategy to Longevity?
Taking time to do things right. Building a brand is like building a house… you need to have solid foundations to grow properly and to be stable in the long run. I hate to rush into things. Everything is about patience, perseverance, taking time to make good decisions and sticking to the brand’s values.
What are some daily non-negotiables for you when it comes to taking care of yourself?
A balanced and healthy diet. A good skincare routine. A lot of water. And 7 to 8 hours sleep ☺ If I could, I would do yoga every day to strengthen my body and clear my mind, but I lack time. I manage to do it 3 times a week.
How do you implement your own products into your routine?
I use them all !
I remove make-up and clean my face every night with the Cleansing Oil. I then use the Perfecting Peel (my absolute favorite) to remove dead cells and prepare my skin for treatments, especially during winter time where complexion can be gray.
I alternate or combine the serums depending on my skin and hormones. I use the Fundamental Serum every morning to moisturize and protect my skin with its high level of antioxidants. At night, I like to use the Revitalizing Serum to boost cell renewal. About one week to 10 days prior to my period, I use the Perfecting Serum to balance the skin and prevent imperfections due to hormonal changes.
I use the Essential Cream and Beauty Oil day and night, after the serums.
As for the masks, I use them both as well: the Reoxygenating Mask to detox skin cells and restore oxygen and the Revitalizing Mask to deeply moisturize.
My night routine is the following:
1 - Cleansing Oil: to efficiently remove make-up, impurities and toxins while providing a first care to the ski
2 - Perfecting Peel: to remove dead cells, boost cell renewal, fight against signs of aging and imperfections, even out skin tone and boost the efficiency of serums.
3 - Revitalizing Serum: to fight signs of aging and boost cell renewal
4 - Essential Cream to moisturize and comfort
5- Beauty Oil to nourish, regenerate
My day routine:
1 - Fundamental Serum to deeply hydrate and protect
2 - Essential Cream to moisturize, comfort and protect
3 - Beauty Oil: a few drops to smooth skin and illuminate complexion
4 - Perfecting Serum added approx 10 days before the period.
What other brands, founders or personalities do you find inspiring?
It’s a difficult question as there are so many inspiring personalities and founders… but here are a few:
- Simone Veil as a French holocaust survivor and politician who played a major role in feminism
- Coco Chanel, the queen of haute couture, for her timeless pieces, the little black dress, the iconic Chanel 5 fragrance… but also for revolutionizing women’s fashion by introducing trousers, suits other than long dresses…
- BioNTech co-founders : the couple Ugur Sahin and Özlem Türeci who developed a Covid vaccine in 9 months and are working on a messenger RNA vaccine against cancer… which would be revolutionary.
What website or IG page do you visit daily for input and to stay up to date?
I read the Figaro Magazine for daily news, I follow many beauty brands and inspiring naturopaths, inspirational lifestyle accounts like Milk Magazine, beauty related accounts like Into the Gloss and of course Muse and Heroine!
How do you structure your work day to help get things done while staying calm?
I work with a to-do list that helps me keep track of my daily tasks. I always take a break at lunch time where I do sports, or have lunch with a friend in order to reset and focus in the afternoon.
Who do you turn to for advice, support and help?
It really depends on the subject but I mostly ask my husband, father, brothers, or other friends that have their own brands when it comes to business. For personal matters, I still turn to my mum or best friend.
Do you have a morning routine that you stick to every day?
I always start my day with a matcha latte and supplements ☺ I also do a 3 minutes face work-out with the Beauty Oil before applying my skincare.
What do you do to unwind and relax in the evening?
I put my phone away and spend quality time with my kids. Their innocence and enthusiasm for everything helps me unwind. Before going to sleep, I read a book or watch a series. Sometimes, I meet with friends and enjoy a glass of wine.
What’s your favorite meal to eat?
Salt-crusted sea bass !
What’s your number one beauty “secret”?
Balance! It’s really hard to tell only “one” secret as I believe there is no such thing as balance and holistic beauty. My beauty secret is to have a balanced lifestyle with a balanced diet, clean and efficient skincare, good sleep, sports… but also quality time with my friends, kids or my husband and a lot of laughter… as I believe there is nothing more beautiful than happiness and a smile.
Regarding skincare products, it would be the Perfecting Peel ;-)
Where do you go to relax, rejuvenate and recharge?
Quinta da Comporta ! This place is so magical, authentic and unique. It’s the best place to recharge and reconnect to yourself and to nature.
What’s your favorite travel destination ?
Ibiza. I have been going to Ibiza since I was a child and I love the energy on this island. It’s so positive and powerful. When I am there, I feel free and happy.
Besides your own incredible products, what other Muse & Heroine products do you swear by?
I love Combeau “L’Essentiel Peau” supplement and a Sentara Holistic gua-sha, to complete my Oryza Lab skincare routine.