Interview with Marta Organics

I am a firm believer of what you put in is what you get out. That goes across the board: with friends, work, food and skin care. And when it comes to food and skin care, I like to use products that are as raw and natural as possible. Let me introduce you to this beautiful collection of artesian skin care, all hand-blended in New Zealand, Martina Organics.

Using certified organic ingredients, this range of healing oils are created in small batches in the heart of Wellington’s bohemian Cuba Street. All Martina’s products use the finest, fresh and healthy ingredients. The active ingredients not only feel delicious on the skin – without all the nasty synthetics, preservatives or chemicals, they are also proven to heal, revitalize, protect and condition your skin.

To celebrate the beautiful new range I caught up with Marta of Martina Organics to talk about the environment, lipids, and a book about flowers. Enjoy!

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– When you created Martina Organics, what sort of feel did you want the brand to get across? Was there any aesthetic influences that you drew from?

My perception of the brand is that it’s a superlative boutique organic skincare range, made from 100% fresh and active organic high quality ingredients in quantities that are actually beneficial for the skin, so no preservatives or chemicals are used at all. It’s also a little bit Wellington / Cuba / Portuguese feeling, plus a little bit urban which I feel the logo portrays. The brand and packaging is simple and unisex which is why I liked the thick square glass bottle – plus it’s better for the environment, also the packaging is made from recycled paper. Hopefully it’s perceived by others in the same way.

– Where do you source your oils from? What is the process with this?

From all over the world, and of course New Zealand. The cleanser and moisturiser have 11 different oils each, including Camellia Oil which the Geishas use in Japan, oils from Morocco, Africa and Israel to name a few. And then it’s all about the formula and getting the combinations and quantities right for each product.

– Tell us about the benefits of using oils on your skin.

There are loads of benefits. Firstly don’t worry about feeling greasy, dry botanical oils have a molecular structure similar to the skins natural oil which don’t clog your skin and makes them easily absorbed. They’re rich in healthy skin essentials such as moisturising fatty acids, including omega-3 -6 and -9, which strengthen the skin’s lipid layer, preventing water loss, plumping the skin and stopping the signs of aging, and are in quantities that are actually beneficial for the skin.

– How did you learn about essential oils and their benefits? Was this something that was in your life prior to starting Martina Organics?

I’ve been into oils for years, so it all started about 10 years ago. I started working at a natural skincare shop, I’ve always dreamed about launching my own skincare range, so over the years, I’ve been learning about oils and their benefits. I’ve met some inspiring people in London and in Portugal who make their own products so I learnt a lot of them,  as well as making my own little batches and trying out different formulas over the years.

– How would you recommend for someone wanting to switch to oils for their skincare routine start?

I’d recommend taking baby steps, by introducing the cleanser first as that is your base and sets the tone for the rest of the products, and the toner. Once your skin starts to get used to the change in using strong active ingredients then I would introduce the oil moisturiser, and for dryer skins I recommend using a cream over top of the oil moisturiser also which I’ll be launching in a few months.

– Because your oils are unisex, did this skincare regime need to differ for men and women?

I kept it the same for men and women, even though I recommend using all three products it’s totally up to each individual person to decide which products they would to use out of the range. Everyone is different so it’s up to each person to decide what is best for their skin.

– What is your favorite combination of oils?

I love using the cleanser, as I said it’s your base but the moisturiser stays on for much longer so the benefits are stronger… so I’m going to have to say the moisturiser.

– These days it seems more and more people are looking to nourish themselves from both the inside-out and the outside-in with products that are at their most natural state. Why do you feel this rise in awareness has come about?

It’s just so important to look after your body as much as possible. We all have to think about the planet, ignorance is not bliss. So I think that more people want to do their bit to help, and of course feel healthier and happy at the same time.

– Do you/can you also use your oils for cooking?

Even though there are no chemicals or preservatives in the products you can’t ingest essential oils as they are too strong to take internally. So no, unfortunately you can’t cook with them.

– One artist whose work you love?

Becca O’Shea.. She does the coolest illustrations. She had an exhibition with a few other lovely ladies at the end of last year named GIRL. They are all so talented.

– What was the last book you read?

A book about flowers, my flat mate used to be a florist at Daisy a Day in Wellington and I was fascinated by how she can name every single flower that we walked past and would bring home beautiful bouquets all the time. So I thought it would be cool to learn more about flowers.

– Three favourite tracks that you will be playing this summer?

The Martina Organics launch party mix, by MAZDEF. It’s so good, it’s full of cool, chilled-out music with a few older tracks on there too. I’ll share it on my facebook page soon haha!

– What was the last amazing thing that you saw?

My Christmas present from my five year old niece, she gave a portrait.. “To Marty from Mia”.

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See the beautiful range of Martina Organics products here.