Present at the official launch of theSkintopic’s 4th stand-alone kiosk and the introduction of Evolu to their existing range of New Zealand skincare and bodycare products yesterday was Kati Kasza ((pronounced “Cottie Kossa”). Kati’s first steps into skincare arose from her frustration at not being able to find a product to resolve the problems that plagued her skin. Products that promised to suppress the visible effects of stress left her skin unchanged. So, drawing on her family background, Kati resolved to look for her own solution.
She began with botanical ingredients: pure essential oils and plant extracts, and 100% pure New Zealand spring water. Using her deep knowledge of botanicals, and avoiding unnecessary synthetics, she worked to create a small batch of products with one aim in mind: to help her skin achieve its ideal balance. Kati soon found that the resulting products were in demand, so production quickly moved to a professional laboratory, and Evolu was born. Today Kati works with expert cosmetologists while maintaining her hands-on approach to developing her formulations, customising each to specific requirements and continuing her exploration of scientific findings in nature. I managed to ask Kati a few questions about Evolu before she began her presentation and product demonstration.
What’s the background of Evolu – how and why it was developed?
My parents were Hungarian refugees, my father is a winemaker and my mother is a herbalist horticulturist. They grew a lot of fruit trees, we always had home-made bread and plum juice. I grew up knowing what it was to live natural everyday. I was a French and English teacher and later on joined Air New Zealand as a flight attendant. I became a skincare connoisseur as flying was terrible for my skin and my skin condition became worse although my French improved. At that time, I didn’t use any natural products. My mother who was then President of the Auckland Herb Society advised me to make my own products so that they could be tailored to suit my skin condition. I could get the textures I wanted and craft it accordingly. I was passionate about it, discovered essential oils and met my husband who was in advertising. So 16 years ago, Evolu was founded and it’s still a crafted brand. I have always stood behind the philosophies of my brand : honesty, sharing information and knowledge. My mission in life is to help people understand what “healthy” means. I am also a facial therapist. My salon is located at Grey Lynn (Ponsonby Road) Auckland.
Other than New Zealand and Malaysia, where else can we find Evolu products?
In Singapore, Evolu products are sold at Robinson’s, John Little, Guardian outlets and natural stores like Beauty By Nature. In Taiwan, they are in 400 Watson’s outlets. Hopefully they will also be available in Australia soon.
What are Evolu’s best-selling products in Asia?
1) Relaxing Creme Cleanser soothes skin, takes off make-up and prepares skin for hydration.
2) Protective Day Cream SPF 15 which you can wear under make-up. Evolu skincare can be layered because they are so fine. If you applied the Recovery Day Cream first followed by the Protective Day Cream SPF 15, it wouldn’t feel heavy and leave no oily residue.
3) De-Stress Soothing Eye Gel is very popular in Taiwan and Singapore because it de-stresses, reduces eye puffiness, soothes and has anti-irritation properties. Put it in the fridge for a more cooling effect and it can be patted over make-up.
Evolu skincare is for all skin types, needs and conditions.
Evolu has 2 facial oils, please elaborate on those.
1) Certified Organic Rosehip Oil is a light, natural version of Bio-Oil. It is pure and clean and soaks in with no oily after-feel. It’s good for scars and hydration. It can be used on stretch marks and even babies. I use it on my legs for hydration especially when I am on a flight.
2) Facial Serum is my favourite product. This oil-based serum is like liquid gold and is the caviar version of the Rosehip Oil. It’s an anti-oxidant powerhouse, it contains jojoba, evening primrose, omega 6, rose absolue, vanilla and neroli.
What bodycare products would you recommend to first-time Evolu customers?
The Refreshing Body Wash (a Juniper favourite!) and Smoothing Body Lotion which is non-sticky and contains ylang ylang, lime, lemon and kawakawa which can soothe inflammations and alleviate irritations.
There’s also the Nourishing Hand + Cuticle Cream which can be used on hair ends and give volume to short hair.
What do you hope for Evolu in the Asian market?
I hope Evolu will be globally known as we have so much to offer. My mission is to spread the knowledge that to use natural products and be beautiful is possible with amazing results. I’d like to see botanical skincare as everyone’s choice.
Do you see a growing trend towards natural/botanical skincare?
Definitely and it’s continuing to grow as people start using and see the results.
Are the bodycare products suitable for young children?
Yes, products such as the Refreshing Body Wash can be used by kids and men. Other products which can be used by kids are the Softening Handwash and Silkening Shampoo.
I notice that some of the bodycare products come in large sizes which may make it rather impractical to bring along when travelling. Are there any plans to produce them in more travel-friendly sizes?
We can do that :)!
De-Stress Soothing Eye Gel sounds interesting!