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Suitcase Series: Susanne Kaufmann Founder of skincare brand SUSANNE KAUFMANN
This week we caught up with Susanne Kaufmann, the woman behind the skincare brand Susanne Kaufmann, to find out what she never travels without, her packing tips, and what her most memorable trip has been so far…
A pioneer in natural, sustainable skincare since 2003, Susanne’s life and work combine unique Austrian traditions with modern innovation. Born and raised in Bregenzerwald, an idyllic region nestled in the Austrian Alps, Susanne grew up with an endless flow of inspiration that came from the nature that surrounded her, alongside a tight-knit community that prides itself on self-sustainability and local, artisan craftmanship passed down for generations.
At the age of 23, after graduating from the hotel management school “Centre International de Glion” in Montreux, Susanne took over the family-run Hotel Post in Bezau, which had been helmed by the Kaufmann family since the 1850s.
One of Susanne’s initial projects was to develop the hotel’s Spa with its own range of signature beauty treatments. She quickly realised this would need to be married with a cosmetic line that not only supported the treatments but also resonated with her connection to nature and celebrated regional, sustainable values without compromising on efficacy. And so, the hotel and its spa were the birthplaces of Kaufmann’s eponymous brand that has sustainably and locally produced natural skincare for over 18 years.
From a young age, Susanne was immersed in an understanding of local traditions and the beauty and wellness benefits that could be found in the powerful plants that grew in abundance in the areas. The result?
A line of natural skin, body, and bath products that bring together the beneficial properties of Alpine flora locally sourced, with proven skin science to deliver highly effective long-lasting results. The powerful and natural formulas are created using only the finest plants and botanicals, carefully chosen for their efficacy and skin affinity as well as pioneering sustainable manufacturing methods.
Susanne continues to steer the brand from Austria, working closely with local partners and long-standing regional relationships to lead the way in sustainable production, scientific ingredient findings and efficacious, natural formulas.
In this week’s Suitcase Series, equipped with Susanne Kaufmann Enzyme Exfoliator $97.00 we take a sneak peek into Susanne Kaufmann ‘s travel psyche…
What’s been your most memorable trip, and why?
What’s your favourite ever hotel?
I struggle to choose between just one. Hotel Post Bezau will always hold a special place for me. Located in the Austrian Alps and steeped in my family history (I am the fifth generation in my family to join the hotel in the 1990s) it is where I first founded the brand back in 2003. Then I have a strong love for Domaine De Primard in France and São Lourenço do Barrocal, a country estate located in the foothills of the medieval village of Monsara, Portugal famous for the most beautiful sunsets.
Where or what is your escape?
Anywhere by the sea. It is the one thing I truly miss when home in Austria. I find it very grounding to be surrounded by water.
If you could go anywhere tomorrow, it would be…
South America.
What’s your idea of a luxury wellness holiday?
Any of the hotels in the Les Domaines de Fontanille Group are top of my list when I want to switch off and recuperate, and have a special experience. They beautifully honour the heritage of each of their locations and celebrate the surrounding nature and local fine cuisine. What’s more, they do it all in a very conscious and sustainable way. This for me is modern luxury.
My top bucket-list destination is…
Chile. I’ve always wanted to explore the coast of Chile.
If you could sit next to anyone – dead or alive – on a long-haul flight, who would it be?
Elvis Presley.
What is your jet-lag recovery tip?
Travelling can wreak havoc on our skin, especially following a long-haul flight as the skin can become easily dehydrated. After cleansing, apply a thin layer of the Boosting Liquid Mask proven to intensely hydrate and firm the skin and leave on for 15 minutes. Pour yourself a warm bath and add 30ml of the Mountain Pine Bath and relax as the mask gets to work. Combined with warm water, the soothing blend of spruce and pine oils work to re-energise the skin, relieve muscle tension and helps to aid sleep. Most importantly, remember to drink plenty of water to help hydrate your skin from the inside out.
SUSANNE KAUFMANN Enzyme Exfoliator
RRP:$97.00
What is your number one packing tip?
Always plan ahead. This helps to organise the essentials and helps keep your suitcase as light as possible. It is also good to plan for the seasons and think about what your skin needs and adapt your skincare accordingly. For example, if you’re on a city break you will need to opt for a more intensive treatment to help deeply cleanse the skin of pollutants. Our Enzyme Exfoliator is formulated with gentle fruit extracts known to help deeply cleanse and remove dead skin cells to purify and refresh skin. If I am travelling to a hot destination, I always pack something very hydrating for the skin such as our Hyaluron Body Gel.
I never travel without…
Other than a good book, it has to be the Eye Rescue Serum! The Hyaluron and the caffeine-powered formula helps stimulate blood circulation and reduce puffiness and have an energising effect on tired-looking eyes. It’s ideal after a long journey.
In my beauty/toiletry bag I always bring…
For more information visit https://www.susannekaufmann.com
