“Growing up in Australia, you’re very connected to the land,” says Tess Albrecht-Schmitz. Though she’s now called New York City home for seven years, the founder behind Poetica Botanicals is never far from nature, whether she’s vacationing at a regenerative farmstay in Menorca or spritzing on one of her own transportive hand, body, and garment-care mists.
Each of Poetica’s fragrant formulas is made with fine plant extracts sourced from biodiverse landscapes far and wide—and meant to elevate the everyday: An earthy lemon myrtle and cardamom hand wash calms the skin and mind, for instance, while a purifying veil of frankincense and wild mint on bed linens creates a serene setting come nighttime. “Small daily rituals are where we have the power to instill a respect for the earth,” says Albrecht-Schmitz, whose passion is palpable—and backed by a Master’s degree in sustainable business development from New York University.
Her morning beauty routine follows suit. As the mother of an 18-month son, she keeps things simple and thoughtful. “Luckily I’ve always been quite minimalist—I’m usually interrupted!” says Albrecht-Schmitz, laughing. After prepping her face with a hydrating serum and Lesse’s non-nano zinc sunscreen, she may or may not forgo foundation before reaching for Baby Cheeks Blush (in Chouchette) for a second-skin flush— no brush necessary. “The natural warmth of your fingertips makes everything move nicely and set well.”
No matter how rushed, though, she never skimps on the next step: “I always wear mascara; it makes me feel more alive,” she says of choosing Eye Want You’s clean, chocolate-colored formula for an ultra-natural look that suits her fair blonde hair. With that, she tosses the Les Nudes lip compact and Poetica’s jasmine-inflected hand lotion, into her bag and heads for the door.
Here, watch Tess share her 30-second makeup routine, and read on for her favorite feel-good shopping finds, just in time for Earth Day.
1. Botanical Brothers Flower Subscription
“I try to always have at least one bouquet in the home; especially in New York City, it’s a nice reminder of being connected to the outside world. I love Botanical Brothers’ subscription service, which sources seasonal flowers from local farmers. We currently have ranunculus, quince blossom branches, and some cheeky baeckea of the myrtle plant family, which is native to Australia. We're also rewilding our garden in Amagansett with native plants to increase pollinators and reduce irrigation and erosion.”
2. Frances de Lourdes Hardy Tee
“I have a newfound appreciation for simple yet elevated wardrobe staples that feel effortlessly good. I love the cut of this tee, and the slightly sheer cashmere and silk jersey fabric is incredibly soft. The company’s designs are made in New York in small production runs — an antidote to the overproduction and consumption that’s common in fashion.”
3. Westman Atelier Lip Suede Les Nudes
“A natural pop of color that’s perfect for spring. It’s ultra softening and plumping, and I love the easy refill cartridge for top-ups.”
4. Poetica Midnight Grandiflor Hand Lotion
“Evoking a midnight garden in bloom, this heady fragrance reminds me that warmer months are ahead! I tuck it in my coat pocket before I leave the house to keep my hands hydrated throughout the day. This beauty comes in a recyclable aluminum tube to reduce our footprint.”
5. Where Children Sleep
"I discovered this beautiful book at Casa Next Door in the West Village. It’s a series of 130 diptychs of children and their bedrooms around the world. I look forward to reading this with my son, Max, as he grows up, instilling a curiosity for the world and global mindset. Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth is another beautiful children’s book that celebrates the diversity of our earth and its people."
6. Koala Eco Multi-Purpose Kitchen Cleaner
"As mom to a very lovable but messy toddler, our kitchen is constantly covered in food! With my son in the room, I like knowing that this bench spray has a non-toxic formula. Plus, its fresh scent actually makes me look forward to cleaning. The bottle is 100% post-consumer recycled plastic, so it’s ready to be recycled again after use!”
7. Merlette Solis Dress
"An airy, everyday spring dress with so much movement! It's in a lightweight cotton voile that feels soft to the touch. I love that Merlette works with traceable fabrics and is committed to responsible manufacturing practices."
Photograph by La Dichosa
