“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
2. Frances de Lourdes Hardy Tee
3. Westman Atelier Lip Suede Les Nudes
4. Poetica Midnight Grandiflor Hand Lotion
5. Where Children Sleep
6. Koala Eco Multi-Purpose Kitchen Cleaner
7. Merlette Solis Dress
Photograph by La Dichosa
