Former West Kensington resident and sister of Jo Malone launches her own skincare range Lubatti

When did you launch the range and why?

We launched the range in September 2009 but as a facialist, I’ve been hand-mixing and using these products on my private clients for over 20 years.

What is the philosophy behind the range?

The Lubatti Collection is all about creating a truly feminine range of skincare products using fruit, plant and flower extracts which really do work on the skin. The products have been tried and tested throughout the years, originating from Madame Lubatti and then the formulations were passed down to my mother and now onto me. The range has a strong skincare heritage to it and the products work – my clients have remained loyal to the products for decades.

Tell us about Madame Lubatti and why she was such an influence…

Madame Lubatti had a real impact on my life.  One of my earliest memories was watching her hand mix the face creams for clients (who included Ava Gardner and Vivien Leigh) in her stylish London apartment. She was an incredibly glamorous lady, always dressed in designer black and she broke the mould in those days by running her own business and being very independent minded. She was passionate about skincare and how plant and fruit extracts can benefit the skin, and as a renowned facialist she developed a unique deep massage facial technique which has been passed down to me. 

How did you decide what products to include and how did you devise the scents?

The scents are devised from original recipe formulations of Madame Lubatti. In fact, we still have her much-treasured recipe book under lock and key! To launch the collection I wanted to introduce a signature range that I’ve been using on my private clients and then develop the range from there.

Do you plan to develop the range further?

Very much so – watch this space!

Where can we buy Lubatti products?

We’re in prestigious stores such as Fenwick New Bond Steet, Bentalls, Fenwick Tunbridge Wells, Urban Retreat in Harrods and also online at www.lubatti.co.uk.  We’ve also launched in a new boutique in Brooklyn New York and looking to expand elsewhere around the world.

The packaging is gorgeous – did you design that too?

This was a real team effort, we wanted the packaging to be elegant and I love the way the illustrations on each of the jars and bottles bring to life the key ingredients used within that product. I think it has a 1920s glamorous feel about it, which is what we wanted to achieve and they look great in any bathroom.

An interest in health and beauty obviously runs in your family – were you keen from an early age?

Yes, I helped my mother mix the face creams from an early age, so I took a keen interest in what key ingredients work well on the skin, and why.

How long did you live in West Kensington?

Before moving out of London, my husband I lived in the city for many years and we spent about four years living in West Kensington – we have very fond memories of the area.

What are your favourite local places for beauty treatments/eating out/secret spots?

I adore Thai food, so The Blue Elephant in Fulham Broadway was always a firm favourite of ours for a Thai fix. I also love the buzz of Aziz close by, the selection of cakes and pastries are all too tempting! When I’m in London for meetings, lunch at The Wolseley is another favourite on the list.

Beauty Treatments – I’ve only ever let my mother give me a facial treatment but I do use my facial massage technique on my own skin as part of my daily skincare routine.

What are your ‘must have‘ beauty products?

BareMinerals black mascara and Chanel No5. From the Lubatti collection our ‘must have’ is the Dreamy Night Cream infused with mango and avocado – it’s packed with vitamins and minerals and also contains the super ingredient  hyaluronic acid, which has excellent hydrating and anti-aging benefits. I also find clients often neglect the eye area so the Lubatti Sparkling Eye Gel with Green Tea and Aloe Vera is ideal for targeting this delicate area.

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