With celebrities such as Miranda Kerr, Nicole Kidman and Delta Goodrem on her client list, Australian beauty therapist, Amy Erbacher is the go-to lady to help you glow - both inside and out.
Erbacher's philosophy of devoting time to both physical self-care and the nurturing of inner-self is her secret to truly glowing from within. And it is with that sentiment that she has now launched a botanical rose fragrance collection to help you on your self-love journey.
We spoke with Erbacher all about the new range, the best skincare tips she's shared with her celebrity clients and what self-care rituals she practices.
Congratulations on the release of your new rose fragrance collection! Can you tell us about the range and why you decide to create these 3 specific products?
Encapsulating inner and outer beauty, the Rose Collection is for the modern woman who bestows charm, grace and beauty.
My first botanical fragrance collection has been formulated and handcrafted by me and I hope to keep it this way, true artisan style. I source my perfumery materials from all over the world. I use nature’s botanicals, plant-based certified organic ingredients and natural isolates that are good for the soul, our emotional wellbeing and our overall health in general.
The scent is dreamy and flirtatious, a rosy floral oriental. Each product from the collection has been designed to be lovingly applied to the body during a ritual with an intention of self-love or used in the home to build a romantic, dreamy sanctuary.
I created the first three products to complement each other and to create a layering effect. Bathing is the perfect time to wash away the worries from the day and while the skin is still damp is the best time to hydrate the skin with the fragranced Rose Body & Hair Oil, soothe the soul and smell like a goddess.
Then you can continue the ritual with the Rose Perfume Oil, which should be applied on pulse points. The Rose Parfum is the next product to be launched and you can continue to layer your fragrance. The botanical oils are also a great base and help to anchor the fragrance.
I designed the Rose Botanical Candle as there are not many candles on the market containing mostly botanicals - most are made with fragrance oils only. The Rose Botanical Candle is to be lit when you have more time for your scented ritual.
What drew you to rose specifically?
My daughter’s name is Rose, my mother’s name is Rosanne and my mother-in-law is Rosalind. The rose is also a timeless symbol of love, self-love and healing. Roses have been the cornerstone of perfumery for centuries. My daughter’s name ironically fit perfectly for my first collection which is all about self-love and to be kind to yourself.
In the near future, I’d like to create two more signature scents, in total three signature collections. Each collection is to represent how you are feeling what support you may need at the time.
You also offer a Bespoke Fragrance Service - what does this entail and who would this suit?
My bespoke fragrance service is for individuals looking for something different that nobody else has. A signature, one of a kind natural fragrance that is especially designed for you.
As no one is alike, my experience starts with a fragrance consultation questionnaire. This gives me an idea as to what the client is looking to experience in a scent. What aromas do they like and dislike? What scent gives them joy? I then create a Pinterest mood board for my client to create a story to the perfume and bring it to life.
I create three samples for my clients and one is chosen. This sensory experience can take 3 to 6 months. The bespoke perfume creation is gifted in a 30mL perfume bottle.
Everything is personalised – the clients chooses the colour of the lid – rose gold, gold or silver, and the bottle is engraved in calligraphy with the client’s name and date. It is beautifully packaged in a box with a label and hand calligraphy.
You have worked with celebrities such as Miranda Kerr and Nicole Kidman, who have thanked you for their 'glow' - can you share your best skincare tips you have imparted with these ladies?
The way I practice as a beauty therapist is holistically and less is more. The skin is complex, yet it’s simple to treat.
1. Gently cleanse. I believe a cleanser should be used to take make-up off only.
2. Exfoliate weekly, don’t overdo it. If you have an impaired barrier function, how do you expect all the other products and active serums to perform their best when your skin is not at its best? I believe enzyme exfoliation is the most gentle and most effective – and I have seen terrific results in how the skin glows.
3. Keep skin hydrated with a moisturiser and this doesn’t mean by drinking water only. It’s important to know and understand your skin condition as it’s always changing due to intrinsic and extrinsic factors.
4. Sunscreen and keep reapplying or if wearing makeup, keep layering with mineral powder that has an SPF and wear a hat.
5. Monthly facials. As a professional beauty therapist I have been trained to use higher percentage of actives during professional treatments. Professional facial massage has many benefits including helps promote healthy glowing skin, whilst naturally relaxing facial muscles. Massage also helps to increase blood flow and remove toxins.
What do you love most about the industry?
I love performing spa treatments and sensory self-care and confidence coaching sessions – bringing out the best in my clients.
Making a positive difference in someone’s life takes focus off yourself and by giving back to others, it is truly a beautiful and rewarding experience. When you love what you do it’s not a day at work.
What areas of the industry do you think needs development?
I believe we have a plethora of wonderful brands right here in Australia and Australian retailers need to step outside the box and have a new way of thinking – just because a product/s has/have been made overseas, does not necessarily mean it is a superior product.
Take the time to get to know the artisans, the face behind the brands, explore and experience Australian made products.
How do you practice self-care and what do you think is important to remember when it comes to looking after one's self?
My philosophy for self-care starts with and centres around your inner beauty, that is, your ongoing emotional wellbeing. I believe that true, authentic self-kindness, self-love, self-belief and self-confidence grows from a positive and health mindset.
I love to perform and also teach lovingly intentional and nurturing physical self-care inner and outer body rituals, designed to support you to switch off from the stressors of the outside world and truly come back to self.
My passion is in creating gorgeous smelling botanical fragrances for your body and the home environment that are guaranteed to sooth and lift your soul.
Are there any skincare or beauty trends you foresee for 2021?
Botanical fragrances and botanical and medicinal beauty products are on the rise. We will also see more brands being mindful about environmentally-friendly packaging.
I believe more brands will look into sustainable and ethical farming practices if they’re looking for essential oils and raw materials.
Self-care rituals in home environment, minimalist beauty products that have multiple uses and vegan skincare products are also trending.
What's coming up next for you and the brand?
My main focus is building awareness and educating people on the benefits of natural fragrances. A beautiful perfume can be created using 100 per cent botanicals and raw ingredients, which is great for our health.
I'm also currently working on my second fragrance collection – the focus will be heavy florals, including Jasmine, Tuberose and Orange Blossom. In the near future I will be looking at a few boutique stockists to showcase the Rose Collection.
Lastly, a five-year plan and dream is to open a boutique fragrance store, like the shop Jo Malone has created, Jo Loves Boutique in London.
You can learn more and shop the Rose Collection here.