We’re thrilled to be launching our new limited edition aromatherapy product this week. And to make the launch even more exciting, award-winning illustrator Jacqueline Bissett is bringing the product to life with her exclusive designs and illustrations. Vivid brushstrokes, bright bursts of colour and eye-catching tribal patterns are taking us on a journey through Africa while we sit back, relax, and enjoy the scent-from-heaven aroma.
We grabbed five minutes with Jackie while she was at Malée HQ to hear what inspires her the most, what Malée means to her, and her fave beauty tips.
Q: Why did you decide to collaborate with Malée?
A: I love the natural ingredients from Africa and the whole philosophy behind Malèe, using organic and sustainable ingredients. I welcomed the chance to do something slightly different.
Q: Can you sum up Malée in one word?
A: Conscientious.
Q: Who / what inspires you the most?
A: My mum because she’s always supported me and has always instilled in me a strong sense of self-belief.
Q: Do you have a motto? If so, what?
A: Strive for more each year. Always push forward with new ideas, keep moving but most of all ENJOY what you do!
Q: Which artist do you admire the most?
A: Rene Gruau has always been a massive influence. His fashion illustrations graced the pages of magazines back in the 1940’s and 50’s and he was still working in his early 90’s when he died in 2004.
Q: How would you define your artistic style?
A: I cannot help but nod towards Mr Gruau at his strong, bold colour and black ink line. I find THE most powerful statement on a page – be it online or in print. I try to be fluid and natural with my line so it feels spontaneous- you can literally FEEL when you’re doing a good piece of art – it flows beautifully and still excites me! I move between loose watercolours and more ‘graphic’ collages. I love to keep experimenting with different art materials – it’s great fun.
Q: What is the best advice you’ve been given?
A: Be determined. If you want something badly enough, you will make it happen.
Q: What is on your bucket list?
A: To move to Grenada in the Caribbean at some point. I’m going for my 2nd visit this year, I fell in love with the place when I stayed with one of my best friends a couple of years ago. I love travelling though so would love to see India, Thailand, in fact as many new places as possible. I’ve travelled around South America and LOVED the place, especially Colombia and Bolivia – both places are paradise, for different reasons and the people were so warm and welcoming.
Q: What is your top beauty tip?
A: Drink plenty of water. I have just started to drink hot water on my therapist’s recommendation. It has a cleansing feel and is nicer in the cold weather than chilled Evian which I’m hooked on!
Q: How do you relax and unwind?
A: A hot steamy bath with essential oils and candles.
Q: What is your greatest indulgence?
A: I’ve just booked a course of facials leading up to my ‘big’ birthday. Also, I have just started to see a holistic therapist who gives a wonderful hot stone massage, reflexology and reiki as well as solid advice – she’s amazing!
We’re thrilled to be launching our new limited edition aromatherapy product this week and we share it with you in our beauty blog. To make the launch even more exciting, award-winning illustrator Jacqueline Bissett is bringing the product to life with her exclusive designs and illustrations. Vivid brushstrokes, bright bursts of colour and eye-catching tribal patterns are taking us on a journey through Africa while we sit back, relax, and enjoy the scent-from-Heaven aroma.
We grabbed five minutes with Jackie while she was at Malée HQ to know what inspires her the most, what Malée means to her, and her favourite beauty tips.
Q: Why did you decide to collaborate with Malée?
A: I love the natural ingredients from Africa and the whole philosophy behind Malèe, using organic and sustainable ingredients. I welcomed the chance to do something slightly different.
Q: Can you sum up Malée in one word?
A: Conscientious.
Q: Who/what inspires you the most?
A: My mum, because she’s always supported me and has always instilled in me a strong sense of self-belief.
Q: Do you have a motto? If so, what?
A: Strive for more each year. Always push forward with new ideas, keep moving but most of all ENJOY what you do!
Q: Which artist do you admire the most?
A: Rene Gruau has always been a massive influence. His fashion illustrations graced the pages of magazines back in the 1940s and 50s, and he was still working in his early 90s when he died in 2004.
Q: How would you define your artistic style?
A: I cannot help but nod towards Mr Gruau at his strong, bold colour and black ink line. I find the most powerful statement on a page – be it online or in print. I try to be fluid and natural with my line so it feels spontaneous- you can literally FEEL when you’re doing a good piece of art – it flows beautifully and still excites me! I move between loose watercolours and more ‘graphic’ collages. I love to keep experimenting with different art materials – it’s great fun.
Q: What is the best advice you’ve been given?
A: Be determined. If you want something badly enough, you will make it happen.
Q: What is on your bucket list?
A: To move to Grenada in the Caribbean at some point. I’m going for my 2nd visit this year. I fell in love with the place when I stayed with one of my best friends a couple of years ago. I love travelling though so I would love to see India, Thailand, in fact as many new places as possible. I’ve travelled around South America and loved the place, especially Colombia and Bolivia – both places are paradise, for different reasons and the people were so warm and welcoming.
Q: What is your top beauty tip?
A: Drink plenty of water. I have just started to drink hot water on my therapist’s recommendation. It has a cleansing feel and is nicer in the cold weather than chilled Evian which I’m hooked on!
Q: How do you relax and unwind?
A: A hot steamy bath with essential oils and candles.
Q: What is your greatest indulgence?
A: I’ve just booked a course of facials leading up to my ‘big’ birthday. Also, I have just started to see a holistic therapist who gives a wonderful hot stone massage, reflexology and reiki as well as solid advice – she’s amazing!
Q: If you had to draw the ‘Malée woman’ what would she look like?
A: I have drawn a Malée woman already with a continuous line – she has smooth, strong features and an air of confidence.
Q: How would you define feminine beauty?
A: Being confident and feeling beautiful without knowing it – I think the nicest thing to see is someone who’s beautiful (whether inside or out) and them being completely oblivious to that. I often draw at live events and draw the ‘public’. Being a fashion illustrator, my fashion portraits just pick up on the best lines. I love to see someone’s face who genuinely does not see their own beauty until they see my portrait!
Q: Do you have a beauty routine? If so, what is it?
A: At my age, it’s very important to have a good skin care routine. I have just switched to organic products (I found out that ingredients go into the bloodstream very quickly!) so I use a facial wash each day and gentle scrub 3 times a week. In the evenings, I cleanse, tone, use a serum and then a little moisturiser.
Q: Scent is a powerful tool for memory, what comes to mind when you smell Verdure?
A: Verdure is a wonderfully refreshing scent which awakens me, as though I’m taking a leisurely stroll in the woods in the beautiful Sussex countryside where I live.
A: I have drawn a Malée woman already with a continuous line – she has smooth, strong features and an air of confidence.
Q: How would you define feminine beauty?
A: Being confident and feeling beautiful without knowing it – I think the nicest thing to see is someone who’s beautiful (whether inside or out) and them being completely oblivious to that. I often draw at live events and draw the ‘public’. Being a fashion illustrator, my fashion portraits just pick up on the best lines. I love to see someone’s face who genuinely does not see their own beauty until they see my portrait!
Q: Do you have a beauty routine? If so, what is it?
A: At my age, it’s very important to have a good routine. I have just switched to organic products (I found out that ingredients go into the bloodstream very quickly!) so I use a facial wash each day and gentle scrub 3 times a week. In the evenings, I cleanse, tone, use a serum and then a little moisturiser.
Q: Scent is a powerful tool for memory, what comes to mind when you smell Verdure?
A: Verdure is a wonderfully refreshing scent which awakens me, as though I’m taking a leisurely stroll in the woods in the beautiful Sussex countryside where I live.
