In our Q&A Series, Self Bloom Co aims to put a spotlight on the incredible founders we are so thrilled to partner with, that are truly doing incredible things and creating such magic in their businesses. We dive into what inspired them to start their businesses, their business journey so far, their favourite products, what self-care means to them and their own self-care rituals.
Let's lower the shoulders, take a deep breath, and find a moment for us and immerse yourself in this read.
Between juggling the pressures of demanding jobs, too many weekend boozy brunches and the craziness of life, our skin often goes on strike. Drawing on two very different approaches to skincare routines - one, the brand purist and the other, the eclectic product collector - Jjust have set out to create products that give our existing skincare routines an extra hit of the good stuff.
After three years of formulation development and testing, Sarah & Bon created a product designed for the work hard / play hard lifestyle focusing on two key principles:
- Quality first: super nourishing, fast-working, effective ingredients that pack a punch
- No bullshit: sulphate free, paraben free, cruelty free, synthetic dye/fragrance free
Two founders, two very different approaches to skincare, one major problem… tired, hungover skin.
We chatted to Jjust Co Skincare Founders Sarah and Bon about the inspo behind the hangover mask we love so much. Let's dive in!
Tell us a little about Jjust?
And just like that, Jjust was born and we haven't looked back since.
When did you launch?
Summer 2020...right in time for the party season!
Why a face mask? What inspired you to make a face mask?
We both have very different approaches to skin care and really loved the products we were already using on a daily basis. However, we were both missing a holy grail product that would give our skin an instant glow and ultimate hydration when we burnt that candle at both ends.
Our brief was to create a product that we could simply add into our existing routines and that would enhance what we were already using.
Tell us about the Jjust Hangover Mask? What's unique about it?
Jjust Hangover Mask is your wing woman after a boozy brunch with the girls, a hectic week at work or just living your best (craziest) mum life. We wanted something that would keep working all day (or night) which is why it’s a leave-on product. However, it is designed so it can be used multiple ways: as a thin leave-on mask, a light layer under makeup or as a buildable, wash off mask if a little more TLC is required.
We’ve packed it full of kick ass ingredients such as Vitamin C, Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid that fight the signs of tired, dull, dehydrated skin. We went through rounds and rounds and rounds of formulations over several years(!) to find the perfect formula that works.
Tell us a little about you both?
Sarah: Born and bred in Sydney, I began working in the magazine industry in my early 20’s. This experience definitely began my love affair with skincare; I would try any product I could get my hands on….prevention is always better than cure. I eventually moved into the creative arts and education space before moving to Regional QLD to live on a Macadamia Farm.
Bon: I have spent the last 12+ years as a producer in the creative advertising industry where I have been lucky enough to shoot all over the world on various projects. The regular travel, paired with the “work hard, play hard” lifestyle that advertising is renowned for, has meant that I’m a sucker for any form of skincare that hydrates, protects, reverses damage etc. So working on Jjust has been a dream - combining my passion for creativity with a love for skincare.
How has the business journey been so far?
It definitely hasn’t been without its challenges. We are so lucky that we work well together and listen to each other’s ideas. Our friendship has always come first and I think that has helped us overcome any massive hurdles.
The geography of being in different states has probably been the biggest challenge so far. We are so productive when we are together, and we have had to learn how to keep the momentum without seeing each other in the flesh for long periods of time.
Any hopes, dreams or plans for the business in the future?
We have a few more products in the development pipeline which we are hoping to share with our clients soon which we are incredibly excited about. Currently, we are only shipping within Australia. It is a dream to go global so we can spread the Jjust goodness.
What does self care mean to you?
We believe self care is about listening to your body and mind and giving it what it needs. Life is too short to feel shitty and not take time for yourself. Self Care is anything that makes YOU feel good: a girls night, a long bath, your weekly blow dry. Whatever makes you feel the best on the inside and out.
Do you have any self care rituals? Tell us about them.
Sarah: Every Wednesday I have an LED treatment. It’s something I look forward to every week as it is my designated time for mindfulness. Even better, my skin is happier and healthier than ever!
I’m pretty disciplined with my night time skincare routine. I love a weekly dermal roll followed by a mask 2 days later. I'm lucky enough to be using the weekly mask we've been creating over the past year. We’re in the final stages of development and can't release it without long term testing on ourselves. I also use cuticle oil before bed and can't sleep without my Lanolips lip balm (Good Morning luscious, hydrated lips).
Bon: I have a 10 month old baby and work full time, so self-care has definitely been that little bit harder lately. In saying that, my motto for the last 10 months has been “happy mum = happy baby”, so I do make a conscious effort to find the time to look after my health, happiness and relationships. My self-care rituals are a cup of tea & Wordle every morning, a walk with the dog before work, and making sure I sit down for a good meal and a glass of wine with my partner every night to wind down after a long day. And when all else fails, a facemask and a long bath will do the trick.
More about the Jjust Hangover Mask:
Just sit back, relax and let your skin drink all that goodness in with the Jjust hangover mask. Now you may be thinking you don't need it for hangovers, however this mask is a multi-purpose mask that is really one of the best hydration masks you can ask for. It really is such a great face mask, everyone who has tried it with us is giving us raving reviews!
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• Hyaluronic Acid - This holy grail ingredient is like happy hour for your skin, answering all of your skin’s hydration prayers. Hyaluronic Acid is naturally occurring in the skin and can hold thousands of times its weight in water, keeping your skin plump and juicy.
• Vitamin C - Vitamin C does it all: hydrates your skin, brightens dark spots, smooths fine lines, promotes collagen production and protects skin cells from evil free radicals caused by UV exposure (hoorah!). Say goodbye to sad looking skin and hello to a smooth, even, glowy complexion.
• Niacinamide - Also known as Vitamin B3, Niacinamide is one of our favourite skincare weapons. The perfect antidote to hungover skin, Niacinamide regulates oil flow, minimises pore appearance, builds skin immunity and calms redness and blotchiness.