beauty
Nice to Meet
Nice to Meet... Malin & Goetz
Dissatisfied with the products on offer to calm their troubled complexions, beauty buyer Matthew Malin and marketing director Andrew Goetz created their own line of simple, natural and gentle treatments to suit the most sensitive of skins. Their family-run apothecary space in Manhattan's Chelsea district now offers countless effortless, irritant-free skin and hair collections - and thankfully Space NK has made it available to us Brits.
What's the founding philosophy of your brand?
AG: Our goal was to create a modern brand that fuses natural ingredients and modern science; creating products that are exceptionally efficacious and particularly great for those with sensitive skin.
MM: MALIN+GOETZ makes skincare easy, starting with sensitive skin. It is a unisex or modern interpretation of the traditional apothecaries.
What or who inspires you?
AG: While many things inspire me, I'm particularly inspired by great design; Dieter Rams in particular. And I'm always inspired by travel and having new experiences.
MM: Successful family run businesses were inspirational to our idea to begin M+G. We both love the simplicity of modern design - less is more - and great design. This includes classic industrial design from the Eames and contemporary fashion design from Comme des Garcons.
How do you conceive your products - what's your initial process?
MM: We start with the traditional, tried, true and trusted natural ingredients and formulas that our grandparents used from their neighbourhood apothecary or pharmacist. We consider only what is necessary and avoid over-marketing simply to create products and force a sale (and skin irritation). We keep it simple, effective and luxurious.
AG: We create products that we personally actually want. So we are not driven by fads or trends, but rather by necessity. It's always important that our products are formulated for those with sensitive skin. Ultimately, we make things that we like - and fortunately, it seems many people agree.
What's been your proudest moment in your career?
MM: Launching (MALIN+GOETZ) seven years ago.
AG: There have been many milestones over the last year. I don't think one trumps another - they are just extra chevrons representing a particular success. Opening our stores was certainly one. We are proud of all our accomplishments.
Which one product could you not be without?
MM: Grapefruit Face Cleanser. It is the foundation of all good skin.
AG: This is what I call a Sophie's Choice question. I honestly can't narrow it down to one. But I'll give you my top 5 (in no particular order). Vitamin E Face Moisturizer, Detox Face Mask, Grapefruit Face Cleanser, Replenishing Face Serum, Eucalyptus Deodorant…and Peppermint Shampoo; I guess that's 6.
Which part of the creative process is your favourite?
AG: I personally love the entire process. Testing, designing and packaging. It's all a blast for me.
MM: Product Development is a lot of fun, and this includes packaging design. All graphic and store design is a lot of fun as well.
Which other beauty product do you wish you'd created?
AG: While there are lots of wonderful products on the market, I can't think of anything that I wish we'd created - probably because we've already created it.
MM: Chanel No 5 is quite a winner.
Who makes up your own beauty entourage?
AG: I'm pretty low maintenance - so I don't have much of an entourage. But I'd love to add a masseuse!
MM: We don't currently have a specific aesthetician we frequent, but, love a great facial (especially when Shiatsu facial massage is involved with (MALIN+GOETZ) products). I have had a couple of great facials at Bluebird in London. We like both Mike and Sammy at Freeman's Barbershop in Manhattan. They are awesome stylists. We sell our products to Spa Esprit and Strip in Singapore (they have two locations in London called The Ministry of Waxing), and, while we are not often in Singapore, I really look forward to the massage therapist on staff there. Never felt better in my life!
What have you got coming up? I.e. new launches, new openings, new products?
AG: There is always something new going on here. We have an awesome new intensive face moisturizer that just came out; Replenishing Face Cream. Lots more, but I tend not to kiss and tell.
MM: Our newest launch at Liberty in London and Barneys New York in the US is our Replenishing Face Cream. It is an intensive cream for when you need more-night time repair, dry skin, age concerns, change of weather. It is awesome.
What is your own personal bugbear when it comes to your skin?
AG: My personal bugbear is actually bugs. For some reason Mosquitos love me. My skin is like a magnet for them. Other than that, my skin is pretty resilient.
MM: I just Googled bugbear… I suffer from rosacea, eczema, seborrhoea and fragrance allergies-hence our brand's direction for sensitive skin. I see a dermatologist regularly. Everything is my bugbear. Redness and hydration are my daily concerns and recommendation our Vitamin E Face Moisturizer (with SPF 15 if needed) for clarity and daily hydration.
Text: Grace Timothy
