What gap did you see in the beauty industry when you launched?
When I launched, there was a big gap between what skincare promised and what it actually delivered. Many products were marketed as “natural” or “clean”, yet still relied heavily on synthetic fillers and ingredients the skin doesn’t recognise.
I could see that people wanted results and integrity, but they were often told they had to choose one or the other. I believed there was a better way, where science and nature could work together without compromise.
I started off making product for family and friends in my kitchen, followed by a stall at Bondi Markets. That’s nearly 20 years ago, today we have over 150 products and are proudly in Australia’s most premium spas.
What does “you shouldn’t put anything on your skin you wouldn’t eat” mean to you?
This idea came from a conversation with my best friend Mel who had been diagnosed with cancer. She told me, “You should never put anything on your skin you couldn’t eat”. This became my inspiration and brand benchmark, what you put on your skin matters.
To me, it’s about respect for the body. Our skin is a living, breathing organ, not a barrier we can abuse. If something isn’t safe enough to nourish the body internally, I question why it would be acceptable externally.
This philosophy guides everything we do, from ingredient selection to formulation, ensuring our products support skin health rather than disrupt it.
How has the brand evolved since launch?
The heart of the brand has stayed the same, but our understanding has deepened. We’ve become more sophisticated in our formulations, incorporating advanced bio-actives and deeper research while remaining grounded in natural integrity.
Education has also become a much bigger focus. Today, Vanessa Megan is as much about informed skincare choices as it is about the products themselves.
What skincare changes are often needed in perimenopause and menopause?
During perimenopause and menopause, skin often becomes drier, thinner and more sensitive due to hormonal changes. There is usually a need for more barrier support, increased hydration, gentle actives and ingredients that encourage collagen and skin renewal.
I always suggest simplifying routines and focusing on quality over quantity, supporting the skin rather than overstimulating it.
What makes your formulations unique?
Every formulation is built with purpose. We don’t use fillers, unnecessary additives or ingredients included just for texture or shelf appeal. Each ingredient must earn its place by delivering a clear benefit to the skin.
Our products are highly concentrated, bioavailable and designed to work with the skin’s natural processes, not override them.
How do you decide which products to develop? What have been your recent developments?
Product development always begins with listening. Whether that’s to our community, skin therapists or changes we see in skin health trends. If there’s a genuine need and we believe we can create something meaningful, then we move forward. Recently, we’ve focused on products that support compromised skin barriers and ageing skin, especially for women navigating hormonal shifts.
Sometimes it’s about an idea close to home. As a mother to tweens, I have experienced the tweenager skincare phenomenon firsthand. I’ve seen the desire to buy products not formulated for their needs and packed with synthetic ingredients. So I set about creating FOODIE a range for tweens and teens literally good enough to eat. Skincare, body care and fragrance that’s all natural but still fun to shop.
In April we introduced a new era to our much-loved fragrances, Vanessa Megan Eau De Parfum. Our signature scents reimagined to contain all natural alcohol to last longer and smell stronger. Monarch was one of the first products I created nearly 20 years ago and it was always a dream to be able to recreate this as an EDP.
What’s your skincare routine?
My routine is consistent but flexible. I cleanse only in the evenings with our new Rose & Marigold Jelly Cleanser, prioritise hydration with the Metamorphosis range I especially created for peri/menopausal skin, and always use targeted serums depending on how my skin is feeling.
Facial oils are essential for me, particularly at night. I also believe lifestyle plays a huge role, sleep, nutrition and stress management are just as important as what you apply topically. I’m also a fan of facial acupuncture and buccal massage for definition and lift.
What’s one product you would like people to try?
If I had to choose one, it would be our hero facial oil, N.E.O. It truly captures what the brand stands for, potent, nurturing and transformative. A well-formulated oil can support the skin at every stage of life.
What misconceptions still exist around natural beauty?
One of the biggest misconceptions is that natural skincare isn’t effective. That simply isn’t true when formulations are done properly. Another is that natural means gentle but passive. Nature is incredibly powerful, it just needs to be respected and used intelligently.
Has running a beauty brand changed your definition of self-care?
Absolutely. Self-care is no longer about indulgence; it’s about intention. It’s about making conscious choices that support long-term wellbeing rather than short-term results.
Running this brand has reinforced for me that true self-care is rooted in honesty, with yourself, your body and the world around you.
* Donna started using Vanessa Megan skincare when she turned 50. After having a facial at Gwinganna with Vanessa Megan products she was amazed at how her skin looked, and she has been regularly using the product ever since. For her dry and sensitive skin, her favourite products are the N.E.O (Nature’s Elixir Oil), the Metamorphosis Rejuvenating Night Cream, and Rose Hydrosol Pore Refining toner.
