SKINUANCE® - the story of holistic and innovative skincare for "Finest Aging"
Behind every successful brand, there is more than meets the eye at first glance. Behind the innovative and extraordinary brand SKINUANCE® lies the years of experience and enthusiasm for skincare and "Finest Aging" from Lil Ulrich. With her passion for cosmetics, she also inspired her partner, architect Nils Gereke, early on. In the interview, the likable founders share what was decisive for the founding of their premium cosmetics line, what challenges they faced, and what continually brings them joy.
SKINUANCE®: a passion – two founders
As life goes: The Hamburg native Lil Ulrich moved to the Frisian island of Amrum for love after her training, studies, and numerous years of work at well-known companies. Her partner Nils Gereke grew up on Amrum, studied architecture, and today designs exclusive buildings and thatched houses tailored to the needs of clients as a self-employed architect. The two enjoy the variety of their vibrant favorite city Hamburg and their nature-rich favorite island Amrum. In addition to their hobbies of cooking and traveling, they are now also connected by SKINUANCE®. As founders of the successful start-up, they can now also live out their passion for skincare and "Finest Aging".
What were the reasons for founding a skincare start-up?
Lil Ulrich was able to try premium and luxury cosmetics early on through her former employers. "I have sensitive skin and was therefore always looking for effective, suitable care that provides a real benefit. Effectiveness, comfort, and results must be noticeable all day long. And the texture must not be greasy or sticky or leave an oily film behind," says Lil Ulrich. However, she did not find anything truly convincing.
Was there a spark for the founding of SKINUANCE?®?
The desire to realize her own goals and ideas was always present for Lil. During her professional career, she eventually came into contact with a well-thought-out care line – the skincare brand of the same name originally developed by Prof. Dr. Hugo Kitzinger. The textures and formulations were intelligently crafted for her. Lil presented a strategy for the brand's further development to her then-employer. She wanted to take over the brand together with her partner. However, this was rejected, while the strategy was very well received.
Consequently, Lil Ulrich took over the international leadership of the brand and successfully led it for years. As a skincare professional with a deep passion for her work, she was repeatedly asked for advice when it came to solving specific skin needs and skin problems. "It brings me great joy to make people shine and to contribute to their 'Finest Aging' with high-quality products. Perhaps it's in my genes. My father worked as a doctor for several decades and accompanied his patients with great commitment and personal involvement. He took the time to listen well to people and addressed each individual personally. The best part for me is when I can recommend exactly the right thing for their skin needs and when the recommended active ingredients have the desired effect, and they are then truly excited about the results."
The interest in active ingredients and their effects was instilled in her from an early age. After 5 years in a responsible position and intensive involvement in product formulations, it was time to take new paths and launch a premium cosmetics line that leaves no wishes unfulfilled. Thus, Lil, together with Nils, reached the next level and founded her own brand SKINUANCE®.
What difficulties did the beauty startup face?
For Lil Ulrich, the biggest step in this process was the step towards independence. "I know exactly what I'm doing because I bring over twenty years of experience in the cosmetics industry. Nevertheless, building my own brand is a different ball game and a real challenge. Not only financially, but also emotionally. However, the overwhelming feedback on our finely tuned products and our consulting philosophy lets me know every day that I'm doing the absolutely right thing."
For Nils Gereke, however, self-employment was nothing new. "I have been self-employed since I was 26 years old, so I am used to dealing with risks," says Nils. For him, it was natural to support his partner in the best possible way.
The two complement each other perfectly and are a true dream team professionally. Lil leads the brand and is responsible for marketing, sales, purchasing, and product development. Nils, as a designer and architect, supports the team in graphic and optical matters in packaging and design issues.
How has life changed after the founding of SKINUANCE® changed?
Before founding the startup, life was significantly quieter, the two founders admit. There is hardly any evening without worrying about their "baby" anymore. "It starts with the first blink of the eye and often ends in the evening when falling asleep," they agree.
Despite great jobs in employment, Lil now experiences significantly more joy and a higher quality of life factor when implementing her own ideas and dreams. Even if that initially means considering and planning every step in project management herself. "It's just a different spirit to do everything for yourself and to be able to implement everything exactly as you think."
Why "Finest Aging" with SKINUANCE®?
The former "Best Agers" become "Finest Agers" for Lil Ulrich and Nils Gereke. Because from the age of 40, the skin of men and women has different demands. "Many customers deal more with dry, flaky skin, skin impurities, wrinkles, and lines," the two SKINUANCE® creators know from their own experience. With their premium brand, they offer innovative formulations that bring out the best in every skin and provide real care value. Among them are real problem solvers for hormonal changes and influences or seasonal challenges that affect the skin. "Finest Aging" addresses these individual demands with an all-around positive living environment.
"The kids may have already left home, and you have reached a nice level on the career ladder. This is the best time for effective and very personal self-care," say Lil and Nils. This is exactly what the holistic cosmetics brand SKINUANCE® stands for.
Finest Aging for Your Finest Living
You can see it in them: They have arrived at their personal "Finest Living" not only with SKINUANCE® but also in Finest Aging. The advice from the friendly couple is: "Live life, create free time for yourselves, even if it's just a few hours, and enjoy these feel-good moments for yourselves! Best done with the right care. Because those who feel good in their skin simply live better."
