inspiring stories | eco-responsible tips

"When I look at my daughter, I see the future. If my actions today aren’t sustainable, then what will her future look like?"

Welcome to the second episode of "Eco Tales: Stories Behind the Brands," where we delve into the captivating narratives of eco-conscious brands that are shaping a more sustainable world. Today, we’re thrilled to introduce Estella, the inspiring force behind LIV Botanics, a brand that intertwines nature, sustainability, and beauty into a harmonious symphony.

Based in Amsterdam, LIV Botanics offers more than just skincare; it’s a commitment to a better planet and a healthier future. Estella's journey, inspired by her daughter and the desire to create a lasting, positive impact, led to the creation of a brand that embodies purity, transparency, and a profound respect for the environment.

In collaboration with our studio, Estella brought to life a vision that marries vintage botanical elegance with modern sustainability. From local sourcing to plastic-free packaging and waterless formulations, LIV Botanics stands as a testament to what’s possible when passion and purpose unite.

Join us as we explore Estella's story, her unwavering dedication to sustainability, and the beautiful intersection of nature and innovation that defines LIV Botanics. Get ready to be inspired by a journey that proves that ethical practices and stunning design can indeed coexist.

Behind the Brand

Estella, I'm so excited to chat with you. For those who don’t know you yet, could you tell us a bit about yourself and what you do?

Hi Giada, thank you so much for inviting me! I’m Estella, founder and formulator of LIV Botanics. At LIV, we believe in more than just beautiful skin; we’re result-oriented, proven effective, and sustainable down to every detail. LIV Botanics brings the very best of nature to your skin. Our ingredients are unprocessed, not heated, decoloured, or deodorized, and come from organic farming. Additionally, our products contain high concentrations of plant-based ingredients and utilize zero-waste oil. Each product is vegan and certified microplastic-free. In short, it’s about a better world, better beauty, and a better you.

"With every purchase of our products, you invest not only in your health but also in the health of the world. I want my daughter to grow up in a world where natural and organic ingredients are the rule, not the exception."

Estella, founder and formulator of LIV Botanics, and her daughter Liv.
© LIV Botanics shot by @lindawit_

The spark of LIV Botanics

What sparked the dream of LIV? Was there a moment when you just knew this was what you wanted to create?

When my daughter Liv was born, I realized that my life wasn’t just about me anymore. The planet wasn’t just for my generation. When I look at her, I see the future. If my actions today aren’t sustainable, then what will Liv’s future look like? I want her to grow up in a world where natural and organic ingredients are the rule, not the exception. This drove me to create honest organic products that work, with sustainably sourced high-quality ingredients and packaging. It’s all for our next generation, so they don’t have to worry about harmful, unnatural ingredients affecting our planet or their skin.

The Body Oil, Botanic Body Oil
© LIV Botanics shot by @lindawit_

The journey of every brand is filled with ups and downs. Could you share one of those roller-coaster moments and how you navigated through it?

The ups: We’re honoured to be an award-winning organic skincare brand. In just two years, we’ve won eight beauty awards for our products and featured in three different eco-packaging design books. This year, our brand is shortlisted again, and you, Giada, won an award for the beautiful packaging design you created for us.

The downs: Haha, do you have a moment? When I started LIV Botanics, I had no clue about all the challenges that could arise. Things went wrong, from wrong barcodes to logos printed too big and ordered stickers for bottles that were suddenly discontinued. There were also companies that tried to scam or greenwash us. Along the way, you learn, and each lesson costs you time and money.

"Along the way, you learn, and each lesson costs you time and money."

Sustainable Essence

Sharing a focus on sustainability and building a mission-driven business is something very close to my heart. I’m elated to have your perspective on this. To start, I’d love to hear what sustainability in business means to you.

Sustainability is one of our core pillars. We produce locally in Amsterdam; our packaging is made from a local plant, our bottles come from companies in Europe that prioritize sustainability. We work with a sustainable printing company, and most of our ingredients are zero-waste (circular), sourced from the food and juice industry.

I didn’t want to create a brand without being conscious of the impact it would have. I aim to make a positive impact for future generations because I believe sustainability can go hand in hand with creating a brand. I want to inspire others to become more conscious. I hope that in the future, the world is driven by conscious, honest brands, because to me, that’s the only way forward. With everything we do, sustainability is at the forefront of our minds.

Making a positive impact is what LIV Botanics strives for. How do you define success for LIV, especially when it comes to sustainability and making a difference?

LIV Botanics is sustainable in every aspect. We don’t compromise. Our products are packaged in glass and come in uniquely designed paper boxes made from Dutch Elephant Grass. This grass grows on marginal lands and significantly reduces CO2. It captures four times more greenhouse gases per hectare than a forest. Plus, land where elephant grass is cultivated comes back to life. Our beautiful packaging is made without glue (potentially toxic and not vegan), and both the inside and outside are printed with plant-based ink in collaboration with a sustainable printing company. Everything, from our shipping boxes and tissue paper to vinyl-free labels and compostable tape, is eco-friendly and sustainable.

"LIV Botanics believes that organic skincare should be the rule - not the exception. "

With every purchase of our products, you invest not only in your health but also in the health of the world. We actively give back to nature by donating 1% of our revenue to 1% For The Planet and DIRT Charity, organizations dedicated to protecting the Earth.

Diving into the heart of your products, could you tell us more about the sustainable practices that are non-negotiables for LIV? How do you maintain this commitment in every product you create?

Our products are sustainable, long-lasting, and 6 out of 7 are waterless. By creating waterless products, we not only reduce our environmental impact but also enhance the effectiveness because they are more potent, more concentrated, contain higher percentages of active ingredients, and have a lower carbon footprint. For our eye serum, we use plant-based by-products and upcycled ingredients.

"By creating waterless products, we not only reduce our environmental impact but also enhance their effectiveness."

Regarding our commitment, it’s key and non-negotiable that every product contains the highest quality plant-based, organic, vegan, and sustainable ingredients. We want our ingredients to be as unprocessed as possible, and we always search for a plant-based alternative that is comparable in effectiveness to often-used synthetic variants.

Design and Eco-Consciousness

Choosing to work with me for your branding and sustainable packaging needs was a big decision. What made my studio stand out for you?

From the very first moment, I felt that we were aligned. We share the same vision and values and even had the same botanical book—you carried it in your bag, and it was on my bookshelf. I had a clear vision for LIV Botanics, and after giving you the freedom to create, you translated this into our stunning packaging. In short, I’m grateful—we couldn’t have done this any better.

Close-up of LIV Botanics packaging design.
© LIV Botanics

Since unveiling your branding/packaging, what impact have you noticed? How have your customers responded to the brand’s look and feel?

The impact has been huge. We receive orders from all over the globe, from Amsterdam to various parts of Europe, and places like New York, L.A., Miami, Toronto, and even Australia. We often receive sweet personal notes, emails, and reviews. We’re also thrilled that many customers choose to give LIV as a gift to their best friends, sisters, mothers, etc., as a beautiful self-care gift. We often hear that people keep or reuse the packaging because it’s so pretty.

"In just two years, we’ve won eight different beauty awards for our products and have been featured in three different eco-packaging design books."

Giada working on LIV Botanics sustainable packaging, 2019.
©️ Giada Tamborrino Studio

Our collaboration was (and still is!) an exciting journey we embarked on together. Could you share a bit about what this collaboration was like from your perspective?

I truly believe that in life, sharing is caring. The whole design process with you was great, and we were on the same page with every aspect of it. You’ve made the packaging beyond expectations. I love working with you and growing together.

Behind the scenes - LIV Botanics sustainable packaging design, 2019.
©️ Giada Tamborrino Studio

Is there a particular element of the packaging that you feel truly captures the essence of LIV?

Absolutely, it’s the Camellia flower, which is not only a signature on the packaging but also in our products. The packaging itself represents lush nature with the texture of the elephant grass paper and draws inspiration from old botanical encyclopedias and camellia gardens. It’s where eco-conscious meets sustainability and elegance.

Reflecting on our project, what’s one piece of advice you’d share with a brand thinking about taking a similar step towards sustainable and ethical branding?

Visions for Tomorrow

Looking ahead, what's the big dream for LIV Botanics? Any exciting plans or projects that you're working towards?

Our dream is to organically grow our community of inspiring people who share the ethos of LIV. We’re currently working on a new product, which will likely launch next year. In the future, we aim to become a B-Corp and offer a refill option for our products.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

We are very proud that our products are available at SKINS Cosmetics in Amsterdam, a Dutch boutique retailer specializing in high-end niche beauty and skincare products. In Spain, our products are available at the Agora boutique of the SIX Senses hotel in Ibiza, which focuses on sustainable brands. Our products are also available at the Juntos House’ boutique in Ibiza, which sells sustainable, organic, small-batch, and artisanal products. In Mallorca, our products are sold at Hotel Corazon.

Follow the Journey

As we conclude this inspiring conversation with Estella, we hope her dedication to sustainability and the ethos of LIV Botanics resonate with you. Share with us what inspired you the most, and stay tuned as we continue to highlight brands that are creating amazing products and paving the way for a more sustainable future.

Be sure to join us for our next feature, as we explore more stories of innovation and eco-consciousness in the world of branding & packaging.

Discover more about LIV Botanics on Instagram and Facebook @livbotanics, and explore their exquisite range of products at livbotanics.com.

Share on

Eco Tales: Stories Behind the Brands - Interview with Estella, founder of LIV Botanics.

"When I look at my daughter, I see the future. If my actions today aren’t sustainable, then what will her future look like?"

Behind the Brand

Estella, I'm so excited to chat with you. For those who don’t know you yet, could you tell us a bit about yourself and what you do?

"With every purchase of our products, you invest not only in your health but also in the health of the world. I want my daughter to grow up in a world where natural and organic ingredients are the rule, not the exception."

The spark of LIV Botanics

What sparked the dream of LIV? Was there a moment when you just knew this was what you wanted to create?

The journey of every brand is filled with ups and downs. Could you share one of those roller-coaster moments and how you navigated through it?

"Along the way, you learn, and each lesson costs you time and money."

Sustainable Essence

Sharing a focus on sustainability and building a mission-driven business is something very close to my heart. I’m elated to have your perspective on this. To start, I’d love to hear what sustainability in business means to you.

Making a positive impact is what LIV Botanics strives for. How do you define success for LIV, especially when it comes to sustainability and making a difference?

"LIV Botanics believes that organic skincare should be the rule - not the exception. "

Diving into the heart of your products, could you tell us more about the sustainable practices that are non-negotiables for LIV? How do you maintain this commitment in every product you create?

"By creating waterless products, we not only reduce our environmental impact but also enhance their effectiveness."

Design and Eco-Consciousness

Choosing to work with me for your branding and sustainable packaging needs was a big decision. What made my studio stand out for you?

Since unveiling your branding/packaging, what impact have you noticed? How have your customers responded to the brand’s look and feel?

"In just two years, we’ve won eight different beauty awards for our products and have been featured in three different eco-packaging design books."

Our collaboration was (and still is!) an exciting journey we embarked on together. Could you share a bit about what this collaboration was like from your perspective?

Is there a particular element of the packaging that you feel truly captures the essence of LIV?

Reflecting on our project, what’s one piece of advice you’d share with a brand thinking about taking a similar step towards sustainable and ethical branding?

"Dream big, follow your dreams, and don’t give up."

Visions for Tomorrow

Looking ahead, what's the big dream for LIV Botanics? Any exciting plans or projects that you're working towards?

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Follow the Journey

Eco Tales: Stories Behind the Brands - Interview with Estella, founder of LIV Botanics.

"When I look at my daughter, I see the future. If my actions today aren’t sustainable, then what will her future look like?"

Behind the Brand

Estella, I'm so excited to chat with you. For those who don’t know you yet, could you tell us a bit about yourself and what you do?

"With every purchase of our products, you invest not only in your health but also in the health of the world. I want my daughter to grow up in a world where natural and organic ingredients are the rule, not the exception."

The spark of LIV Botanics

What sparked the dream of LIV? Was there a moment when you just knew this was what you wanted to create?

The journey of every brand is filled with ups and downs. Could you share one of those roller-coaster moments and how you navigated through it?

"Along the way, you learn, and each lesson costs you time and money."

Sustainable Essence

Sharing a focus on sustainability and building a mission-driven business is something very close to my heart. I’m elated to have your perspective on this. To start, I’d love to hear what sustainability in business means to you.

Making a positive impact is what LIV Botanics strives for. How do you define success for LIV, especially when it comes to sustainability and making a difference?

"LIV Botanics believes that organic skincare should be the rule - not the exception. "

Diving into the heart of your products, could you tell us more about the sustainable practices that are non-negotiables for LIV? How do you maintain this commitment in every product you create?

"By creating waterless products, we not only reduce our environmental impact but also enhance their effectiveness."

Design and Eco-Consciousness

Choosing to work with me for your branding and sustainable packaging needs was a big decision. What made my studio stand out for you?

Since unveiling your branding/packaging, what impact have you noticed? How have your customers responded to the brand’s look and feel?

"In just two years, we’ve won eight different beauty awards for our products and have been featured in three different eco-packaging design books."

Our collaboration was (and still is!) an exciting journey we embarked on together. Could you share a bit about what this collaboration was like from your perspective?

Is there a particular element of the packaging that you feel truly captures the essence of LIV?

Reflecting on our project, what’s one piece of advice you’d share with a brand thinking about taking a similar step towards sustainable and ethical branding?

"Dream big, follow your dreams, and don’t give up."

Visions for Tomorrow

Looking ahead, what's the big dream for LIV Botanics? Any exciting plans or projects that you're working towards?

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Follow the Journey

Navigating New EU Packaging Rules: A Guide for Beauty and Cosmetic Brands