Apple cobbler, applesauce, candy apples, oh my! It’s no secret that apples are a delicious treat for our taste buds, but did you know they are also great for our bodies and skin? Aline Foulet, founder of the cosmetics brand Akane, reveals the secrets and benefits of this fabulous fruit. Committed to 100% green and organic cosmetics, Aline shares with us her succulent journey...so, get ready for a story as sweet as apple pie! Portrait of a Tiger committed to purely good cosmetics.

 

PART 1: Your Project 😊 
 

So, tell us about yourself!

I grew up in Normandy, and though it wasn’t necessarily in an apple orchard, Akane’s history may have been quietly growing in my mind since then.

My number-one passion is traveling. I’ve traveled a lot with Jean-Philippe, my life and business partner. Discovering new countries and cultures has always inspired me. This includes Asian beauty rituals (I lived in Hong Kong for 2 years), the stunning nature of Reunion (where my mother is from), or the laid-back lifestyle in California or Australia (where we spent 6 months traveling around in a camper with our daughter when she was still a baby) !

 

Could you tell us a bit about how AKANE was created?

I’ve been working in the cosmetics industry for 20 years. 10 years ago, I was working for a large corporation and I felt there was this huge gap between what we gave women and what we told them—for example, natural ingredients and the reality of the formulas, which were essentially synthetic.

I wanted to offer straightforward care made from an incredible ingredient. Apples have been recognized for their properties for centuries. It is a universal fruit that grows virtually anywhere, and, while simple, it is known for its health benefits. It has a high concentration of antioxidants, which can only be good for skin.

During a trip to Japan, I came across the Akane variety of apple, which is the variety with the greatest concentration of polyphenols. After 2 years of R&D, we developed with our partner lab an exclusive active ingredient, obtained through a 100% green plant-extraction process. And the ingredient missing from our recipe was born, one rich in antioxidants and 7 times more effective than pure vitamin E.

 

Tiger and entrepreneur: What was the biggest challenge when creating your project? And the greatest reward?

The greatest challenge? To keep going, to soldier on 10 years ago with the conviction that certified organic cosmetics would be part of tomorrow’s world, and then having to convince our first distributors of this.
The greatest reward? To be one of the first to launch on the French market a cream in a 100% biodegradable and compostable container made from 0% plastic.

 

PART 2 : Tiger Aline

 

Aline, founder of Akane

 

What makes you a Tiger?

Tenacity.

 

When do you feel like you’re “queen of the jungle?” Your proudest moments, when you've felt recognized for your accomplishments, or the moments people have looked up to you?

When I was successful in entering the French skincare market. I still feel like it today, knowing I continue to have tons of ideas in mind after 8 years.

Who is the ultimate Tiger for you? 

My mother and my 2 best friends Raph and Anouck. Or, if we’re talking about better-known figures, I’d say the Simones (Veil and de Beauvoir).

What makes you bare your claws? 

Deception and intellectual dishonesty.

 

 PART 3 : Healthy & Natural cosmetics

 

 

Natural, clean, organic: why does that make you roar with pleasure? How does this impact your professional and personal goals?

Because it corresponds to a respect for others and the environment. Because I think humankind should not dominate all areas of an ecosystem, as a way to preserve the ecosystem and preserve humanity itself. Because we have been given this incredible opportunity to be born during a time when humanity is prosperous and in peace, and it is our duty to ensure this balance is maintained for future generations.
Because I think everyone should do what they can to take part, like the Native American tale “The Legend of the Hummingbird.”

What role do you think clean and natural cosmetics plays for women today? 

I believe in natural, healthy, and active cosmetics. Our treatments are for all women, no matter their age, their skin type, or their skin issues. They are for women seeking skincare that is respectful of their skin and the environment.

Beautiful skin is first and foremost healthy skin that we respect without looking to cover up or change radically. This is far from the stereotypes, far from certain skincare brands’ constant push to have women reconcile with their skin. It’s about daring to greet the world fresh-faced, to be able to proudly show off your skin.

What does lipstick mean to you? 

I’m more about a natural look without makeup. 

Do you have a favorite lipstick or nail lacquer color?

Red!

Do you wear eye makeup?

Mascara! Eyes are the mirror of the soul.
 

Well, there you have it! You’re now a Tiger! What’s your mantra from our range?

The Classic Red Hit BIG!

 

Thanks Aline ! 

You want to take the reins of ALL TIGERS? There’s one thing you can do: follow us on Instagram and let your voice be heard.  We consult our community every step of the way. Ready to roar? ROAARRR!