Georgia May Jagger—yes, she’s Mick Jagger’s daughter—is the type of woman I want to vicariously through. She’s fun, witty and adventurous, and her British accent makes everything sound a bit more chic. She’s also a model, designer and entrepreneur who is soon to add “mommy” to her list of titles. As the founder of skin-care brand MAY Botanicals and co-owner of Bleach London, she’s passionate about the next generation of beauty, which she shared with me on a recent Zoom call. Here, Jagger gives us the scoop on her favorite products, hair colors and more.
What inspired you to launch your own beauty brand?
“I basically started the concept five years ago, and I really wanted to do something different because I know it’s a very crowded space. I wanted to focus on making a brand for sensitive skin. I’ve struggled with eczema, psoriasis and very reactive skin since I was young, and with modeling, that was always a bit of a nightmare. These products are more elevated and luxurious in the sensitive skin world, but you can still rely on them. And though I made them with sensitive skin in mind, any skin type can use them. We currently have a cleanser, moisturizer, sheet mask, spot treatment and skin balm.
The line is also pregnancy-safe, and though I wasn’t pregnant five years ago when I started the concept, I am now, and that was important to me. I’ve also ticked the natural and organic boxes while also keeping the formulas as amazing as they could be. I was getting really into the natural world when my sensitive skin was at its worst, and I noticed there was a gap between the—Americans say ‘crunchy,’ homemade products—and the more high-performance products like sheet masks and spot treatments. Some people told me I kind of messed up because my brand didn’t look super organic, but that was kind of the point for me. We can still have style and sustainability. That should be how everything is going in terms of fashion and beauty.”
What are some of the noteworthy sustainable features of your line?
“Our two-piece sheet mask is made of 100-percent kelp and biodegradable. When you’re really tired or you have an event to go to, it just completely changes your skin. And, the sachet it comes in is recyclable, and they usually aren’t. All of our other packaging is glass and our boxes are made from 100-percent recycled materials. Our Travel Set bag is made from ECONYL, which is regenerative nylon that comes from washed-up fishing nets and old mattresses. I made a swimsuit line in the past with Volcom with this fabric, and I really wanted to bring it in again when I made this set. I’m constantly learning and really focused on how to make the cutest sustainable things.”
What’s next for the brand?
“I launched with five products, and I’m really excited because our Sheet Mask is going into Goop as an exclusive. I got to meet Gwyneth Paltrow and I’m obsessed with Goop. We’re also going into CVS’s BeautyIRL stores, and we’re going to be their first elevated natural brand. That’s going to be happening later this month. We also have a new oil—Golden Hour—coming out for Christmas that I’ve been working on for a long time. It has carrot root in it and it’s really rich and nourishing, but also good for sensitive skin.”
Do you plan to expand into other categories?
“I do really want to go into natural makeup. I think lip products would fit really well with the brand, so that’s where I see it going.”
Speaking of lips, are there any lip products you’re loving right now?
“I actually just did a video about this because my friends were like, ‘You’ve got to show this on Instagram.’ What I do a lot of the time is take a lip liner or matte pencil and mix it with my Super Balm. I’m always looking for ways to make it look like my natural lip, but better. I love this as a day look if I’m not being finnicky. I just did this with Charlotte Tilbury’s Lip Cheat that’s really popular, and I also love the NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencils. Right now I’m using one called Do Me Baby. There’s one that used to be called Red Square that I loved, and I’d say orangey-red is my signature red that I’ve always worn. I love a matte red lip for night.
I’ve recently come to terms with the fact that a very dark lip doesn’t look good on me, which I’m quite sad about [laughs]. I think it’s OK if it’s a shiny one. Actually Clarins has one that I like, which is like a lip gloss as well. My other makeup doesn’t really change as much, but the lip stuff I’ll always try. I feel like I’ve been obsessed with it since I was a teenager, and it’s definitely something I want to get into myself.”
You said the rest of your makeup doesn’t change much. What are your staples?
“I use the Chantecaille foundation that’s really lightweight—that’s one of my favorite ones. I’ve also recently been using the Hourglass Veil tinted one, which is a bit more like a tinted moisturizer. And then for years I’ve been using the Clé de Peau concealer, which is what all the makeup artists use. I just use it under my eyes and if I have a bad zit. For mascara, I love the YSL one in the evening because it makes my lashes so big. For daytime, I’ve been using Lancôme Hypnôse recently.”
Have you tried tubing mascara? I’m obsessed.
“Yes, I have. I’m kind of going for a bigger lash look than that [laughs]. I’m going for ‘more is more.’ I feel like tubing mascara is good for a day look.”
It’s great for me as a busy mom. And on that note, congrats again on your pregnancy— you’re due soon! Have you discovered any good pregnancy products along the way?
“I’ve actually been also using my Super Balm on my bump every day and I haven’t gotten any stretch marks. It’s very multipurpose. I also liked the Belly Balm from Irene Organics. I’ve also been using sesame oil and sweet almond oil just straight up on my body as well. In my skin-care routine, I use all my products, so I didn’t have to change much for pregnancy except a couple serums.”
I also have to ask about your hair because you’re the co-owner of Bleach London and you change your color often. Do you have a favorite?
“My favorite hair color to do is the really hot pink one and I always come back to it. It’s got cooler, more blue tones in the pink, so I really like the way it looks, especially during winter. It’s really fun. I love experimenting with all of them and having the rainbow pieces and stuff. I think people are really afraid of it, but our colors wash out. If you choose a darker blue or purple, it takes longer to fade, but sometimes I think they don’t last long enough. The pinks will be fully gone on me in two weeks. People are always shocked that I don’t have to bleach my hair back after using them.
Since I met my business partner Alex—Alex Brownsell; she’s my best friend and the most amazing hairdresser ever—she’s given me all these hair transformations. You just get really addicted to it, and you’re like, ‘what color am I going to do next?’ I can’t go back to life before [laughs].”
What products do you use to keep your hair healthy?
“I always use our Reincarnation Mask, and I begged them to make it in giant tub because we needed something bigger than the tube. All my friends have gotten into it as well. It’s the most amazing mask. We have a shampoo and conditioner as well, and they’re all bond-building. I also use the Hair Elixir serum every day. I’m addicted to it. My hair is kind of like curly but it can also be frizzy with the weather. Those are my main products.”
