About Us

Humble Beginnings
Hi, I'm Valerie, the heart and soul behind Valerie | The Outer Layer.
Valerie | The Outer Layer is not just a brand, but a reflection of my personal quest for accessible, affordable, effective and simple selfcare solutions that effortlessly integrate into my busy lifestyle. Products that truly nurture and nourish my skin and hair.
This all began when (for years) I purchased selfcare products from a renowned Australian brand, and while I adored their products, I faced hurdles with the delivery process, both lengthy and costly, plus the look and feel of the packaging didn't quite match my energy.
Driven by a quest to find products that met my needs, I embarked on a search within the New Zealand market. The available options left me wanting more, as they lacked the natural ingredients, captivating scents, and nourishing properties I desired.

The Craft
Armed with a vision to address my personal selfcare needs, I began formulating my own products. Researching, trialing and testing, until before long, I had crafted my own selfcare essentials. Consisting of my signature Whipped Cleansing Soufflé - this product will transform your bath or shower experience, skin nourishing Body Oil and Hand & Body Lotion, and the ultimate super versatile Natural Beauty Oil - which I use daily as a makeup remover, face cleanser and a leave in hair oil.
I was immediately drawn to the luxurious texture and feel of my products —on par with the branded ones I had relied on for years. To me, that was the ultimate success, no more lengthy expensive processes; I had nailed it, I could make my own! I also had a lot fun experimenting with scents until I discovered my absolute favorites - not bad for someone who never considered herself particularly creative.
What caught me off guard was the extent to which my skin flourished. I'm genuinely taken aback by the newfound radiance and healthiness my skin exudes solely from using my humble handmade products. I've been through quite a journey with my skin in recent years. It seemed to be drying out and reacting poorly to products, which was completely unfamiliar territory for me. But with my handcrafted creations, something remarkable happened - my skin health improved, and before long, I achieved the dewy glow and soft skin I'd been longing for. Having great skin has done wonders for my confidence. Even my typically unruly Polynesian hair has undergone a transformation, now manageable with flowing locks and visibly healthier tips.
As I delved into the research on Sweet Almond Oil - a key ingredient found throughout my collection, alongside fractionated Coconut Oil and Jojoba Oil - crucial components in my Body Oil, Hand & Body Lotion, and Natural Beauty Oil, I uncovered their remarkable ability to deeply nourish, hydrate, and repair the skin revealing a radiant glow from within. Jojoba Oil, renowned for its ability to mimic the skin's natural oils, plays an essential role in unlocking the full potential of my products. The research has left no doubt in my mind, it reinforced my belief that the remarkable transformation of both my skin and hair wasn't just a stroke of luck - it's the result of carefully selected natural ingredients and expert formulations that have been proven time and again.

Gathering Attention
I began to attract attention from friends, colleagues, and family members alike, curious by the visible benefits, edible smelling scents, and luxurious experiences offered by my products. Their interest quickly turned into enquiries about purchasing these items for their own self-care routines. In some cases, they even went a step further, requesting to purchase products to gift to their loved ones. They urged me to consider selling them publicly, to which I found myself fully immersed in the concept, embracing it with enthusiasm.
What's more, my fragranced Body Oil and Hand & Body Lotion have gathered unexpected but significant attention. Almost daily, complete strangers approach me asking "What are you wearing? You smell delicious!" It's a compliment I never expected to receive, yet now it has become common. Whether I'm at the supermarket, the mall, attending appointments, or working out at the gym, these scents turn heads. In a recent instance, while enjoying dinner out, the chef, captivated by the fragrance from afar, sent our table waiter to enquire where she could purchase some of the scent for herself. It's clear that the fragrances have a universal appeal - it effortlessly fills the air, leaving a lasting impression everywhere I go.
It has literally blown me away at the attention these fragranced products receive. I eventually stopped wearing my expensive perfumes altogether, I just don't reach for them anymore, I already smell dare I say DELICIOUS! Friends who have purchased these beautifully scented products have also had similar experiences - I love hearing their stories, it's gratifying being part of creating such positive vibes.
For reference, the Brown Sugar scented Body Oil or Hand & Body Lotion seem to get the most comments. It's my personal favorite fragrance among the collection.

And here we are...
Never did I envision venturing into creating a self-care range for public sale; it has all unfolded organically, leading to the establishment of my humble, homegrown business, Valerie | THE OUTER LAYER.
In recent times, I've been deeply immersed in the process of shaping Valerie into a brand that reflects my values and aspirations. This journey involves not only designing our identity but also refining our products and packaging to ensure that the Valerie community feels confident, beautiful, and empowered in their selfcare routines. We believe that glowing skin & healthy luscious locks are more than just beauty goals; they are sources of confidence.
A lot of love and careful thought goes into each and every one of our handmade products to unlock your natural beauty. I hope you enjoy all we have to offer and share the experience with others.
Valerie
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