Dive Into The Australian Brand ‘Del Sol Salon’ With Founder Stephanie
Steph's Vision on her Innovative Approach to the coolest (literally) trend, Ice Sculpting
When I first heard about the Australian skincare brand Del Sol Salon and their Hyaluronic Sculpt Kit, I had to give it a try. When it comes to skincare, I've always been a bit cautious and particular about what I put on my face, but this kit surprised me. It's simple, with just eight ingredients (excluding water). It's packed with good things, such as different types of hyaluronic acid - and let me tell you, it worked wonders! The ice helped reduce puffiness and left my skin feeling refreshed and awake. This sparked my curiosity about the product and the inspiration behind it, leading me to seize the opportunity to sit down for a talk with the creative force behind Del Sol Salon, as she introduces herself with a warm greeting.
"HI! It’s me — Steph!"
Steph opens up about her dream of creating her own brand: "I knew I wanted to create my own brand for as long as I can remember," she reminisces. From scribbling 'Del Sol' on school books to envisioning a summer skincare brand during university, Steph manifested what today is her brand “Del Sol Salon”.
With a fascination for branding and skincare rituals, Steph reflects on her journey of creating a skincare product, as she says "Skincare is such a fun space to create in", acknowledging the profound role it has played in her personal self-care journey. Steph's inspiration for making something so natural as a water-based product came from her own experience with allergies and a lack of beach access growing up. Dealing with itchy, puffy eyes from allergies, she began using ice to soothe her skin, starting with frozen spoons and eventually transitioning to icing her entire face daily. This routine became a year-round ritual for her, leaving her feeling refreshed and energized.
“Starting the day with an icy face massage - feeling more awake, looking more alive”.
Delving into the research and development process, Steph tells me about the arduous yet fulfilling journey behind the product's formulation: “I’m the least patient person alive (a typical Aries) so the development journey was strenuous but so rewarding”, she admits. Driven by a vision to create a clean, gentle, and highly effective hyaluronic formula in frozen form, Steph's determination culminated in the creation of the Hyaluronic Melt Treatment, that lies at the heart of the brand.
"The Hyaluronic Sculpt Kit offers a dual benefit unlike any other ice sculptor in the market," Steph elaborates, intertwining the benefits seamlessly into her narrative. "Skin icing is so great for so many things," she continues, "it improves blood flow, brightens your complexion, soothes inflammation, and gently exfoliates."
I was also curious about the design process, as the entire brand identity and marketing, especially, caught my attention. When I asked Steph about it, she emphasized the collaborative effort to create a product that not only simplifies skincare routines but also elevates the user experience to the most efficient way possible. "It was important that the product would be comfortable to hold, as well as contoured to fit the facial structure," Steph mentions, reflecting on a key aspect of the design process.
With a nod to the nostalgic beach scenes of yesteryears, Del Sol Salon is inspired by storytelling and nostalgia into its products, striking a balance between efficacy and enjoyment. "Our hero product and branding leans heavily on the old-school beach scene as inspiration - there’s a real sense of nostalgia and storytelling in our products," says Steph. Lastly, I’m impressed by how focused Steph was on on sustainability. "Sustainability and ethical practices are non-negotiable for us," she asserts, underlining Del Sol Salon's dedication to minimizing its environmental footprint. From refillable packaging to ingredients free from harsh chemicals, the brand prioritizes conscious consumerism without compromising on quality.
Model Porsha Ballerini is styled by Thalea Michos-Vellis and photographed by Grete Tuberik.
Looking ahead, Del Sol Salon remains steadfast in its commitment to product innovation and expansion. With a focus on creating sensory experiences that evoke nostalgia and warmth, the brand aspires to empower individuals to embrace the radiant essence of being 'of the sun.'
“Our goal in terms of product innovation will always be the same. We aim to create products that take us back to when we feel our best; skin scrubbed clean by saltwater, saccharine icy poles dripping down sun drenched limbs, and long, languorous days, captured only by the soft exposure of film.”
Del Sol Salon is a celebration of skincare rituals in the most natural yet innovative way. With Steph's passion and vision at the helm, Del Sol Salon continues to evolve. She ends our conversation by revealing, "We have something pretty exciting in the pipeline. We want Del Sol to grow into something you can wear, apply, feel, see, and smell."