Monday Muse Founder, Lune Martens
Monday Muse is an award-winning skin & scalp care line created by Dutch founder Lune Martens in 2020. Having experienced severe skin conditions such as cystic acne, eczema, rosacea, and perioral dermatitis throughout childhood and into adulthood, Lune managed and overcame each condition with a holistic approach, including gentle skincare without fragrance or essential oils. She became a certified skincare formulator and started developing her own range with reactive skin in mind. Combined with her background in Luxury Brand Management, MONDAY MUSE was born in November 2020 with the first product launch of The Nectar.
Photography: halves studio
Can you tell us a little about your educational background and the skincare journey leading up to the manufacture of ‘The Nectar’?
I started Monday Muse straight out of university with an educational background in hospitality management and luxury brand management. This proved a great foundation, but I had little knowledge of the beauty industry, which is why I also obtained a diploma in skincare formulation. This gave me a deeper understanding of the beauty industry's formulation and business sides, leading to the launch of our first product: The Nectar.
I deal with very temperamental skin and have experienced many skin conditions like acne, eczema, perioral dermatitis, and rosacea throughout my life (which was also the inspiration to start Monday Muse). I wanted to create an uncomplicated, effortless skin routine with high-quality ingredients that deliver results for those with "not-so-well-behaved skin.”
Photography: halves studio
What inspired the name Monday Muse?
The word muse represents a source or person of inspiration; a little nod to all the people who deal with skin issues and find the strength to overcome them. I know the mental challenge and how insecure it can make you feel, which is why they inspire the brand. Monday Muse seemed to fit great together, and I also wanted to create a name that evoked a feeling in people—a curiosity to learn more.
What are a few of your favorite ingredients that customers can find in your products, and how are those ingredients beneficial for one’s skin?
After becoming a certified formulator, I discovered the power of plant oils and that many out there aren't clogging the skin, which is how we created The Nectar, our vitamin face oil. It's our hero product, and it has received amazing 5-star reviews and helped a lot of people's skin. In addition, we use ingredients like niacinamide, Centella Asiatica, red algae, and prebiotics that are very gentle yet effective on the skin.
Will Monday Muse be launching any new products in the near future? If so, what has the planning and preparation process been like for you?
Our formulation process is long, often 1.5 years, if not longer. This is because we formulate everything from scratch with an independent chemist and are very thoughtful about our creations. We only want to bring out hero products. That said, we have some exciting new launches coming in 2023 that I think are missing from our current assortment.
What have you found to be the most difficult thing about running a skincare brand?
The most difficult thing about skincare is the complex supply chain and long lead times that are attached to the raw materials, bottles, and other components. It can be tricky to forecast and plan ahead, so this is always a challenge.
What do you love most about having your own business?
The amazing feedback from customers with before and after pictures are the best. It brings a lot of fulfillment, knowing you have helped someone with their skin and confidence. □
Article Credits
Monday Muse’s Instagram: @mondaymuseskin
Monday Muse’s TikTok: @mondaymuse
Website: https://www.mondaymuseskin.com/
Photography: halves studio
