Sana Jardin is a luxury perfumer like no other. Founded in 2017 by Amy Christiansen, SJ is the result of Christiansen’s passion for beauty combined with her desire to drive social change.
Having worked as a social worker for many years, Christiansen saw an opportunity to empower women through a new business initiative; working with a community of local female farmers to harvest the flowers for her socially conscious luxury fragrances.
Having grown up in the US, and now based in London, Christiansen’s travels have informed her delectably complex scents. “As a child, I travelled to many exotic destinations with my grandmother. I grew up surrounded by the heady scents of North Africa and the Middle East including neroli, oud, jasmine, and amber. I’ve been a perfume lover ever since”, she muses.
Work takes Christiansen all over the globe; seeking the ingredients for Sana Jardin’s fragrances, she artfully bottles the magic of far-flung climes – from India and Bali to Tunisia. Indeed, a recent trip to the Moroccan desert inspired her latest scent, Vanilla Nomad: “One starry evening I sat around the fire whilst dinner was being prepared. Vanilla and sandalwood incense sticks were burning and local Gnawa musicians played soothing tribal music in the background. I vividly remember an overwhelming sense of being at one with the world. This feeling of absolute calm and tranquility surrounded me. After the uncertainty of the last 18 months, I wanted to create a perfume that provided comfort and reassurance in our somewhat chaotic lifestyles.”
With her pre-packed toiletry bag – so she is ready to hop on a plane at a moment’s notice – we delve into Amy Christiansen’s travel psyche…
What are your must do beauty rituals/treatments before you travel?
To be honest, my only must do before I fly is to drink champagne! I have a fear of flying and champagne always makes me feel better.
How do you adapt your beauty regime when you travel?
I don’t: I am always short on time so I have a toiletry kit that is pre-packed and includes everything I need in any location. I wear more make-up and red lipstick if I am going to a city, and I choose a more natural look if I travelling home to see my family in the US or going to a more remote location.
View this post on Instagram
Do you prefer to pack travel minis or full-size beauty staples? And why?
I am a full-size girl, because some of my trips can be quite long. I sometimes travel for three to six weeks. My toiletry kit is not very light!
Do you have a regular plane beauty routine?
Sleep!
What’s been your favourite vacation spa so far and why?
It’s not technically a spa, but I try to make time to visit The Ashram in Los Angeles or Mallorca once a year. This vegan hiking retreat might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but I find it centres and restores balance in my somewhat hectic life.
View this post on Instagram
How do you unwind whilst travelling?
I try to be off my phone and live in the present as much as possible. I find reading is a wonderful way to unwind and relax. I also believe that regular digital detoxes can do us the world of good. We should all make time to recalibrate and reconnect more frequently.
How do you overcome jet-lagged skin/eyes when you land?
I never travel without my trusty MZ Skin Hydra-Bright Gold Eye Masks. I apply the patches half an hour before landing to reduce signs of puffiness and brighten dark circles. They’re absolute miracle workers!
What’s been your favourite country to shop for homegrown beauty products?
Morocco. I love searching through the souks for local, homemade products: pure Argan oil, natural black soap, and Rhassoul clay masks are just some of my favourites.
View this post on Instagram
What are your top beauty tips when travelling?
I put my hair in a bun when flying so that it has volume and bounce when I land.
What is top of your beauty wish list right now?
I am desperate to upgrade my entire make-up kit with Atelier Westman products.
THE PACKING LOWDOWN
Travel light or over-packer?
Over-packer
Spa facial or massage?
Massage
Vacation air-dry or blow-dry?
Blow-dry
Desert island beauty product?
The Clarisonic
Any Questions or Tips to add?