Beauty: Fran Miller
Beauty: Fran Miller
We can all agree that natural skincare lines are having a moment right now. Obviously, it doesn’t take much to understand why. We’re all going back to grass roots, pure eco friendly living and yes we love to spend small fortunes on beautiful packaging. I first found F. Miller line at my ab fab boutique Ewanika and I was hooked. Owner Fran makes everything herself by hand in Toronto. Now carried all over Toronto this new line that only just debuted in October of last year is quickly gaining a cult following.
Maybe it’s the perfect presentation, dope Instagram account and who doesn’t want hair like Fran’s? The line as of yet consists of six oils and a lip balm. Full disclosure her hair and face oil are now part of my top shelf products. So I dropped in for a visit at her west end home studio where we talked and snapped pics.
Hey Fran! So what’s the ethos behind F. Miller beauty products?
Effortless skincare that doesn’t overcomplicate. The feeling of luxury while remaining totally pure, clean, simple. I wanted a line that was functionally and aesthetically appealing to men and women while remaining timeless and classic.
What led you to start the company?
I created F. Miller out of a desire for skincare that simply did what I wanted it to do. I’ve always had an obsession with cosmetics and skincare but am pretty low maintenance when it comes to my routine. I couldn’t find that perfect arsenal of products that solved all my problems. Issues with psoriasis and sensitive skin often made things even more frustrating and I wanted ingredients that were actually going to heal and nourish without compromising anything. I started cleansing and moisturizing with different combinations of oils and saw a huge difference in my skin right away. When I started giving samples to friends, the response was amazing and after over a year of researching, experimenting and endlessly testing on my friends, I decided to make F. Miller a full time focus.
Where do you want to take F. Miller?
It’s still crazy to me that it has turned into what it is and I’m so thankful to actually be doing something I love. Coming from a multi-faceted background, the idea of building a strong brand that covers all of the essentials appeals to me, not just with skincare but in other areas like home and travel. I tend to take my time in the development process, to get things exactly as I want them, and the prospect of expanding the line is really exciting to me.
What’s your greatest inspiration?
Creatively it would be travel. Surrounding myself with new landscapes, colours, textures, and objects is a constant source of inspiration and fresh perspective. In general, it’s my closest family and friends. The people that are always there to support and motivate me.
What can we expect in the next year?
My main focus is growing the brand. Developing new products. I’m currently perfecting a couple cleansers and an all-purpose body balm.
Favourite beauty product?
RMS Living Luminizer is the best highlighter. I put it around my eyes when I’ve stayed up a bit too late the night before in a Netflix hole. I’d also be lost without my Shu Uemura eyebrow pencil and eyelash curler.
Favourite skin care?
I don’t fuss with my face too much—less is definitely more for my skin. I can’t live without F. Miller Face Oil & Body Oil. Shameless self promotion but the truth! I also love Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist to tone and refresh.
What’s in your purse beauty wise day-to-day?
F. Miller Lip Balm, Nars Lipstick in Heat Wave, mini bottle of F. Miller Face Oil, a jar of hand salve I’m currently testing out, Chanel Sycamore fragrance.
Favourite boutique?
Maryam Nassir Zadeh in NYC.
Favourite brunch spot?
Takht-e Tavoos on College. They do amazing Persian eggs with halloumi cheese and this roasted eggplant dish that I could eat every day.
Favourite coffee shop?
Sam James in Toronto. Blue Bottle in San Francisco.
Favourite restaurants?
When I’m feeling indulgent, The Harbord Room. The charcuterie board, burger, and Dave Mitton’s cocktails make up a consistently amazing meal in the city.
Dancing?
Impromptu dance parties in my kitchen to Brazilian music have been happening lately. It’s the closest thing I have to a vacation right now.
Thanks Fran!
xx @textstyles
