Guest Feature: Constanze Saemann of BASIUM
FIVE
So excited to feature Constanze Saemann on the newsletter today!
Constanze is a model and Ayurvedic fragrance owner of BASIUM. Born in Germany, Constanze brings forth a unique perspective on the beauty industry, drawing inspiration from her years of travel. Merging her inspiring knowledge of aromatherapy, natural perfumery, and holistic self-care, she envisioned and brought to life the thoughtful and unique oils of BASIUM. Read more below.
Tell us more about growing up in Germany and where you are currently residing now.
I grew up in a small town in southern Germany and left when I was 17 to pursue my modeling career. Since then, I have been living between Europe and New York. Currently, I am residing in Brooklyn, NY.
Your skin is beautiful! What are the biggest differences you have noticed between European skincare routines and American? Are there certain routines that have stuck with you from different places?
Oh, thank you! It has its ups and downs. Travelling takes a toll on my skin sometimes. I like to keep my skincare routine as simple as possible because I've noticed that's when my skin is at its best.
I've also noticed that Europeans tend to prefer natural skincare in their routines. In Germany, there are many natural skincare brands available. When I was growing up, I loved using the rose cream from Dr. Hauschka. Although there is now much more awareness around natural skincare in the US as well.
What are your current top shelf skincare items? Your repeat purchases, keep coming back to items etc. Facials/devices and treatments can be included in this as well.
Thermal Water- options here + here.
Continuing on with the subject of beauty & skincare, what are your top 3 favorite makeup products right now?
I don’t really wear makeup when I am not working. Except for concealer, a dark brown mascara, and a rose lip colour which I like to use from brands like RMS or Jones Road Beauty.
What is the first perfume you remember smelling? Or wearing?
Being very sensitive to scents, I was always drawn to natural smells. One of my earliest favourite scents I recall is the subtle aroma of freshly picked chamomile flowers straight from the field.
Let’s talk about your beautiful brand BASIUM, tell us more about your products. What inspired you to create clean perfume and body oils?
BASIUM has taken me on an unimaginable journey that continues to evolve every day! What initially started as a personal hobby and passion has blossomed into a community of like-minded individuals where we support and inspire each other daily. It has not only brought me closer to people but also fostered a deeper connection with nature.
Our core values prioritize community and the well-being of our planet. We have a daily mission to promote greater harmony on Earth while also educating people about the impact of scent on our daily lives. Our products are crafted using intentional and 100% natural ingredients. We are also doing our utmost to limit our environmental footprint and give back to the planet.
How did you land on the key notes and which is your favorite?
I began my research by thinking about the feeling and inner shift I wanted to create with the scents. From there I tried out many different oils with trial and error until I eventually settled on the current combinations.
The deep and leathery key notes of Cedar Leaf, Labdanum, and regenerative Sandalwood from Western Australia in our Beau Perfume Oil are some of my favourites. These scents are the ones that have the power to ground me in the here and now.
What is the most surprising thing you learned about aromatherapy when creating your product?
How powerful it is! Our olfactory organs are linked to the limbic system, the region related to emotion and memory. People get all different reactions when smelling certain scents. Studies have shown that the daily use of certain essential oils can actually rewire our brains.
Style seems to come naturally to you. You have great OOTD’s! What are your favorite basics right now- favorite white tee, favorite jeans and favorite black belt. Any other favorite pieces (or brands) right now?
I love some good basics! I get my white shirts from Petit Bateau (I’ve been rebuying the same ones for the last 10 years I think!), a good pair of blue jeans, and a vintage belt made from real leather. I like Lie Studio for jewellery, Toteme for some timeless items, and also loving Deji Studio for their beautiful linen loungewear.
In this newsletter, I share my current screenshots and ask interviewees to share some of theirs. What are a few things you have recently screenshotted on your phone that you have been wanting to try or have been eyeing as of recent?
A breath work space in NY I’ve been wanting to try for a while.
The book “Regenerative Business” by Samantha Garcia.
A herbal tour through Chinatown.
Who is your favorite artist right now? Or a piece of art in your home, a piece that is on your wishlist or on your mind.
French- Ukrainian Artist Elvira Voynarovska. We are currently working on an earthy collaboration together for BASIUM which we are aiming to launch towards the end of the year.
What are you currently reading? Or a book you always recommend to your friends.
Not reading much at the moment besides lots of botanical texts for my Naturopathy degree!
I always recommend “How To Do The Work” by Nicole Lepera” or “Woman Code" by Alisa Vitti.
Current favorite snacks + supplements in the fridge or pantry?
Snacks: Cucumbers with Celtic salt, Ghia, Mary’s Gone Crackers, Grass-fed Beef Jerky, Olives from a trip to France.
Supplements: Rainbo Lion's Mane Tincture, Trace Minerals, Lypo-Spheric Vitamin C.
A big thank you to Constanze for taking the time to be featured on FIVE , you can follow her here as well as shop her beautiful oils here. Currently adding all of them to my cart.
Also love this series of conversations on the BASIUM website. You can shop within the US here.
Thanks for reading and see you next time x
I want to try BASIUM! and that LED mask