Hourglass Cosmetics founder Carisa Janes relaunches Nature of Things
Janes aims to elevate the brand into a new era of refined, natural, and plant-based essentials tailored to modern everyday life, strengthening its foundations of community and wellness-focused beauty.
USA – Hourglass Cosmetics’ founder Carisa Janes has made a significant return to the startup beauty scene by relaunching the personal care brand Nature of Things.
Initially founded in 2019 by Leil Pelay and JP Collett, Nature of Things specialises in luxury, plant-based hair, body, and bath products.
Janes acquired the brand in 2023 for an undisclosed amount but continues her role at Hourglass Cosmetics, which she launched in 2004 and later sold to Unilever in 2017 for an estimated USD 250 million to USD 300 million.
Janes described the relaunch as an exciting opportunity to combine the advantages of working within a large established brand while also returning to the entrepreneurial roots of building a smaller, intimately managed venture.
The Nature of Things portfolio features high-performance essentials designed for daily use, including products such as the Awakening Santal Body Wash, Restorative Floral Body Lotion, and Charcoal & Cardamom Oil Purifying Body Bar.
The new line also includes hydrating and volumizing shampoos and conditioners, fragrance-free bodycare, and nourishing hand wash and cream formulations—all emphasizing natural efficacy and skin barrier support.
The brand’s ethos draws inspiration from the first-century BC poem “The Nature of Things” by the Roman poet and philosopher Lucretius, reflecting a holistic connection to nature through plant, mineral, and elemental ingredients.
JP Collett remains a minority stakeholder and active team member.
Meanwhile, Hourglass Cosmetics recently unveiled its first-ever global flagship store at 14 Prince St. in New York.
The 1,500-square-foot space is designed to offer an immersive beauty experience that blends innovation, artistry, and refined aesthetics, redefining the way consumers engage with makeup.
Carisa Janes played an active role in designing the store’s interior, shaping its luxury aesthetic with warm tones, marble, and gold accents in collaboration with TMR Design and Ryan Crozier of Crozier Studios.
The flagship includes artist stations positioned along windows for natural light colour-matching, a sculptural marble beauty bar showcasing Hourglass’s signature products, and a lounge area where customers can enjoy drinks while shopping.
The storefront design preserves the character of the existing building façade, featuring a subtly illuminated gold logo plaque and residential-style curtain panels in the windows.
As part of its commitment to offering exclusive services, the store also provides custom gift wrapping, click-and-collect options, and personalized beauty consultations.
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