Beauty Boss: Alexis Rose, Founder of LILFOX
Alexis Rose.
Our latest Beauty Boss is Alexis Rose, Founder of LILFOX—a line of performance-driven, aromatic skincare products that elevate one’s sense of well-being for immersive, mood-shifting experiences. An aromatherapist and lead formulator, Rose combines sophisticated botanical aromatics, gemstone infusions, and cutting-edge formulations backed with clinically-proven actives.
Inspired by the Miami art scene, LILFOX features rich plant butters, small batch distilled oils, hydrolats, and crystal infusions with luxe textures that nourish and rejuvenate skin while providing the ultimate sensory experience. We chatted with Rose who shared the inspiration behind the brand, secrets for success, beauty tips, and much more.
When was LILFOX founded and what does the name mean?
I started LILFOX in 2014. I found inspiration for the name when, one day while driving, I saw a gorgeous fox romping in the woods and knew that fox captured the energy of my beauty house: wild, cunning, mysterious, and magnetic.
What inspired the creation of the brand?
After a decade of working in wine I knew my nose was destined for more. I went back to school to study aromatherapy and in my studies discovered my true gift—formulating. Once I started down the path of creating skincare products with an aromatic focus, my purpose became clear: gorgeously balanced, aromatic, effective skin care. I opened the door, stepped through, and never looked back. When I cured my own adult hormonal acne, I knew I had something the world needed from me.
LILFOX is a line of performance-driven and aromatic skincare products that elevate one’s sense of well-being for immersive, mood-shifting experiences.
Does LILFOX have a hero product?
While all of our products are heroes in their own way I'd have to say the most game changing for me have been the Prickly Pear, the Dewy Bean Dream, and the Haute-C. But we've got more superheroes coming down the pipeline, they're gonna rock the industry.
What are your favorite products from the brand?
So hard to say. Our emulsions are our masterpieces that are unrivaled in the field but lately I've been formulating with boutique biotech ingredients and fermented botanicals—what's coming up is unprecedented in the field. I'm so excited.
Where are your products sold?
We have retailers and partners around the globe. Macau, Paris, Thailand, and all over the U.S., of course. We're also featured in specialized protocols with med spas, estheticians, and spas around the globe—we stock their back bars with exclusive products for professionals. We sell our line in their locations as well. We've been in goop, Muse & Heroine, and Beauty Heroes, among other globally recognized beauty retailers.
Future plans for the brand?
Continuing to build! We're a small brand and I value my team and my creative freedom as a founder. We're not looking to sell to a bigger brand anytime soon, but we are looking to create community with the best estis in the business and the most elegant and fabulous beauty houses on the globe. Behind the scenes, there's always a new hero product in the works.
LILFOX Bath Genius Curated Pink Gift Set ($333) is an elevated, aura-retouching luxury body collections that includes PINK Celestial Salt Soak, PINK Hand + Body Cleanse, PINK The Body Complex, and PINK Luxury Essential Oil Blend.
Who inspires you?
We find inspiration in the subversive and the iconic. Fashion legends, irreverent artists, and the eccentrics who've formed pop culture throughout the ages are our inspiration. Think Old Hollywood Glam, Studio 54, the architecture and textile opulence of Versailles. Imagine a cocktail party with the world's most influential chemists and theorists rubbing shoulders with models and photographers. That's where you'll find LILFOX. We're equal parts St. Tropez and Art Basel.
Secret to success?
Trust your intuition. Be a renegade, not a follower. Value your team and keep them close. Surround yourself with people you feel inspired by. There is no ceiling—there is only more the bigger you dream.
Beauty secrets?
I only release products that have been game-changing for my skin. LILFOX is all about high-efficacy formulas that are truly healthy for body and planet. Don't feel guilty for doing your beauty your way! We're an old school green beauty brand and we don't shy away from a light smattering of injectables. If you can make it with synthetics, you make it clean with synthetics. Oh, and look for beauty everywhere and beauty will absolutely shine out of your every pore.
Wellness tip?
Good friends, good meals, good wine, good exercise, good animal friends, and good travel. A night in with your chill wands and soaking tub is a night well spent. A day at beach with the biggest hat you can find is priceless.
Best advice?
Surround yourself with brilliant people who inspire you, expect the best for yourself, and be generous at every turn. That's the foundation of a good life.
Favorite way to relax?
In the tub with a gorgeous cocktail of LILFOX products, delicious salty snacks to my left, a refreshing Barolo to my right, and Mr. Fox and our fur babes by my side.
For more information, visit LILFOX’s website and follow on Instagram: @lilfox.beauty
[Images courtesy of LILFOX]
Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk