Winter weather wreaks all kinds of havoc on facial skin, even for those whose complexions are generally trouble-free. Although the rest of your body may be bundled uptight when you go outdoors, your face is usually exposed, at least to some degree, making it vulnerable to chapping and drying from cold temperatures and biting winds. 

“Even on days and nights when wild weather conditions don’t apply, atmospheric humidity levels are much lower in the winter months. These factors combined with the drying effects of indoor heating systems make it essential for those who want to maintain smooth, supple skin to make a habit of using moisturizer in the winter,” says Liana Blomquist, founder of Brooklyn Rooftop Botanicals and former Global Marketing and Product Development Executive at Revlon and Elizabeth Arden.

During her time at Revlon, Liana learned the significant differences between natural and synthetic ingredients in beauty, managing the global marketing strategy and product innovation calendars for the Elizabeth Arden fragrances and the Prevage, Superstart, and Ceramide skincare brands. 

Liana’s new venture, New York City’s first beauty rooftop farm Brooklyn Rooftop Botanicals, spans over three rooftops (2K sq. ft.) and grows and processes over 50 beauty botanicals to create extracts and beauty products. The farm has an online education blog where people can learn about raw materials, how they’re grown or made, how they’re processed, and how they end up in the products you use on a day-to-day basis. 

“BRB was born out of my passion for gardening and beauty while re-evaluating my consumption habits and the way they affect the planet,” says Liana.

Brooklyn Rooftop Botanicals’ new gel moisturizer, BRBotanicals’ Rose & Chamomile Gel Moisturizer, is formulated with Brooklyn rooftop-grown rose and chamomile extracts combined with Cosmos compliant ingredient powerhouses such as Hyaluronic Acid, Squalene, USDA organic Glycerin, and Vitamin E. A significant first step after showering and before the rest of your skincare routine, this lightweight gel formula instantly hydrates and locks in moisture to soothe, smooth, plump, tone, and brighten dry, irritated, and problematic skin caused by environmental pollutants for an all-day illuminated and fresh complexion. 

German Chamomile Extract

Known for its anti-allergy, skin-soothing, and skin-brightening benefits, studies have shown that German Chamomile has several phenolic compounds: apigenin, quercetin, and patulein, and luteolin, which all act as antioxidants. Chamomile is a remarkable botanical for those with more sensitive, irritated, and problematic skin with its fresh apple-scented aroma.   

Rose Petal Extract

Rose has been around for centuries and is known as that typical show-stopping flower in a garden. Also a showstopper in the beauty industry, it’s a known soothing, wound healing, and antioxidant botanical that can help protect the skin from oxidative stress and maintain a healthy skin barrier. BRBotanicals’ Rose & Chamomile Hyaluronic Hydrating Gel has been newly available since December 2021.  

More About Brooklyn Rooftop Botanicals

New York City’s first rooftop beauty farm, Brooklyn Rooftop Botanicals, is a rooftop beauty farm that spans over three rooftops. They grow and process botanicals on Brooklyn rooftops to create extracts and beauty products. They do this to aim to change the way raw materials are sourced to combat climate change and help people think more consciously about their beauty consumption habits.

About Liana Blomquist

BRB was founded by a certified horticulturist, Liana Blomquist, in 2019 and was born out of her passion for gardening and beauty while re-evaluating her consumption habits and the way they affect the planet. Liana’s career spans over ten years at Elizabeth Arden and Revlon as a Global Marketing and Product Development Exec in their fragrance and skincare categories. She launched over 30 fragrance and skincare products throughout her time there, winning global awards and nominations from key publications and foundations. Her sustainable beauty and gardening expertise have been seen in NY Post, Thrive Global, NY Live, NY Magazine, and Real Simple. To learn more about Liana, her farm, and her process, please visit brooklynrooftopbotanicals.com.

Edited by Lexi Wiens