Say hello to REESON, your new beauty brand obsession.

Say a second hello to Anne-Marie Lodge, AKA Really Ree, AKA the name behind the brand. We sat down with Ree to get to know her a little better, plus her wow-factor products we can't get enough of.

How did REESON begin?

I launched REESON because I felt that as I approach 50, many of the products that already existed weren’t really for me. It is a skincare-infused capsule collection of makeup products that have been carefully created to give your skin a healthy, natural looking glow, to improve the look of your skin instantly, and over time.

Having tried and tested pretty much every product out there, I believe I’m in a perfect place to create with REESON. The brand was in development for over 2 and a half years, and I have focused closely on every detail, from ingredients, formulation, packaging and most importantly, the message. REESON is completely self-funded so it is extremely important to me to get everything right from the outset. Like me, the brand is light-hearted, but not lightweight, and it means business.

Why is midlife makeup important?

For me, makeup and skincare is all about confidence. Not just about how you look, the emphasis is more on how it makes you feel. Even since I have become more comfortable with ageing, I have still often felt awkward writing about certain products that I love but that are so clearly aimed at a younger woman. I still rarely see myself in the marketing and advertising from brands I love. I hate that cringy feeling when I am made to think I’m clinging on to something that is no longer mine. I don’t want to have to gatecrash the party!

I want to feel included, invited and part of something bigger than just a piece of makeup that feels like it isn’t for me. That’s why I created REESON. REESON is for everyone – all ages, all stages, and when you use these products, you will never feel old. You will feel good, and look good and above all, you will feel thought of and visible.

What’s your beauty mantra?

REESON is all about how beauty products make you feel. I always say that makeup may not make you look exactly like a Hollywood star, but if it makes you feel like one, then it has done its job.

Shimmer and glow aren’t just for 20-somethings; midlife shouldn’t mean becoming invisible. REESON is about refusing to disappear when you reach ‘a certain age’. Now is the time to give yourself permission to be seen - but more than that, to stand out. Highlighting, not concealing. Focusing on your best bits and celebrating them.

Which of your products is your favourite?

All of them! The collection is a fusion of makeup with skincare which are my two biggest passions.

The Bronze shade works on the fairest complexions and can be built up to a good medium, while the Bronze Intense shade goes from medium and builds to deep. The Bronzing Balm has a unique bouncy texture that’s a soft cream with a radiant velvet finish. I’m a bronzer obsessive, so the shades and finish had to be absolutely perfect AND bring something new to the market. I truly believe I have achieved my goals with the REESON Bronzing Balm collection.

The other launch product is the Highlighter Duo and I am extremely proud of it. This is all about custom glow for every age and every stage of life. Women of a certain age are often told they are too old for highlighter, and I couldn’t disagree more. If you want to shine you absolutely can, and I have made the Highlighter Duo with both a balm and a powder texture, so you can create your own custom glow depending on how you feel on the day. It has specially selected ingredients that smooth the skin, and don’t accentuate pores or lines, like many other highlighters do. And of course, it is packed with skincare.

What tips can you give for when you apply your products?

I have absolutely tonnes of different tips and tricks but my main message is there are no rules in makeup and you can use my products however you like! I love a dense buffing brush patted into the Bronzing Balm to buff and blend into the skin, but equally, you can use a fluffier brush, or just your fingers, whatever works for you.

Same with the highlighter duo. I tend to use the powder first and then melt it in with the balm for a diffused, juicy glow. And when I want to amp it up, I switch it around and layer the powder over the balm for a bigger beam of light. Equally you can use them alone or mix them. Use a brush or your fingers. It is up to you. I don’t believe in rules for makeup. You make the rules.