Today, Vena Cava turns 7 years old! 🎉🎊🙌🏻🎈
I never set out to own a business — I just wanted a good job, which—as we all know, can be hard to find. Somehow, that search turned into this living, breathing thing. I honestly didn’t think I could make a living doing bodywork—I was like, who is going to come see me? But wow… here we are. I feel so blessed.
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I wanted to create a sacred space where women and queers could soften, reconnect with their own inner wisdom, and feel seen, supported, and beautiful. I wanted to help elevate the profession of esthetics — work generally undervalued because it is done primarily by and for women — despite how deeply therapeutic and meaningful it truly is.
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It has also been one of the great honors of my career to welcome Lydia, a master esthetician whose care, skill, and presence have shaped this space in profound ways.
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But truly, the heart of Vena Cava is our clients. Whether you’ve been with us since the beginning (some of you have followed me through no fewer than five spaces!), or have only visited once — we bow to you. We learn from you every day. Caring for you is a joy and a responsibility we hold with real reverence.
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This space exists because of you. We are always learning, always evolving, and we will never take your trust for granted.
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Thank you for seven beautiful years (except for 2020, that was just the worst). 🤍
I am also so thankful to partner with the best of the best in skincare lines. I trust them deeply and am so proud to work with: @twelvebeauty_int@mederskincareus@monasterymade@activistmanuka@wildgraceapothecary
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xo
jessi
Master in scienza e tecnologia cosmetiche,🧪 insieme a fantastici Colleghi Farmacisti ⚕️.... ovviamente non potevano mancare i nostri Oli Essenziali ⚗️ per cosmetici 🔝
#naturalbeauty #oliiessenzialinaturali #skincare #lavandadelchianti #cosmetics
I still can’t quite believe that Ayla is 15!
To our customers, brands and founders, ingredient artisans, designers, team members, cheerleaders, and everyone we are lucky enough to work with: thank you so much for your support since 2011.
This community of kindred spirits is what makes Ayla so special: at the heart of this company are our connections with one another.
It’s an honor to make my way through this world of brighter beauty and wellness with you all, and our sense of shared wonder, delight, honesty, and humor inspires me every single day.
xx Dara
Valentine’s Day, but make it intentional.
Whether you’re gifting someone you love or finally choosing something for yourself — this guide is about thoughtful beauty.
Clean formulations. Beautiful textures. Products that feel as good as they look.
Because self-care isn’t selfish.It’s maintenance.
Discover the Lilith Valentine’s Guide 🤍
1. Dara’s Water by TWELVE Beauty
2. Long Lash Mascara by Inika
3. Skin Restore by Mimétique
4. Cerys Hair Claw Leopard by Maanesten
5. Skin Food by Weleda
6. Super Serum Hydrating Mist by RMS
7. Sun care by Le Rub
8. Water Lip Stain by La crique
9. Giulietta Earrings by Maanesten
10. Antioxidant Duo by The Organic Pharmacy
11. Goodnight Lip Balm by L:A Bruket
12. Immortelle Body Oil by Essences Naturelles Corses
13. Overglaze Hydrating Lip Gloss by ILIA
14. Lavender Cacao by Cosmic Dealer
Fifteen years of Ayla 💫
📍 Join us Thursday, February 12 | 6–7:30pm
✨ Mini-makeovers, s’mores, after-hours shopping, and a Q&A with some of our most science-forward founders (Pedro’s flying in from Spain!)
🎁 One-night-only gifts with purchase and special surprises from some of our favorite brands
👯♀️ Friends welcome
RSVP now to grab early access to founder consults at the link in bio.
We can’t wait to see you 💛
ROSAMUND X BEIJING the end of our China adventure 🇨🇳
A work trip I will cherish always…
Makeup by me using @twelvebeauty_int skincare
I Love Dara’s Water to clean skin before applying Essential Bio Technological Moisturiser - this duo is both cleansing & super hydrating the perfect skin prep before makeup application. To create this peachy cheek & lip I used a mix of Tint & Glow in shades Tangerine Crave & Bare Canvas
@mspike@lukejameswindsor@prosper_pr
#rosamundpike #interalia #twelvebeauty #cleanbeauty #bts
Deep detox. Zero dryness. 🌿
The Charcoal Peace Calming Cleanser from @twelvebeauty is a triple-phase botanical formula that lifts away impurities while nourishing your skin barrier.
✨ Activated vegetable charcoal → detoxifies
✨ Kaolin clay → purifies + clarifies
✨ Plant oils → restore + soften
Ideal for congested, combination, oily, or sensitive skin — and gentle enough for daily use.
Massage a small amount on to dry skin, including the eye area. Activate by adding lukewarm water with your hands and gently emulsify into a soothing cleansing milk. Rinse well or remove with a damp face cloth. Can be used morning and evening. Follow with elixir, serum and moisturiser.
TWELVE Founder Pedro says: Cleansing is the most crucial step in our skincare routine and with this product I wanted to offer a more targeted treatment cleansing option. The formula’s wonderful transformative texture leaves you wanting more, making the act of cleansing a thoroughly enjoyable and easier step to commit to.
2016 - Wow - 10 years have gone by in a flash ⚡️
Let’s just say I didn’t realise it was so eventful
1. @contentbeauty days with the launch of @rmsbeauty #mastermixer - I was obsessed with the glow
2. My bestie @jasminehemsley had a cafe in @theofficialselfridges
3. Gave a few makeup masterclasses at the original @glasshousesalon
4. Tried on outfits for the Versailles Ball (did not go & was too tall for all the period costumes)
5. Scoured Paris with my French connection @be.the.boat who has a PhD in French Art History - this makes for very handy running commentary
6. Discovered & fell in love with @officine_universelle_buly - bought the most expensive toothpaste to date.
7. Because 2016 filters!
8. Became British 🇬🇧
9. Immediately flew to Spain 🇪🇸
10. Made a Hemsley Birthday cake for @florence
11. Said goodbye to 4 yrs of blonde
12. Grew boy #2
13. Pregnancy lips I would now pay good money for
14. Still officially owned a store in Cape Town
15. Was already obsessed with @twelvebeauty
16. Started working with my favourite client @ella.mills__ on her Neal’s Yard collab
That was fun. #2016
