Meet the Founder
Wild Life
I've always had a bit of a wild streak. In my early twenties, I dated the drummer of INXS and spent 7 years travelling the world and living the typical rock-n-roll lifestyle. We went to parties and concerts all the time, so I was always looking for ways to improve my appearance.
During that time, I followed a simple skincare routine, but everything changed when I met a radiant, young model who revealed her beauty secret passed down by generations of French women: "You must cleanse, tone, and moisturize every morning and night, no exceptions." I have lived by that mantra ever since.
Lisa McCormick with Jon Farriss, MTV Music Awards, Los Angeles 1988 | Jon Farriss and Lisa McCormick | Lisa McCormick, Golden Temple, Kyoto 1988 | Jon Farriss, Michael Hutchence, Lisa McCormick, Paris 1987
Macer Floridus, 11th century Latin Herbal Text | Liber de Vinis, Arnaldo Villanova, 13th century Latin Herbal Text | Italian Herbal 1475 | Liber de Vinis
Elixir of Youth
The problem for me began when I wanted a facial toner that was more than just an astringent and started looking for one with rejuvenating benefits as well. The products I found were either over formulated or made from extracts with little or no active constituents. Determined to find a solution, I immersed myself in the history of herbal medicine and set out on a journey back to ancients.
In my research, I came across a 14th-century beauty elixir made with Rosemary and renowned for restoring the youth of the Queen of Hungary. I searched for the queen and found that she was the invention of Montpellier perfumers who were the first purveyors of the beauty preparation at the court of Louis XIV. Intrigued by the elixir's mysterious origins, I delved deeper and what I uncovered was truly astonishing.
Ancient Beauty Secret
Rosemary has been used in beauty preparations for over 4,000 years. It was first used by the ancient Egyptians to make a beauty elixir known for its power to transform the old to young, remove all signs of age and beautify the skin. The recipe was such a closely guarded secret it was unknown in the West until a Latin manuscript on the virtues of herbal wine emerged in the late 13th century.
Written by Arnaldo Villanova, the Liber de Vinis introduced the West to the ancient elixir of youth, a recipe attributed to Dioscorides, the father of herbal medicine who learned the secret in Cairo in the 1st century AD. The manuscript circulated across Europe and by the 17th century, the ancient beauty secret became legendary as Queen of Hungary Water and remained popular for centuries.
Perfume Bottle, New Kingdom | Pyramids at Giza, Ebers Medical Papyrus, Egypt 2000 BC | Mirror of Hathor, New Kingdom, symbol of the goddess | Menat Necklace, New Kingdom, symbol of health, life and rebirth.
Lisa McCormick, Founder of Wild Mary | Wild Mary Rosemary Beauty Elixir | Wild Mary Logo | Liber de Vinis, Rore de Marino | Rosemary
Wild Mary
In my search for the elixir of youth, I not only discovered the remarkable skincare benefits of Rosemary but also forged a deep connection with the generations of women who shared my quest. What led me to Wild Mary was the desire to pass on the ancient beauty secret to the next generation. I knew I had found something extraordinary.
Inspired by the belief that this divine evergreen herb could transform people’s lives, I developed a next-generation beauty elixir with the purest, most effective botanical ingredients. With every small batch I make, I am reminded of my purpose: to share the rejuvenating benefits of Rosemary, honor the ancient elixir of youth and inspire women to celebrate their natural beauty and be confident in their own skin, at any age.
Dedicated to all muses,
Lisa