Meet the Founder
Wild Life
I’ve always had a bit of a wild streak. In my twenties, I dated the drummer of INXS and spent seven years living the classic rock-and-roll lifestyle — a whirlwind of concerts, late-night parties, and backstage moments. In the midst of all the excitement, I was always experimenting with new clothes and simple rituals to feel confident and grounded in my own skin.
Back then, my skincare routine was practically nonexistent — maybe a little soap and moisturizer when I remembered. I definitely didn’t tone. But everything changed when I met a radiant woman who shared a timeless beauty ritual passed down by generations of French women: “You must cleanse, tone, and moisturize every morning and night — no exceptions.” I’ve 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
Years later, I found myself searching for a new botanical toner — one that could deliver real rejuvenating benefits. But the products I found were either over-formulated with too many ingredients or made from extracts that lacked any true actives. Determined to find a better solution, I turned to the herbal tradition.
In my research, I discovered a 14th-century Rosemary elixir said to restore the youth and beauty of the Queen of Hungary. But when I searched the historical record, I found no mention of the queen herself — only that she was likely a creation of Montpellier perfumers, who introduced this legendary beauty preparation at the court of Louis XIV. Intrigued by the elixir’s mysterious origins, I kept digging. And what I uncovered was truly astonishing.
Ancient Beauty Secret
Rosemary has been revered in beauty rituals for over 4,000 years. The ancient Egyptians were the first to use Rosemary in an elixir believed to transform the old to young, erase all signs of age, and beautify the skin. The recipe remained a closely guarded secret, unknown in the West until a Latin manuscript on the virtues of herbal wine emerged in the late 13th century.
Written by Arnaldo de Villanova, the manuscript introduced the elixir as Vino de Rore Marino and attributed the formula to Dioscorides — the father of herbal medicine — who had reportedly learned the secret in Cairo in the 1st century AD. The manuscript circulated across Europe for centuries, and by the 17th century, the recipe became legendary as Queen of Hungary Water — an elixir of youth and beauty whose popularity endured for generations.

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
For centuries, women have searched for the elusive elixir of youth — and time and again, they returned to Rosemary. I was first drawn to its rich history, from ancient Egyptian beauty rituals to the legendary Queen of Hungary Water. But when I uncovered the science behind its rejuvenating effects, I knew I had found something extraordinary.
Wild Mary was born from a desire to bring this ancient beauty secret back to modern skincare — in its purest, most potent form. With every small batch I make, I’m reminded of the women who came before me — and the timeless legacy they left behind.
My hope is to honor that legacy and carry it forward with next-generation Rosemary rituals that not only nourish your skin, but reconnect you with your own radiant nature — and inspire you to feel beautiful and confident at every age.
With love,
Lisa