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 and beauty of the aging Queen of Hungary. My search for the legendary queen led to the perfumers of Montpellier who had fabricated the tale to market their products at the court of Louis XIV. Intrigued by the mysterious elixir's origin, I began to dig deeper. What I found was 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, became legendary as Queen of Hungary Water—an elixir of youth and beauty whose popularity lasted hundreds of years.
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 discovered the remarkable powers of rosemary and forged a deep connection with the generations of women who shared my quest. What led to Wild Mary was realizing I had to share this ancient beauty secret. I knew I had found something transformative.
In its purest, most potent form, rosemary nourishes our complexion to be vital and radiant at any age. Inspired by the belief that this divine evergreen herb could transform people’s lives, I began creating rosemary elixirs with an unwavering commitment to excellence. 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 skin at any age.
With love and dedication,
Lisa