An absolute triumph of science and nature working together is exactly what Tromborg cosmetics and skincare represents. This Scandinavian beauty brand can now be found in Kuwait, and exclusive to Alshaya. bazaar revelled in the opportunity to ask founder Marianne Tromborg a little bit more about the brand and its long-awaited arrival in Kuwait.

What first ignited the passion that led to you becoming a make-up artist?

When I was in my early 20’s, I studied Danish and literature at the University of Copenhagen. As a hobby, I painted pictures in a studio and displayed them in cafes. One day in the studio there was a photo shoot where the makeup artist never showed up. The photographer asked that if I could paint on a canvas, could I paint on skin too? These photos were seen by another photographer who wanted me to do a big shoot in Stockholm, and since then, I’ve never looked back.

Describe the journey from make-up artist to cosmetics line founder. What inspired you to create Tromborg?

As a make-up artist, I traveled the world, saw places I would have never imagined and I met some amazing people. One of them is my husband Tim, a biochemist, and I was so lucky to meet him in 1991. This became the initial footstep for starting the Tromborg company. Tim is super allergic, and I have psoriasis, so we wanted to make products that suited our needs. In the beginning we made our own creams at home in the kitchen. We have improved this immensely ever since! Tim joined the company as a partner in 2006. He has used his many years of scientific experience from the pharmaceutical and biotech industry, including research and knowledge about skin care, to develop the perfect combination of innovative active ingredients necessary for a modern, natural and effective product line.

Tim, Marianne’s husband and partner at Tromborg, a biochemist whose research and experience inspired the tagline “Science Behind Beauty”. Courtesy of Tromborg

There is so much science behind Tromborg, and there is also a great respect for nature. Why is it important to have this balance?

A lot of plants are known for their beneficial effects and we are known for our work with plant extracts and aromatherapy, but Tromborg is all about ground-breaking technology too. This way, the creams will work!

When a great make-up artist and photographer work together the creativity can produce incredible results. Did you meet founding partner and fashion photographer Michel Wendt on set?

Yes, we did a lot of jobs together back in the day. We have known each other for many years and have become good friends. He knows and shares my “less is more” philosophy and approach to beauty, and he can capture the very essence of that. This makes it easy to have a successful business relationship together.

Tromborg’s founding partner and fashion photographer Michel Wendt (left). Courtesy of Tromborg

The Kuwaiti woman loves to look made-up; the lashes, the eye liner, the lips, yet the Tromborg look is so effortless and naturally pretty. What would you say to convince them to try Tromborg?

I am very happy about bringing our Scandinavian approach to skincare and beauty to the Middle East and to show you that the way we work with innovative ingredients and science behind beauty truly is a great fit for this region. My approach to skincare and beauty is not to cover up with layers of make-up, but to take good care of your skin. The best base for perfect makeup is a perfect skincare routine and I am very proud to have a range of skincare products that work perfectly for the climate in Kuwait.

The makeup collection can be mixed and matched. We have a lot of creamy textures and baked minerals that won’t melt in Kuwait’s warm weather. Plus, if you mix our powder shadows with the creamy ones you will get a look which lasts the whole day. Our mineral foundation is a layer of perfect skin and is perfectly suited for the humid weather here.

Tromborg Travel Kit. Courtesy of Tromborg

Tromborg has a number of unisex products and gifts. Kuwaiti men love to look after themselves but may prefer to step into a salon rather than a store. What can they see and find in store that is truly enticing for them?

This is a perfect fit for the Tromborg brand. Entering the store is the same as entering your own spa facility. Tromborg offers a complete range of unisex products. Men can be assisted by our staff to choose the perfect skincare routine. We have a cleansing foam which can be used for shaving and a calendula facial mist which can be used as an aftershave to calm the skin. All products can be mixed and matched to be used simply and easily by the whole family.

Which is the wonder Tromborg product that you would recommend every person should have?

I am often asked: “If you can bring just one product with you on a deserted Island, which would it be?” I would bring my Herbal Cleansing Water an alcohol- and oil-free makeup remover, which carefully refreshes and hydrates the skin. It is very easy to use. I also love the Anti-Aging Molecular Messenger cream from Beauty of North, which helps me achieve the maximum anti-aging effect on my skin.

Marianne’s top product: Herbal Cleansing Water. Courtesy of Tromborg

Are there any exclusive products that are in Kuwait or that you will launch in Kuwait first?

We are planning to exclusively launch in the Middle East additional colours to our baked minerals eye shadows. More golden tones that are perfect for the Kuwaiti woman. I think Middle Eastern women are so beautiful. They have perfect eyes, bone structure and skin. I would like to be a pioneer of natural beauty here because with Tromborg, you will get a skincare and beauty routine that is easy to use and very beneficial for your skin.

Courtesy of Tromborg

The first Tromborg store can be found in Grand Plaza, The Avenues. The second store is now open in Gate Mall. Keep an eye on the latest updates by following @tromborgmiddleeast on Instagram and Facebook.

Featured image of Marianne Tromborg (left) and the first Tromborg store in Kuwait at The Avenues. All images courtesy of Tromborg.