In Brazil, we have a tradition: At midnight on New Year’s Eve, everyone dresses in all white, runs into the ocean and throws white roses into the water, gifts for the Goddess of the Sea, Lemanja. Our bodies jump into waves like small children at play, and our senses are awakened by the aroma of fresh flower petals and salt water. Many believe this act offers strength to overcome difficulties in the upcoming year; I like to think of it as a fresh start.

This year, I invite you to revisit our first steps into the jungle to discover how I came to found COSTA BRAZIL.

At the beginning of our story, which features powerful ingredients used in sacred rituals by communities like the Yawanawas, lie our very first partners, Conservation International. Experts in environmental, animal and human welfare practices, they’ve been by our side helping to establish our sustainability strategies, such as procurement, production and packaging. As an ambassador of their initiative Amazon Forever, I have learned how important it is to protect the rainforest. I’m proud to say COSTA BRAZIL continues to give back to the place and people who helped make us who we are today.

There is also no shortage of pride when I look at our products’ new clinical trials, which we’ll be highlighting this month. The results, which measured an overwhelming improvement in skin brightness, elasticity and hydration—and overall demeanor—prove that it’s possible to create a skincare and aroma line that’s beneficial to the body, spirit and the earth.

Thank you to our friends and family (including skincare expert Joanna Czech, entrepreneur Camila Coehlo, photographer Sam Rock, all of whom align with our mission). And thank you for supporting us and our products, of which there are many more to come. By supporting us, you support the Amazon, and for that, I’m forever grateful.

Here’s to a kinder, more gentle year.

Love,

Francisco