• Natasha MacLeod and Eva Evguenieva, partners launching a new skincare product.
  • Eva Evguenieva and Natasha MacLeod, partners launching a new skincare product.

Rayna - natural skincare empowering women

Rayna Skincare is the creation of Northcote resident Eva Evguenieva. A journalist by training, when she started having problems with her skin, her natural instinct was to research what could help. She found that many so-called skincare products contained chemicals and skin irritants; she wanted a non-toxic product, that cared for her skin, was effective as an anti-ageing product – and that delivered results.

That, she says proudly, is what she has achieved. After three years of research and development, working with a skincare chemist, she learned how to protect her skin, what products not to use, and what ingredients are effective while not irritating the skin. “We made certain the formula was effective,” she says, “with the right percentage of active ingredients that would create a positive change in the skin.”

Late last year, she launched Rayna oil. The pure high-grade blend of seed oils is the perfect delivery system, she says, with three effective active ingredients: naturally derived plant-based stem cells, used in ayurvedic wound treatments; retinol; and lipids in the same ratio as found in the skin of the average 22 year-old.

Rayna oil is made locally, she adds, and all ingredients can be traced back to where they came from. “It combines naturally derived science-backed ingredients,” says Eva. “There is nothing on the market with the same three active ingredients in an oil form.”

Eva, who might also be known to readers with long memories as Eva the Bulgarian on TV’s SportsCafé, has been using – and testing – her oil since development started. As she was ready to launch it commercially, she was approached at a Pilates class by fellow class member and Takapuna resident Natasha MacLeod, who wanted to know what skin care product Eva was using. Coincidentally she was looking for an opportunity to re-enter the workforce as her children were growing up, and Eva was looking for a business partner.  The rest, as the cliché goes, is history – except that for Rayna Skincare, this is just the beginning. New products with the same philosophy of sustainability and using only natural products are due to launch later this year.

From the beginning, says Natasha, they have both also had a philosophy of giving back. In their case, this is about giving back to women. Eva named her company and product after Rayna Knyaginya, a Bulgarian teacher and revolutionary famous for having sewn the flag of the April Uprising of 1876. Both Natasha and Eva quickly agreed that they would base their business not only on “green” principles but also with a strong philosophy of giving back to women, especially women in need. To that end, they have partnered with New Zealand Women’s Refuge Trust and a percentage of all profits will go to the Trust for a Mothers' Day promotion.

Eva and Natasha are passionate about their product, and ecstatic about early results and testimonials they have received since last November’s launch. “It suits all skin types,” says Eva, “and only takes six weeks to make a real difference.”

“We are committed to delivering a great product,” adds Natasha. “We are sure women who buy it will see results. It’s expensive to make, but we’re making is accessible for most women – the small bottle lasts three months, so it’s cheaper than many night creams.”

Rayna is currently sold  through beauty therapists, wellness centres, spas and boutique stores, as well as online, through the OhNatural website, and rayna.co.nz.

If commitment and enthusiasm are any indicator, Rayna oil is only the first of many natural, ethically based products to be launched by Eva and Natasha. Watch this space.

Rayna has five bottles of Rayna Skincare oil for Channel readers. To go into the draw to win a bottle, follow @channelmag and Rayna (IG @rayna.skincare / FB @RaynaSkincareNZ) on Facebook or Instagram and comment on our giveaway post with the name of a strong, empowered woman you admire. Winner will be drawn 15th March.

Rayna Skincare, www.rayna.co.nz 

Facebook: @RaynaSkincareNZ

Instagram: @rayna.skincare

Email: eva-tash@rayna.co.nz