Interview with Kim and Raf Maes [Founders of Le Rub]: The Good Life Does Include SPF

Life is beautiful and it shouldn’t be different than that.

It is a hymn, a message of hope that passes through even the most surprising elements, such as sunscreen. From the match between the conscious way of living of our planet and people, happy and carefree, and this category of products, Raf and Kim Maes (brother and sister) have created Le Rub, a brand of solar products with a dreamy aesthetic, the one that takes you straight you to the beach even if you are in your city office, and innovative formulations. All products are vegan, leave no white casts, do not contain harmful ingredients, and are eco-friendly under every aspect. In other words, they are the perfect must-have to keep with you every day of the year to be able to enjoy summer always. A journey that has combined their experiences and desires with the search and aim for quality. A journey devoted to the Good Life and, to honor this mantra in the best possible way, and still ongoing, with no end on the horizon…

How did your previous experiences and passions blend to develop these SPFs? Also talking about the strong identity of the brand, because I feel it is very curated in every detail.

As the founder of Blos, Kim felt there was a beautiful and healthy suncare brand missing in the market. Her journey as a makeup artist has taught her the importance of protecting the skin while enhancing its natural beauty. Sharing this problem with Raf, he thought it was a great idea to create it ourselves, so we did. The strong identity of our brand reflects our dedication to detail (product/packaging/visuals/scent) and our ode to the Mediterranean. Raf’s expertise as a brand builder and his keen eye as a photographer bring a unique perspective, ensuring that everything looks and feels just right. Leslie David, our Creative Director, ties it all together with her creative vision, making sure every aspect of our brand is cohesive and beautiful. Together, we’ve poured our hearts into crafting high-quality and purposeful products that are not only effective but also a pleasure to use.

The light texture, the blend of ingredients, the nourishing formulas, and the attention to sustainability, make these products unique. What was the process to reach this result?

Creating our products was a complex process that involved extensive research and development. We faced several challenges formulating a mineral sunscreen that wouldn’t leave a sticky white cast and would feel lightweight on the skin. Our goal was to find a combination of ingredients that not only protect but also nourish the skin. We combined a mix of high-quality ingredients, including a beautiful non nano zinc dispersion, which worked perfectly together. This allowed us to create a formula that blends seamlessly into the skin without leaving a greasy residue. It took more than just the right zinc to achieve this—every component had to work in harmony to ensure the final product met our high standards for performance and feel.

This journey required passion, patience and dedication, but the result is here, a product range that we’re incredibly proud of.

“Our goal was to find a combination of ingredients that not only protect but also nourish the skin.”

What advice would you give to take the best care of your skin and the planet (besides choosing the right products and always wearing SPF)?

Taking care of your skin and the planet goes hand in hand. Here are a few tips:

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and using hydrating skincare products.

• Follow a consistent skincare routine that includes cleansing, moisturizing, and exfoliating.

• Eat a balanced diet rich in antioxidants and vitamins to support skin health.

• Reduce waste by choosing products with sustainable packaging and supporting brands that prioritize eco-friendly practices.

• Smile!

What is your favorite product of the brand and why? And can you tell us something about your upcoming projects?

It’s hard to pick a favorite, but if we must choose, it would be our SPF30 Everyday Sunscreen. It offers effective sun protection while deeply hydrating the skin, making it perfect for daily use. Its lightweight formula and nourishing ingredients, make it a staple in your skincare routine. As for upcoming projects, we’re launching an SPF 50 with Vitamin C, a convenient stick format and a lip balm. Additionally, we’re exploring tinted SPF products and a spray version.

How do you live The Good Life yourselves?

For us, living The Good Life is all about savoring the moment. We love the Mediterranean lifestyle—the sea and the warmth of the sun, the way it lifts our mood, boosts our health, and fills us with energy. It’s that combination of joy and well-being that we call The Good Life. Think of golden days that never seem to end, the scent of salt in your hair after a day at the beach, and that electric feeling in the air. We created Le Rub to bring that feeling to you all year round.

Writing this from the Amalfi Coast, the Good Life doesn’t get any better!

Thanks to Karla Otto.