Katarina Koslikova

Formulation Manager

What did you study and where?

I studied in Bratislava at The Slovak University of Technology, at The Faculty of Chemical and Food Technology. My study was oriented mainly towards chemical technologies and biotechnologies, food processing, nutrition and quality control processes.

Have you always loved science?

Since I was young, I’ve always been very curious and interested about how things work. As a child, I was constantly making potions and lotions which my mum would find either fermenting or rotting around the house!

It seemed a very natural choice to study science so I could learn about chemistry and product development. After graduating, I joined the beauty industry which I am very passionate about – helping people to feel and look good in their own skin.

Did you experience any adversity getting into science because of your gender?

I was fortunate not to face any discrimination because of my gender.

How did you get into your role today? Did you always have an interest in applying science to beauty?

Following my passion for cosmetics, I joined the leading contract manufacturer in the personal care industry in the UK and focused on learning about developing colour cosmetics in response to customers’ changing requirements. This included colour matching, full product testing, industrialisation and manufacturing.

This role also allowed me to work on innovation concepts and the development of product libraries. Here I came across Cleanse & Polish™ for the first time! This was the start of my career and it really made me curious about other development roles in the industry I could specialise in – not just colour cosmetics but also skincare and body care products, taking ideas from the laboratory to full scale-up while always keeping customers’ expectations in mind.

After becoming a regular user of Cleanse & Polish™, coupled with my passion for colour cosmetics, I knew one day I would work for this amazing brand. And my wish came true! I joined the Liz Earle Beauty Co. team 10 years ago and I’ve never looked back.

How do you apply science in your job?

I’m responsible for our passionate technical experts in our Formulation team, as well as working closely with cross-functional teams including Brand Marketing, Packaging, Sourcing, Quality Control and many more helping to bring our brand vision to life.

Collectively, we apply science in everything we do to ensure safety, efficacy and the highest quality products for our customers.

What is your favourite part of your job?

The variety of every day! No two days are the same. I am particularly passionate about working with botanicals and natural ingredients, and this job allows me that. I also love delivering the best skincare results for our loyal customers.

Product efficacy is our priority, but I am also very interested in where the ingredients come from. I’ve been fortunate enough to visit amazing places – in the UK and abroad – with our botanical experts.

I am also surrounded and supported not just by experts but great people, and I have made loads of lifetime friendships in this job.

What is your favourite product?

It definitely has to be Cleanse & Polish™!

Finally, do you have any advice to girls and women who would like to get into science?

Just go for it, be brave and have fun.

Dr Liz Gisborne

Product Technologist

What did you study and where?

I went to school on the Isle of Wight and studied in London; Biology with Botany at North East London Polytechnic, Entomology at University of London Birkbeck College, Immunochemistry at London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, and Parasitology at the Royal Veterinary College.

There were also a few years of Osteopathy college thrown in there too.... I like studying.

Did you always love science?

Yes! I've always been fascinated by how living things work.

Did you ever feel adversity getting into science because of your gender?

Genuinely no, I think research is one of the most equal and diverse areas to work in – certainly in the life sciences.

How did you get into your role today? Did you always want to apply science to beauty?

It was accidental! I joined the Liz Earle Beauty Co. Formulation team as a temporary stop-gap 5 years ago and I'm still loving it, learning every day.

How do you apply science in your job?

I love looking into the phytochemistry of botanical ingredients, and thinking about the skin and how skincare products affect it. I also use my research skills when I plan user trials.

What is your favourite part of your job?

I get excited when user trial results are amazing, and seeing first production samples of new products is always a thrill.

What would you say is your favourite product?

Definitely Superskin™ Moisturiser, it’s just what I need to counter those island winds!

Do you have any advice for girls or women who want to get into science?

Embrace your inner nerd! The Society of Cosmetic Sciences, supported by Liz Earle Beauty Co. among other brands, has a brilliant school outreach program, which is definitely worth a look.