Gloss Angeles Podcast Episode Summary
Episode Title: The Healing Power of Tulips with Bloomeffects Founder Kim Van Haaster
Release Date: May 16, 2025
Hosts: Kirbie Johnson and Sara Tan
Guest: Kim Van Haaster, Founder of Bloom Effects
Introduction: A Blooming Collaboration
In this enchanting episode of Gloss Angeles, hosts Kirbie Johnson and Sara Tan transport listeners to the vibrant tulip fields of Amsterdam, where they meet Kim Van Haaster, the visionary founder of Bloom Effects. Although the podcast’s visual counterpart showcases the picturesque Dutch landscape, this audio summary delves deep into the conversations that unfolded amidst the blooming tulips.
Bloom Effects: Cultivating Beauty with Tulips
Bloom Effects, established in 2019, has swiftly become a beacon in the beauty industry by harnessing the regenerative power of tulips. Kim Van Haaster shares the brand's inception and its mission to integrate tulip-derived compounds into effective skincare solutions.
"Every product has our proprietary Dutch tulip complex, which is really just bulb and stem, and we extract the stem cells." [03:32]
Must-Have European Beauty Products
Responding to listener inquiries about top European beauty picks, Kim recommends:
- Maristella Water: A philanthropic water brand by the founder of Scotch and Soda, where purchases contribute to providing water in Africa.
- Nimia Eyeshadow Palette: Created by Dutch influencer NikkieTutorials, blending beauty expertise with local craftsmanship.
"It's great for a souvenir as well." [03:15]
Immersed in Dutch Culture
Kirbie and Sara discuss their experiences in the Netherlands, highlighting the ease of communication due to widespread English proficiency and the unique cultural nuances. Kim lightens the mood by sharing fun Dutch phrases, emphasizing the local's directness and friendliness.
"They're really easygoing and really direct. So you truly know where you stand with a Dutch person." [05:06]
The Tulip Farming Process: Precision and Passion
Kim delves into the meticulous process of tulip cultivation, explaining the critical two-week blooming period where quality and color consistency are paramount.
"The flower has two reproductive systems, the seed box and the bulb. Just like in the beauty industry, we want to quality control." [07:16]
She poignantly describes the necessity of chopping off the tulip heads post-bloom to prevent unwanted pollination, ensuring vibrant, uniform flowers for the bulb market.
A Love Story Blossoms: From Ibiza to Innovation
The conversation takes a heartfelt turn as Kim recounts meeting her husband, Hein, a fourth-generation tulip bulb grower, in Ibiza. Their shared passion for tulips spurred the idea of transforming tulip byproducts into skincare marvels.
"The aha moment was all about regeneration. We just came from a different angle." [25:01]
Bloom Effects vs. Traditional Floral Beauty Brands
Kim distinguishes Bloom Effects by focusing on tulip regeneration properties rather than just fragrance, setting the brand apart from others that primarily leverage floral scents.
"We aren't using the bulb extract. We're using the petal extract." [27:22]
Her collaboration with the University of Leiden led to the discovery of auxin and kenatin in tulips, pivotal for enhancing skin barrier strength, hydration, and firmness.
Signature Products: Innovation in Every Drop
Regenerative Brightening Serum
A standout product, this serum combines multiple peptides and advanced delivery systems to boost skin regeneration without the harshness of traditional actives.
"It's really kind of my powerful powerhouse ingredient that I use on the off days." [18:54]
Tulip Nectar
Originally formulated to soothe Kim's eczema, the Tulip Nectar serves as a rich, decadent treatment for dry and sensitive skin, acting as a comforting balm for various skin irritations.
"It truly is the warm blanket that soothes everything." [30:02]
Black Tulip Collection
This collection utilizes pure black tulip petals, rich in flavonoids, offering enhanced benefits for skin firmness and reducing fine lines.
"We have clinicals backing us in regards to firmness and specifically lines around the smile line, nasolabial folds." [26:22]
Addressing Common Misconceptions About Tulips
Kim clarifies that tulips generally lack natural fragrance, debunking the myth perpetuated by brands marketing "tulip-scented" products.
"There’s no such thing as a tulip. Absolute. There’s only tulip accord out there." [21:03]
Exciting Product Launches: Innovation Continues
Bloom Effects announces two new product launches:
-
SPF Lip Oils: Luxurious lip oils enriched with SPF, available in a trendy mauve shade, combining hydration with sun protection without the typical SPF taste.
"Mauve is having a moment." [31:37]
-
Tulips Green Body Balm: An improved, whipped butter crème with SPF 50, designed to melt into the skin for intense hydration and sun protection, addressing previous product texture issues.
"It's our new and improved take on the body balm with SPF." [31:00]
Conclusion: A Flourishing Future
The episode concludes with heartfelt appreciation from the hosts for Kim's hospitality and the inspiring journey of Bloom Effects. Kim invites listeners to explore Bloom Effects through their website and select retailers, promising continued innovation rooted in the timeless beauty of tulips.
"Find me on Instagram at Kimmy Van Haster and bloomfx.com or Credo and Blue Mercury in store and online." [35:23]
Note: Advertisements and non-content sections at the end of the transcript have been omitted to maintain the summary's focus on key discussions and insights.