“ MERAK Beauty Rituals is a full-circle life story, honouring the rich heritage passed down from both of my grandmothers. It draws inspiration from the deep-rooted tradition of “me-rak”, an ancient Bulgarian word that embodies a sense of bliss and the pursuit of simple, everyday pleasures. These small, intentional moments accumulate into a profound sense of happiness and fulfilment. Through this rituals, I weave together the wisdom of my ancestors with the essence of merak, celebrating the beauty of life's little joys.”
— Nina Popova / Founder
Founding Story
I created the Merak Beauty Rituals Mediterranean Heritage-inspired collection as a tribute to both of my grandmothers and my birthplace, Bulgaria. This collection represents the full-circle story of how Merak Beauty Rituals came to life, inspired by cherished traditions and the spirit of self-care that was passed down through generations.
From an early age, I remember my grandmother on my father’s side taking my older sister and me to a Turkish bath every Sunday during our summer breaks in my hometown. She was a quiet, calm, and collected woman, practical in many ways, yet she instilled in me a deep appreciation for self-care. Those Sundays were more than just "shower days" — they were rituals of exfoliation, rejuvenation, and connection.
In the Turkish bath, my grandmother taught us the importance of body care, guiding us through exfoliation with traditional mitts, hair masks, and moments of relaxation. We bonded with her and with the women around us, forming a community where self-care was not just a routine but a sacred time for reflection and connection. These memories remain vivid, shaping my approach to beauty rituals today and honouring the timeless wisdom I inherited from her.
And my grandmother on my mother’s side, a gifted herbalist, healer, and naturopath, had a profound influence on me. Her home was always filled with the scent of drying herbs, and it was from her that I learned the art of natural remedies—wisdom passed down to my mother and then to me. She has been a constant source of inspiration, and I believe I inherited her deep connection to the healing power of herbs, flowers, plants, essential oils, and natural beauty solutions.
She embodies the true essence of stoicism and inner beauty—her radiance comes from within, a beauty that is pure and serene. Her ability to nurture both body and spirit taught me that beauty is more than skin deep; it’s a reflection of the harmony between nature and self.
The Inspiration Behind MERAK Beauty Rituals
Growing up, my backyard was abundant with pomegranate, fig, and plum trees, and in the summertime, our garden bloomed with vibrant flowers and fragrant roses. The air was filled with the intoxicating aroma of white and pink roses, especially the Damascena ones. It wasn’t until I moved to the United States, far from home, that I realised how much I had taken for granted—the abundance of simple, everyday luxuries that were part of my childhood, fruits that here were considered exotic and rare.
Years later when i became a Facialist specialising in facial massage, I began searching for the perfect face massage oil—one that would not only provide the right glide but also offer skin benefits and stimulate the senses with a beautiful, natural aroma. To my disappointment, many of the products I found were lacking in quality or purity. This search led me to the decision to create my own formulas using organic, ethically-sourced, cold-pressed oils from pomegranate, fig, plum, and rose, knowing the powerful antioxidant properties and skin benefits of these ingredients.
I started experimenting with these blends, testing them on my own face, hair, and body. During this time, I was going through a painful personal crisis and these moments of self-care became deeply transformative. It was in those quiet, reflective times that I truly reconnected with myself and my feminine energy. Looking back, I now see that this was a pivotal moment in the creation of Merak Beauty Rituals, where the true meaning behind the rituals emerged: a profound sense of connection with one’s inner self.
Once I was satisfied with the quality of my blends, I introduced them to my skincare studio. To my surprise, my clients immediately noticed not only the luxurious feel of the oil but also how it awakened their senses. They began asking if they could purchase the oil, and that was the beginning of the Mediterranean Collection.
Sourcing: A Commitment to Purity and Potency
At the heart of Merak Beauty Rituals is our dedication to sourcing only the finest organic, cold-pressed oils from regions known for their exceptional natural resources. Each ingredient is carefully selected from locations where the soil, climate, and ecosystems contribute to the highest level of purity, potency, and nourishment. Our meticulous sourcing ensures that every drop in our formulas delivers maximum benefits for the skin, hair, and body.
Bulgarian Rose Oil & Rose Water: Harvested from the lush rose valleys of Bulgaria, our Rose Otto oil and rose water are among the most precious and delicate ingredients. The unique climatic conditions in Bulgaria produce roses with unparalleled fragrance and skin-soothing properties. We partner with local growers who uphold centuries-old traditions of handpicking and distillation to maintain the integrity and quality of the rose oil.
Turkish Pomegranate Oil: The fertile soils of Turkey produce pomegranate oil rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and the rare Punicic acid. We source this oil from organic farms that ensure sustainable agricultural practices, providing a potent elixir known for its regenerative and anti-aging properties.
Spanish Plum & Fig Oils: Our luxurious plum and fig oils are sourced from Spain, where these fruits thrive in sun-drenched orchards. Both oils are prized for their deeply moisturizing and rejuvenating effects, contributing to our formulas' ability to nourish and hydrate the skin.
Polynesian Tamanu Oil: Sourced from the pristine environments of Polynesia, Tamanu oil is celebrated for its powerful healing and anti-inflammatory properties. We partner with sustainable cooperatives in the region to ensure that this precious oil is harvested responsibly, supporting local communities while preserving the environment.
Sustainability: Thoughtful Practices from Source to Shelf
Sustainability is woven into every step of our production process. We are committed to creating beauty products that respect both the planet and the communities we work with. From our sourcing practices to our packaging, we strive to minimize our environmental impact while delivering the highest-quality products.
Ethical Harvesting: Our oils are sourced from certified organic farms that practice ethical and sustainable harvesting methods. These practices ensure the long-term health of the ecosystems and the communities that rely on them. By prioritizing organic and regenerative farming, we support biodiversity and soil health, reducing the use of harmful pesticides and chemicals.
Sustainable Packaging: Our packaging reflects our commitment to sustainability. All of our glass bottles and containers are manufactured in Europe using eco-friendly, recyclable materials that meet stringent EU environmental standards. By using glass, we reduce plastic waste, and our packaging is designed to be reused or recycled, minimizing our ecological footprint.
Eco-Conscious Manufacturing: We work with partners who adhere to eco-conscious manufacturing processes, ensuring that our products are crafted with care for both quality and the environment. From energy-efficient production facilities to minimizing water use, our approach ensures that sustainability remains a core value in every aspect of our production.
At Merak Beauty Rituals, we believe in the beauty of balance—creating luxurious, effective products while nurturing the earth and the people who cultivate its precious resources. Our commitment to sourcing and sustainability ensures that our formulas not only benefit your skin but also contribute to a healthier planet for future generations.