Immortella Mediterranean Beauty brand was launched by Marija Tomas eight years ago, at a time when natural cosmetics were not yet as recognized as they are today. From the very beginning, the brand was conceived on the principle of simple, high-quality and effective care at an affordable price.
Marija is behind every Immortella formula, and she worked on the development of the first product for as long as six months to perfect it. Today, Immortella formulations are suitable for different skin types and needs — from sensitive and problematic skin, to dehydrated skin and skin with signs of aging. In-house production in small batches allows for constant quality control, while the laboratory in Makarska produces cosmetics daily and distributes them to numerous points of sale throughout Croatia, including well-known drugstores such as dm, Bip, and Müller.
While researching the market, Marija recognized that it was not easy to find high-quality natural cosmetics at an affordable price in Croatia at the time. Immortella began with a modest but carefully designed line of products based on immortella — a Mediterranean plant known for its regenerative properties, especially in the care of normal and dry skin. Immortella was the inspiration for the name of the brand, which today offers a much wider selection of products for different skin needs.
As Marija says:
“When we started Immortella, natural cosmetics were still on the margins. There were few brands on the market, and they were often associated with ‘homemade’ products — heavy textures, intense scents, and not very practical for everyday use.
My idea was completely different. I wanted to create natural cosmetics that were effective, modern, and functional; cosmetics that women who choose natural wouldn’t have to compromise on.
I developed my first product for six months. It was a face cream that is today one of the best-selling products in our range. It was that first success that gave me additional impetus to further develop Immortella products. Today, we have our own laboratory in Makarska, where we produce fresh cosmetics every day and work on developing new and improving existing formulations.”
Who is Marija Tomas – the founder and brain behind Immortella?
The cosmetics market is constantly evolving and requires a lot of active information, learning and following new insights. Marija graduated from the Faculty of Food and Biotechnology in Zagreb, and she has additionally focused her knowledge on the field of natural cosmetic formulations.
Marija has been further educated in the field of natural cosmetic formulations through international online programs from Formula Botanica, a school specializing in organic and botanical cosmetics. In addition, she continuously develops formulations, monitors new active ingredients and deepens her knowledge of natural oils, plant extracts and other ingredients that form the basis of Immortella products.
And who is Marija when she is not in the world of cosmetics?
“I am Marija, the founder of Immortelle. I am 35 years old, and the idea for Immortelle was born exactly ten years ago.
I am especially fulfilled by spending time in nature, which I appreciate even more today, with my children. We go for walks almost every day, and those moments in the fresh air, in movement and simplicity, really bring me back to myself.
I also look forward to socializing and a good party with my favorite people — laughter, relaxation and those moments that carry me long after they are gone.
I love the feeling of a good workout, the strength and discipline it brings, but also the tenderness of everyday life that I have found in small rituals, like cooking. If someone had once told me that I would love it, I would not have believed them. But with the arrival of children and everyday cooking, I have truly become a different woman.
I love traveling that broadens my horizons, and sometimes the simplest things suit me best — a vacation without a plan, where you just lie down, breathe and recharge your batteries.
I am less and less attracted to accumulating things, and more and more to a life filled with moments, experiences and a sense of freedom.
I believe that this very view of life naturally flows into Immortello. It is important to me that the products we create are simple, high-quality and meaningful — something that people return to because it really suits them.”
What was the main idea behind creating a natural cosmetics brand?
From the very beginning, Marija has been guided by the idea that cosmetics do not have to be complicated to be effective. It is important to her that each product has a clear purpose, that people actually use it and that it easily fits into the daily care routine.
In his formulations, he appreciates specific, effective ingredients, but also simplicity — as few unnecessary additives as possible and as much sense as possible in each formula. From his own experience, he can say today that nature does not work overnight and does not promise miracles in terms of instant removal of wrinkles or skin perfection. Natural care requires consistency, but in the long run it gives the most important thing — healthy, well-groomed and balanced skin.
As Marija says:
“Customers today are extremely informed. They want to know what they are putting on their skin, they read the ingredients, ask questions and make informed decisions. This makes me very happy because it means that more and more people recognize, seek out and value natural.
I always have in my mind the image of Immortella being a brand that people return to. When they try different trends and are no longer sure what to use, I want them to remember the products that were good, high-quality and reliable for them.
Customers appreciate a brand that respects and listens to them. I think that is exactly what makes the difference. In a world where everything is changing so quickly, I believe that people are looking for something stable, real and credible.
That is why I always start with what I would like to use myself — and I never offer anything that I cannot personally stand behind.”
