Redefine The Equation Of Balance In Your Skincare Journey (Win!)

There’s a new Canadian brand that’s dedicated to promote balance and tranquility in today’s fast-paced world: Matte Equation. Matte Equation is not just a skincare line; it’s a philosophy that celebrates the harmonious balance between a fast-paced lifestyle and total tranquility. In a world where time is a precious commodity, Matte Equation emerges as the quintessential ally for individuals seeking radiant skin without compromising on self-care. At the heart of the brand is the belief in the profound connection between skincare, sleep, and rest. We chatted with founder Matthew Celestial to learn more. —Vita Daily

Can you share the inspiration behind Matte Equation and how your personal experiences as a queer Filipino influenced the creation of the brand?

Matte Equation is inspired by the ethos that well-being isn’t a one-size-fits-all problem-solution. It promotes the idea that everyone must search for all the components in their own equation to achieve well-being. And so, the inspiration behind Matte Equation is deeply rooted in my personal journey, concerns for well-being, heritage and little Easter gg love letters to people in my life who have inspired me. 

I always tell the story of how a failed calculus exam and a mistake in one of my chem labs prompted me to switch out of my chemistry major. But making that decision was such a significant turning point in my life. My mother and grandmother both graduated as chemistry majors. My background in chemistry and the rich legacy of my mother and grandmother as chemistry majors fueled my passion for creating something scientifically sound yet personally meaningful. I remember making that decision with the lingering thought that I would somehow return in some shape or form. I just had no idea how. I ultimately worked as a publicist in the animation industry.

Now growing up as a queer Filipino was a challenge in and of itself. I struggled a lot with being comfortable with my own skin. Like many, I had a lot of skin insecurities as a teenager. But there was an expectation that boys just shouldn’t care that much. I often found myself trying to conform to societal norms and masking aspects of my identity that I now embrace with pride. I found it difficult to navigate the body issues that I would begin to worry about. And I found that the more I spoke openly about it, the more people around me felt the same way. I developed a greater sense of bravery to push through the negative rhetoric that surrounds us today. 

Matte Equation is a love letter to my younger self, a reminder of the balance between the fast-paced demands of life and the need for intentional, mindful self-care. It’s the gentle parent to my inner child. The brand is about celebrating our unique identities and crafting personal solutions that reflect our individual needs and experiences. 

Matte Equation emphasizes the connection between skincare, sleep, and rest. How do these elements interact in your Quantum Mud Mask, and what benefits can users expect from incorporating it into their routine?

At Matte Equation, we believe that true beauty and well-being start from within. Our Quantum Mud Mask is designed to be more than just a skincare product. It’s a ritual that encourages you to pause, reflect and rejuvenate. Imagine how empowering that truth is. While that might sound esoteric, the act of putting a mud mask will force you out of whatever you are doing and make you slow down. For me, this means having to remove my glasses and that hinders my vision. I must then put the mud mask on with intention.

When I was met with this realization, I immediately thought about my struggles with sleep. I wanted to formulate a product that inspired me to slow down and incorporate into my own sleep ritual. This is where the Quantum Mud Mask was born. From a technical perspective, the mask’s formulation (made in Canada with Manicouagan Clay) helps detoxify and nourish the skin, but its application process is equally important. 

When you put on the Quantum Mud Mask, it’s a moment to disconnect from the hustle and bustle, promoting better sleep and rest. This ritual of slowing down not only benefits your skin but also your mental well-being. People can expect a holistic experience that refreshes their skin while fostering a sense of calm and mindfulness. And I want to encourage skincare to be more about well-being than false promises and skincare buzzwords. 

In a fast-paced world where self-care often takes a backseat, how does Matte Equation make it easier for individuals to maintain a balanced and tranquil skincare routine?

Matte Equation is built on the principle that self-care doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming to be effective. It is also rooted in the belief that we will never tell you what to do and give you false promises with skincare buzzwords. But we want this to be a collective journey. 

Our products are designed to seamlessly integrate into your daily life, providing moments of tranquility without demanding extensive time or effort. But most importantly, they are there for people to explore, experiment and try to determine which fits in their own personal self-care rituals. 

The Quantum Mud Mask, for instance, offers a simple yet profound way to incorporate mindfulness into your routine. By encouraging users to take a brief pause and focus on their well-being, Matte Equation makes it easier to find balance amidst the chaos of everyday life. For me, I use the Quantum Mud Mask to help address my sleep concerns. But for others it might be another well-being concern like stress management. It’s really explorative. Our brand is committed to guiding individuals on a journey towards holistic well-being, recognizing that skincare is an essential part of this journey.

What challenges have you faced as a queer Filipino entrepreneur in the beauty industry, and how have you overcome them to establish Matte Equation?

As a queer Filipino entrepreneur, I’ve faced my share of challenges, from overcoming stereotypes to finding acceptance within. And figuring out my identity was part of the journey in launching this brand because as I was testing and trying products, I found myself looking at myself in the mirror a lot. I began to ask so many questions. These experiences, however, have only strengthened my personal “why” to create a brand that champions diversity and inclusivity. By embracing my identity and the unique perspectives it brings, I’ve been able to connect with a community that values authenticity and empowerment. Overcoming these challenges involved not only resilience but also a commitment to staying true to my vision and values. Matte Equation is a testament to the power of embracing one’s true self and using that authenticity to inspire and uplift others. And when you think about it, that is such a huge component in well-being. 

With the upcoming launch of a full skincare regimen later this Fall, what can we expect from Matte Equation in terms of new products and innovations?

I’m incredibly excited about the upcoming launch of our full skincare regimen this Fall. At Matte Equation, we’re committed to innovation and excellence, and our new products will reflect that. Most importantly, our new products will explore other well-being concerns. 

You can expect a range of items that address various aspects of skincare and well-being, all designed with the same ethos of promoting well-being and balance. Additionally, each product is crafted to help people pick and choose the products that best suit their own self-care needs and routines, fitting seamlessly into their lives. 

Our innovations will continue to emphasize the importance of self-care, encouraging users to embrace rituals that nurture both their skin and their spirit. I’m looking forward to sharing this journey and continuing to support our community in their journey towards holistic well-being.

Win! 1 of 5 Matte Equation Quantam Mud Masks!

Congrats Angie A. of Oshawa, ON, Karlene C. of Mississauga, ON, Vanessa V. of Pickering, ON, Darlin C. of Ajax, ON, and Mary Ann D. of Ajax, ON, who will each receive a $66 Matte Equation Quantum Mud Mask! To enter, head over to Instagram, follow @matteequation and @vitadailymedia and make sure to fulfil all the entry rules in the caption of the corresponding contest post. Contest opens May 27, 2024 and closes June 4, 2024. Complete contest rules and regulations here. Please note: if you are the winner, you will receive a DM (direct message) in Instagram directly from @vitadailymedia. Please be wary of fake accounts, which often use similar handles with an extra or missing letter, number or symbol. We will never ask for a payment or for your credit card number, and we will never ask you to click through a link. If you are unsure whether you have been contacted, via Instagram, by us or a fake account, email us before responding.