Malea Rose’s Holiday Rules

Malea Rose, a North Shore of Kaui native, grew up hosting a local radio show, participating in community theatre, and competing as a surfer. He later moved to California to pursue acting, earning a BFA from Chapman University. Malea’s acting career has been extremely successful, featuring roles in popular productions such as New Girl, Two and A Half Men, Hello Ladies, and Entourage.

However, with his busy schedule of work-related travel, long hours on set, and exposure to pollution in LA, Malea experienced various skin issues, including allergic reactions, dryness, sensitivity, and hyperpigmentation. As an avid product enthusiast, he tried everything to improve his skin but to no avail. Malea realized it was time to return to his roots and incorporate science-backed solutions into his daily routine, as his mother had taught him. After dedicating over two years to research and development, Malea founded Vie En Rose, a skincare line designed to cater to all skin types. The brand is female-founded and female-led, with Malea herself leading the charge. Every ingredient is meticulously selected and handcrafted in small batches, resulting in a vegan, clean, and cruelty-free product line.

When did you realize that you had a talent for acting and performing?

Am I? I certainly love it and if that shows in it the work then I’m really lucky. I’ve always had terrible stage fright, so my theatre background was a torturous, yet a wonderful adventure. I love everything about the creative process and performing, the business side needs a lot of work still in my humble opinion. I did musical theatre at a young age, watched Broadway, and was mesmerized.

Who has been your inspiration and biggest influence?

People that don’t take the word no in business. The problem solvers of the world. The forward thinkers. I’m fascinated by athletes for their discipline. I’ve been fortunate to be around some great minds like the late Paul Allen and real Globetrotters. They always say: “be worried if you’re the smartest person in the room”. But I find inspiration everywhere. With a background in the arts, it gives you a special talent for seeing more than meets the eye. I would love to create something iconic or a hub for many other brands like Estée Lauder or Coco Chanel… I also am obsessed with Lucille Ball because she was the first woman in this male dominant town who owned her own production company as well as her own content. A true Hollywood pioneer and comedic genius.

As a CEO and actor, how do you tackle the pressure that comes with your work?

I won’t lie, I haven’t found the solution yet. If you’ve cracked the code, please let me know! I try to give myself structure, so I don’t become too overwhelmed by everything I need to do as a whole. Sometimes flipping from the right side of my brain to the left side all day is mentally tiresome. But how lucky to have two things I love so much to stress about – and constantly feel inadequate about and that I’m not doing enough! I def have had to teach myself to walk away and get some fresh air. I can be very tunnel-visioned, and fresh eyes and doing things like taking my dog for a hike helps. Pressure is self-made, so it’s me that I need to tackle.

Which is your best role so far?

I’m still searching for it.

Tell us about Vie En Rose! What inspired you to create your own skincare line?

My own skin issues. My skin is so sensitive, and it felt like I was allergic to everything, so I went on a hunt to cure my own skin. That’s where Vie En Rose blossomed! It’s beauty in full bloom.

Has the journey been fairly easy, and if not, what obstacles have you had to overcome?

NOTHING about any of this is easy. You’re starting something from scratch. The learning aspect (for me) on how to build a company, handle the creative, and be biz savvy are all so many moving objects it makes my head want to explode. The biggest obstacle for me currently is wanting to spread the goodness CBD has brought to my skin and how much it’s changed my life, yet the US government has Cannabis classified as a class 1 drug right along with Heroin. It’s crazy that I can’t play by any of the same advertising rules as other companies because I’m considered “high risk”. There should be a class action against Meta. They are the largest most unregulated, unfair marketplace for businesses like mine, and are where so many go to flourish.

You are associated with Metta World Peace’s Basketball League and passionate about equal pay and respect for women while fighting the stigma of female athletes; why is this cause important to you?

First off, he’s the ultimate man of reinvention. He does the work in his own field every step of the way – and that inspires me. His league inspires me. He is so philanthropical about everything that he does. We just totally align in so many ways but work to close the massive gender gap in pay, whether in women’s sports, Hollywood or any profession. We want to raise awareness and empower women for equal pay. For god sake, it’s 2022 and the ERA still isn’t a part of the constitution! I love that female athletes are strong and beautiful and represent exactly what cosmetics and beauty should be about. I want to fight the stigmas of a lot of women-related issues that are out there in the world. There have been times when I have been asked to work for free because I would be “lucky enough to be considered for a job in Hollywood”. A director/producer from a very wealthy family, when I was working 17-hour days way beyond my scope of work, told me he would help get me a bonus for all my extra work but was going to split it with me. It’s sometimes hard as a woman to learn how to speak up, we fear something will be taken away. I don’t want that. I don’t want it anywhere near me.

You were born on Kauai, what do you love most about Hawaii?

Humble, beautiful, grounded beginnings. Now I go home and see even more beauty…but more importantly – it’s home. It’s everything that shaped me into the woman I am today. It’s my parallel in life and what roots me. I love being makeup-less, wearing casual cut-offs and an old rocker T, my hair wild with humidity, eating a poke bowl or some sort of delicious something, and watching the sunset at my favourite beach spot. It’s pure magic and chicken soup for the soul. Throw in a surf session…perfection.

Favourite hotel?

Claridges London, Aman (anywhere), Belmond (anywhere), I won’t lie – Amangiri Greece was incredible and the food was on another planet.

Favourite restaurant?

Hanalei Dolphin, Bar Acuda, South Beverly Grill, Craig’s, Matsuhisa. Polo Bar NYC, Lola’s NYC, Jaya in Miami, E. Baldi in Beverly Hills, Crustacean in Beverly Hills… I just love food.

Favourite boutiques?

Fred Segal, Maxfield’s, Reformation, Fairfax streetwear shops – I have a sneaker obsession. I’m an online shipping addict. I barely have time to breathe, much less drive around the city and shop. Love to find those amazing hidden treasure boutiques though – and I love vintage! I just love fashion and couture – I will not lie, but I can totally mix it in with a Melrose treasure. Plus, I have a Revolve addiction.

What is your beach style?

Simple Kauai girl. Bikini. Slippers. Sarong. Yummy, cool beverages, SPF 3000, usually my Pomsky Monroe is a permanent fixture, Mile High Mist, music.

Packing essentials?

Overpack everything, wear none of it!

Mile High Mist

Leather jacket

My favourite Chanel bag that’s been around the world with me

My dog – who’s also been around the world with me.

I always have my sparkly laptop and a notebook.

As long as you have healthy skin, the rest is just an accessory.

Your packing advice?

Don’t take my packing advice. They almost didn’t let me on the plane the other day because my suitcase was over 100 pounds… but I also did visit my family for Thanksgiving and brought a carry-on. It was liberating, plus I liked borrowing my sister’s clothes! What can I say, we never grow up – really.

Skincare tips when travelling?

Vie En Rose’s Mile High Mist, has travel sizes so you’re not shocking your skin with a new climate and new ingredients, ice your face after you travel, even a sink ice bath will reduce all your flight inflammation, CBD.

Do you have any beauty tips for flying?

Slather Love Potion Beauty Oil all over your face and hands. You’ll look glowing, radiant, healthy and dewy. Also, use the Vie En Rose Mile High Mist throughout the flight. It’s 2oz travel-sized, and glass-made to travel hence the name. Also – don’t touch your face with dirty hands! Drink water! I used to love to drink wine on the plane, but that is the opposite of a beauty tip, it’s a beauty don’t, and I quit it.

Where is next on your travel bucket list?

Tokyo! I am obsessed with Harajuku culture. Northern Italy – to scope out my winery for retirement.