The Current: Allison McNamara on Double Cleansing, Wellness Noise and

Allison McNamara

The Current: Allison McNamara on Double Cleansing, Wellness Noise and Intentional Resets

Welcome to The Current, where we spotlight the rituals, obsessions, and resets shaping the people redefining beauty, wellness, and culture right now. Each edition offers a glimpse into what’s inspiring tastemakers in The Current moment — from the products they’re reaching for to the practices helping them feel most aligned.

To launch the series, we’re starting with MARA founder Allison McNamara. Known for her intuitive approach to skincare and modern ritual, Allison shares what she’s currently releasing, returning to, and protecting her energy around — along with the cleansing practices and mindset shifts influencing this next chapter for both her and MARA.

The Double Cleanse Duo

Two Step Double Cleanse

Founder Allison pumping Algae Enzyme Cleansing Oil with quote "Luxury isn't a product. It's having time"

Algae Enzyme Cleansing Oil and Aura Cleanse Foaming Gel Cleanser on blue background

Founder Allison McNamara laying on bed holding Algae Enzyme Cleansing Oil

What’s your “current” right now?
Honestly, a deep aura cleanse. Releasing old energy, old versions of myself, old timelines that don’t fit anymore. I’ve been really intentional about protecting my peace, simplifying everything, and making space for what actually feels aligned. It’s less about becoming someone new and more about returning to myself, in both business and in life. I’ve currently been obsessed with contrast therapy, I’m trying to do this at least 3x a week along with my gratitude journal morning and night, and trying to go to bed earlier!

What’s a ritual you’ve returned to — or one you’ve let go of?
Returned to: Double Cleansing! For years I have relied solely on oil cleansing to remove my makeup. And while I am a sucker for a one step cleanse, I forgot how great my skin feels when I go the extra mile and do a second cleanse. Of course, I’ve been using our new Aura Cleanse Foaming Gel Cleanser, which also is as great on its own as it in as a step two.
Let go of: Consuming so much wellness noise online. I’m way less interested in optimization now and way more focused on what actually makes me feel grounded, clear, and like myself again.

Founder Alison McNamara holding Algae Enzyme Cleansing Oil

What does luxury feel like to you at this exact moment and how does it show up in your everyday life?
Luxury feels like having time: time to be intentional, to slow down, to fully read an email, to give thoughtful feedback, and to actually connect with myself instead of rushing through everything. It shows up in the way I do business and also in the way that I care for my skin — returning to skincare as a ritual instead of a routine, just how I intended MARA to be. Taking the extra few minutes to gua sha, breathe, reset my energy, and make even the smallest moments feel beautiful and considered.

How are you cleansing your energy right now?
Right now it’s all about intentional resets — long walks without my phone, opening every window in the house, and creating space for lighter energy. I’ve also been really into turning my skincare into part of that ritual, especially with MARA Aura Cleanse. It feels like washing off the day energetically and physically at the same time. And honestly, being really selective about what — and who — gets access to me.

Aura Cleanse Foaming Gel Cleanser

Gel Cleanser For Dry Skin

What’s a trend or habit you wish people would unlearn immediately?
Overcomplicating skincare and treating skin like a problem to constantly fix. I really believe in simplifying your routine, supporting your barrier, and learning to treat your skin more intuitively instead of chasing every trend or overdoing actives.

What’s one product, step, or practice you’ll never rush, no matter how busy you are?
For 39 years, I have never forgotten to wash my face. It creates the canvas for the rest of your routine, and is the most important step in my opinion. Great skin starts with a great cleanse, and that’s why it took me six years to launch a second cleanser, to complete the perfect Double Cleanse routine.

If you had to put someone onto one MARA product right now, what would it be — and how do you use it?
Definitely the MARA Aura Cleanse because truly everyone needs a really good gel cleanser. It’s gentle, hydrating, effective, and makes your skin feel clean without ever feeling stripped. I use it as my reset at the end of the day, it feels like washing off the energy of everything and starting fresh. Plus, it’s not drying and balances your microbiome, which allows your serums and moisturizers to penetrate better.