Motivated by her hormone-related health issues, she decided to create her own solutions: clean, 100% natural, and organic formulas capable of transforming all skin types. From styling Jennifer Aniston and Johnny Depp to directing an industry-leading line, we spoke with Jena Covello about how she got here.
JC: How did Agent Nateur begin? We know that your work in the fashion industry, your health, and visits to some of the most prestigious holistic doctors in Los Angeles played a big role. How did all these factors come together?
COVELLO: After graduating from FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology) and Parsons, I worked at the Prada shoe factory in Italy and later began working as a celebrity stylist in Los Angeles, including Jen Aniston, Johnny Depp, and George Clooney. At the time, I was traveling to Europe and Asia about ten times a year. In 2003, I was diagnosed with endometriosis, and that changed everything. Many people underestimate its effects, but it can really disrupt your life. For me, it became a major obstacle in all my travels.
JC: And that wasn't all.
CO: I had five surgeries, and in 2010, I began taking a holistic approach to my health. I attended doctors' lectures, researched books, magazines, and the internet. I wanted to learn everything I could about the root causes of this disease. During that period of immersion, I learned how important it would be for me to complement Western medicine with holistic medicine, with details as important as using an aluminum-free deodorant. Aluminum is an endocrine disruptor and can mimic the action of estrogen, something I couldn't afford because my estrogen levels are already high.
"After undergoing five surgeries for her endometriosis, Covello realized the importance of complementing Western medicine with holistic medicine."
JC: This is the seed of the Holi organic deodorant (Stick), a favorite of celebrities like Kourtney Kardashian and Emma Watson.
CO: There you have it. I needed a deodorant that was 100% natural, but at the same time, I didn't want to compromise on effectiveness or a luxurious experience. Finding one proved impossible, so I created my own solution. I formulated Holi Stick Deodorant. more than 100 times before finding the perfect version.
JC: Having painful periods isn't normal, but it's very common. Can you share any tips for relieving the pain with our readers?
CO: From my own experience, eliminating gluten, alcohol, and sugar from my diet marked a turning point for my periods. I also find it helpful to take enzymes like Vitalzyme and magnesium, which help control iron and vitamin D levels. When a woman reaches the second half of her menstrual cycle, magnesium levels drop even further, which can trigger PMS symptoms.
"Giving up gluten, alcohol, and sugar marked a turning point in my menstrual periods."
JC: What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about switching from their antiperspirant to a natural one?
CO: When I made the switch, I sweated quite a bit for a while, but thanks to my all-time favorite— Holi (Stick) No. 3 —my sweat didn't smell. Sweating is natural, and if you've been using an antiperspirant for years, it's normal for your body to need a few months to adjust. Some people even experience a minor rash. If this happens, you can relieve it with a dash of apple cider vinegar. These days, I rarely sweat around my underarms as they aren't exposed to harsh chemicals that inhibit the body's natural perspiration, which used to increase sweating.
"Sweating is natural, and if you've been using antiperspirant for many years, it's normal for your body to need a few months to adapt. Currently, I hardly sweat in my underarms."
JC: And from the success of the Holi (Stick) deodorant to the creation of what would become one of the facial care lines of the moment.
CO: I launched my oil-based facial serum — Holi (Oil) Ageless Face Serum — after completing my training in cosmetology and natural fragrances in France. There, I learned a lot about the most amazing anti-aging active ingredients, and I knew my next product had to be a facial oil naturally rich in vitamin A. I'm a huge fan of retinol, but I wanted to find an equally potent alternative that was suitable for everyone, including pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Today, our facial products are our best-sellers. I believe we have some of the most effective facial care products on the market in terms of anti-aging results.
JC: Quality is priority number one at Agent Nateur. Would you pay 10 times more to get the best of the best ingredients?
CO : Absolutely. For me, quality and efficiency are much more important than marketing. I provide the best quality, so my clients will stay with me forever.
JC: Let's talk about beauty routines. What products do you use in the morning and at night?
CO: If when I wake up I feel like my skin is dry or dehydrated, I start my routine with the cleansing oil. Holi (Cleanse) . If, on the other hand, I'm already well hydrated, I skip the cleanse.
When I notice more lines appearing—my skin suffers a lot when I travel or there's a change in weather—I start the day with a double cleanse. First, the Holi Cleanse Cleansing Oil, followed by Acid (Wash ) . In addition to decongesting pores and stimulating cell renewal, this lactic acid-based cleanser provides an incredible natural glow.
Once my skin is clean, I apply the mask Holi (Bright) . With this brightening, hydrating, and smoothing mask, you'll achieve results you'd be hard-pressed to achieve with other products. I leave it on for 15 minutes, and once I remove it, I apply my favorite combination known as Holi (Trinity) . It consists of mixing the essence Holi (Water ) , the vitamin powders Holi (C) and facial oil Holi (Oil) . I never skip this mixture because it restores, softens and nourishes my skin like no other.
I continue with the Holi (Glow ) eye serum—it's multi-action and its cucumber scent is divine—and I finish with a sunscreen that I recently formulated.
I never skip the Holi (Trinity) mix as it restores, softens and nourishes my skin like no other.
JC: We can't wait to try it! Finding good natural sunscreens is still a difficult task. When will we be able to see it at jcApotecari?
CO: We're still finalizing details, but you'll be the first to know.
JC: What about your nighttime routine?
CO: It's always very simple, I like to change it up depending on the day. Three nights a week I cleanse my face and then use the mask. Holi (Bright) . Two nights a week—when I'm not applying the mask—I triple cleanse: I start with the cleansing oil. Holi (Cleanse) , I continue with Acid (Wash) And finally, I reapply the Holi (Cleanse) oil. My skin is so clean. No impurities, no sunscreen, no makeup, no residue. The other two nights I perform my Holi (Trinity) ritual.
JC: What if you have a special event and need to look radiant?
CO: I apply the Holi (Bright) Illuminating Mask for 15 minutes. It gives me the most incredible glow. Then I mix my foundation with the Holi (Oil) facial serum. I love it because it gives me a glow similar to the first rays of the sun. I also use it on my lips.
JC: Which Agent Nateur product are you most proud of?
CO: The Holi (Bright) mask is like having Botox in a jar. And theHoli (Water) essence leaves my skin feeling better than an Instagram filter.
JC: What does aging mean to you?
CO: I don't believe in age.
JC: We know that, like us, you are passionate about smoothie . Can you share a good, easy recipe with us?
CO: Of course! This is the smoothie I drink every morning. It's delicious!
- 1 tablespoon of collagen powder
- 3-4 pieces of watermelon
- Frozen passion fruit
- Fresh mint
- Ice
*** The jcApotecari test ***
The best skincare advice you've ever received?
Don't complicate things!
What's on your nightstand?
A silk mask, a Hôtel Costes candle, flowers, and some crystals like my quartz rock.
A destination?
Antibes, in the south of France.
A book you recommend?
“Ask and it shall be given to you” by Esther and Jerry Hicks.
A person who inspires you?
My friends.
You don't leave home without...
My phone and a matte lipstick.
