Stories Interview
MEET TANNÉ SNOWDEN, FOUNDER OF TRONQUE

New Zealand beauty brand Tronque is part of a growing shift that puts bodycare on equal footing with skincare. Founded by Tanné Snowden in 2021, the brand champions clean, high-performance formulas designed specifically for the neck down - and has been one of our best sellers since launch.

We spoke with Tanné about rethinking routines beyond the face, and how Tronque is helping redefine luxury bodycare.

SHOP: Our Tronque range

Q

What inspired you to start Tronque? What was missing in the body care space?

A

Tronque began from a very personal place. After undergoing two surgeries for endometriosis, I became deeply conscious of what I was putting on my body. During recovery, I learned about endocrine disruptors in everyday skincare and how certain ingredients that can mimic hormones and interfere with our hormonal systems. I was shocked to discover that many well-known, trusted brands were using these harmful ingredients. When I couldn't find clean, effective body care products that aligned with both my health needs and values, I decided to create them. I refused to compromise on safety, performance or sensorial experience.

A refusal to compromise on safety and efficacy led me to instead develop Tronque scar and body care as the skin of the body consists of 85% of your largest organ.

What was missing in the body care space was a truly luxurious, clinically-backed and health-conscious approach, one that treated the skin of the body, which makes up 85% of our largest organ, with the same care and innovation typically reserved for the face.

Tronque is my answer to that gap. It's more than a brand, it's a movement toward treating body care as a powerful daily ritual of self-respect and wellbeing.

Q

What has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned as a founder so far?

A

Resilience and clarity of vision. Launching and growing Tronque has shown me that being a founder is about so much more than building a product, it's about staying grounded in your purpose, especially when things get hard. There's no roadmap, and the challenges come fast. But knowing exactly why I started, creating uncompromising, luxurious body care that's both safe and high-performing has been my compass.

One of the biggest lessons has been learning to balance perfection with progress. I hold incredibly high standards, which has helped shape Tronque's identity but I've also learned to trust the process, let go of control when needed, and surround myself with people who are experts in their own right.

Being a founder has pushed me to grow in ways I never expected. It's taught me to lead with intention, adapt quickly, and protect my energy so I can keep moving forward with purpose.

Q

Tell me about the name, Tronque?

A

Tronque means your 'trunk', the core of your body. It’s also very difficult to use a brand name globally and we needed something different. It also speaks to a moment of intent, of stripping back everything that no longer serves you and starting again with clarity and intention. For me, that moment came after my second endometriosis surgery. I was forced to re-evaluate every part of my life, including the products I was using on my body.

Tronque is a reflection of that turning point. It represents the shift from harm to healing, from compromise to consciousness. It's about creating body care that supports the body rather than working against it, luxurious, science-backed and deeply intentional.

The name carries both edge and elegance. Just like the brand itself.

Q

Body care is a rising category in the world of beauty. Why is it the next frontier in skincare?

A

Many luxury skincare brands focus almost exclusively on the face, but the truth is, our bodies deserve the same level of care and attention. The skin on our body makes up over 85-90% of our skin's surface area and plays a crucial role in protection, detoxification, and overall health. Yet it’s often overlooked in daily routines.

Body skin experiences many of the same concerns as facial skin: dryness, loss of firmness, scarring, discolouration, and signs of ageing. It’s also exposed to environmental stressors, UV damage, and hormone-related changes. Neglecting it means missing the opportunity to care for this vital organ in a meaningful, results-driven way.

High-quality, science-backed ingredients shouldn't stop at the jawline. Your body deserves clinically effective, non-toxic formulas that nourish, protect, and rejuvenate, just as your face does. From post-surgical scars to stretch marks, hormonal changes, or simple dryness, the body has unique needs that deserve targeted solutions.

Elevating body care to a luxury ritual helps shift the mindset from basic moisturisation to intentional, full-body skincare. It's not just about how you look, it's about how you feel in your skin, from head to toe. True luxury is taking care of your whole self.

Many body care brands focus on scent, while Tronque focuses on function.

Q

Tronque is known for being clean, luxe and results-driven. How do you approach formulating your products?

A

Striking the balance between indulgence and efficacy is at the heart of everything we do. From day one, it was important that our products not only felt beautiful to use, but delivered real, visible results backed by science. I didn’t want to compromise on either and I don’t believe anyone should have to.

We start by sourcing the most potent, clinically researched ingredients from stable forms of Vitamin C and plant stem cells to bioactive botanicals and biotech actives. These ingredients are selected not just for their performance, but for their safety profile and ability to work in harmony with the body. Every formulation is built with intention, focusing on active concentrations that are proven to be effective never just for label appeal.

At the same time, the sensory experience is deeply considered. The texture, scent, absorption, and packaging all play a role in making Tronque products feel like a true ritual. Skincare shouldn’t just feel clinical or cold, it should also feel like self-care. We’ve designed every product to be something you look forward to using, while knowing you’re also supporting your long-term skin and hormonal health.

That balance between clean science and luxurious self-indulgence is what makes Tronque different. We’re here to prove that you can have both: formulas that feel exquisite and perform at the highest standard, without compromising your well-being.

Q

Your packaging looks and feels weighty and luxurious. What role does packaging play in standing out, both in-store and online – and in customer's homes?

A

Packaging is the first physical expression of our brand as it sets the tone before the product is even used. At Tronque, we design every element to evoke luxury, purpose, and presence. We wanted to create something that not only feels weighty and substantial in your hands but also commands attention whether it’s on a retail shelf, in an unboxing moment online, or sitting proudly on your bathroom counter.

We chose materials and design that reflect our core values: sculptural silhouettes, soft-touch finishes, and refillable components that balance sustainability with sophistication. The experience of using Tronque should feel indulgent and considered, from the moment you twist open the lid to the way it integrates into your daily rituals.

Our packaging isn’t meant to be hidden in a drawer, it’s something you look forward to using, and feel proud to display. In a crowded market, that kind of tactile, emotional connection is what sets a true luxury brand apart.

Q

What’s one non-negotiable self-care practice you swear by?

A

Wellness is a non-negotiable part of my life, and I believe in a holistic approach that combines science-backed practices with mindful rituals to feel my best, physically, mentally, and energetically.

Saunas and ice baths are a cornerstone of my routine. Contrast therapy not only boosts circulation and recovery but also strengthens resilience, both physically and mentally. The shock of cold followed by deep heat leaves me feeling invigorated, focused, and recharged. Similarly, red light therapy is part of my daily practice, helping to support cellular regeneration, reduce inflammation, and enhance overall skin health.

I also prioritise biohacking techniques that optimise energy and longevity, whether it’s through tailored nutrition, strategic supplementation, or tracking my body’s responses to stress and recovery. Lymphatic drainage is another essential practice, keeping my body detoxified, reducing bloating, and promoting overall skin vitality.

On a more spiritual level, I turn to Reiki for energetic balance. It helps me reset, clear stagnant energy, and stay grounded amidst the chaos of daily life. Ultimately, my wellness rituals are about both science and self-care, combining cutting-edge treatments with ancient healing practices to create balance, resilience, and a deep sense of well-being.

Q

How do you take care of your fab hair? What is your current day-to-day haircare routine, and your favourite products?

A

Thank you! I really treat haircare as an extension of skincare: nourishing, intentional and rooted in routine. Day-to-day, I keep it simple but consistent. I start with a scalp-first approach, using a clarifying shampoo once a week and a gentle, sulphate-free shampoo in between to keep my scalp balanced. I always follow with a rich, hydrating conditioner and take the time to detangle with a wide-tooth comb in-shower, while the conditioner is still in. Kevin Murphy has the best formulas.

Once towel-dried, I apply a lightweight serum or leave-in treatment through the mid-lengths and ends to protect from heat and add shine. I’m a big fan of oil drenching once a week - usually overnight- with something like argan or marula oil. It’s a reset for dry, stressed strands.

My current go-to’s? A rotation of Christophe Robin, Kevin Murphy, Chloe Zara and Iles Formula. I look for products that strengthen, hydrate, and support long-term scalp health. The goal is always healthy, glossy hair that feels as good as it looks.

Also, bone broth really helps!

QUICKFIRE ROUND

A book you couldn’t put down:
The Body Keeps The Score.

TV show or movie that you can’t stop thinking about:
Anora.

Favourite podcast:
Huberman Lab.

Best film you’ve seen recently:
First Wives Club (1996).

Last fashion item you purchased:
A Christopher Esber dress.

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