Marianne Fonseca is bringing a fresh perspective to body care with the latest launch from her brand, Gente Beauty—and this time, she’s teamed up with husband Drew Taggart of The Chainsmokers. Together, the duo is introducing a sensorial update to the brand’s bestselling lymphatic drainage oil, debuting a new unisex scent, #2.
Chosen by Drew himself, the fragrance adds a moodier edge to the cult-favorite formula via notes of black orchid and ylang-ylang, creating a smoky, spicy and subtly seductive profile designed to be wearable for anyone. Rooted in Brazil’s biodiversity, the vegan, clean and cruelty-free oil blends high-performance Amazonian botanicals that deliver lightweight hydration and a non-greasy finish for both face and body.
We recently chatted with the couple about the launch, self-care and what it’s like to work with your significant other.
How did your personal routines and passions influence the creation of Gente Beauty?
Marianne: "Gente Beauty was founded three years ago to highlight Brazilian body care and culture. I wanted to bring innovative products that I couldn't find in the U.S. Lymphatic drainage has always been a passion of mine and a treatment I got often since I was 13 years old. It helped me feel confident before photoshoots, and I slowly got to know a whole web of Brazilian professionals around the world through my traveling and modeling. They all had one thing in common with me: we could not find products that were as great for lymphatic drainage anywhere but in Brazil. So when I started Gente, I immediately knew I wanted to focus on lymphatic drainage products and find a way to bring them directly from Brazil with legitimate ingredients that actually help stimulate your lymphatic system."
What drew you to this collaboration, and how does this product fit into your daily life?
Drew: "I have been using Gente products since Mari and I met just over three years ago. I’ve always been into skin care, but mainly for the face and incorporating body-care products into my routine was foreign. I am now addicted to them, particularly the original body oil Mari created. It makes me feel healthier and relaxed. The scent of #02 is one I came up with by combining a few of my favorite smells with products, mainly a perfume and an emulsion. I had originally thought I could make it into an emulsion, but Mari brought up the idea of making it into an oil. It seemed like the perfect way to wear scent so that it sits in your skin and not on top of it."
What inspired you to evolve the lymphatic drainage oil, and how does this launch reflect your vision for Gente Beauty?
Marianne: "The oils were a huge success last year. Our signature scent—Scent #1—is also loved by our community and is in the lymphatic drainage lotion and shower gel. I was eager to create a new scent so people could have even more options when using our products, but I wasn’t really sure what that scent was going to be or feel like.
Drew showed me the scents he really likes from different products, and I sent them to my lab to make a unique version of those scents, and it came out amazing, especially in the oils. Drew has been loving the oils ever since they were launched and uses them more than me. So we decided to make an oil version of the scent he envisioned."
How did working together on this product bring a new dynamic to your relationship?
Marianne: "I think the passion we each carry for our individual pursuits is something that we have bonded over since the day we met. We are very invested in each other's vision for our own projects, so being able to collaborate was a fun experiment.
It feels right to start something together now that we've just got married. I see our relationship as a partnership in many ways, including our businesses. I can say that I feel very lucky that Drew supports my dreams and has become as passionate as I am about body care."
The #2 scent is described as smoky, spicy and seductive—what mood were you hoping to capture with it?
Marianne: "We wanted to bring a sensual scent, and something more unisex. I wanted people to feel the sexiness of Brazilian culture and the spiciness of Latino culture in a very elevated way. Gente means 'people,' and I always wanted men and women to try our products. I hope this scent can show that to our community. The main notes are black orchid and ylang-ylang."
How do your individual personalities show up in this product and the brand overall?
Drew: "This has been my scent as long as we’ve been together. I grew up in nature, surrounded by trees and close to the ocean in Maine. I’ve always loved the scent of a bonfire that sticks to you, and I have always looked for that in the scents I wear. Scent 02 has the soft essence of a fire combined with a warm-smelling spice that reminds me of drinking an Old Fashioned on a winter night."
Marianne: "I'm always wanting to try something new. Every summer, I choose a new perfume, and it becomes my summer scent. Then I change it for winter. This constant desire for a 'new version' of me in different seasons made me want to try something new for the brand as well, something with a lot of personality."
What has been the most rewarding part of blending your worlds of music, wellness and beauty in this collaboration?
Drew: "We care deeply about the same mediums of art, but definitely have different tastes. I love getting Mari's perspective on my music, as she’s never been a fan of electronic music but still has an inherent understanding of what makes my music special and can point out when I have made something that is truly who I am.
We are both very creative and passionate about our work. I think we both find that attractive in each other, and it drives us to be more involved in each other's worlds. Even though we didn't necessarily need to, we both find joy in showing up for each other in that way, and it's definitely something that brings us closer."
