Since 2001 Merlot Skin Care has developed gentle, good-for-you beauty products, each packed with the sensational power of natural grape seed antioxidants. 50 times more powerful than Vitamin E and nearly 25 times more powerful than Vitamin C, grape seed antioxidants work to fight against the signs of premature aging created by environmental damage and other factors. Merlot is a family-run company committed to innovation and beautiful skin.
History of Merlot Skin Care
His friends call him Dr. Grapes, others often refer to him as Mr. Merlot. With a background in chemistry and a long dedication to health and wellness, Wayne Beckley created the breakthrough natural grape seed-based Merlot Skin Care line.
More than 20 years ago while watching the TV program 60 Minutes, Wayne Beckley first learned of “the French Paradox” – a report on people in France who consumed diets heavy in saturated fat, but who seemed to suffer virtually no heart disease. The report linked the findings to the drinking of red wine.
Intrigued, Beckley chronicled over 70 research studies that indicated that drinking a couple glasses of red wine each day could be beneficial in warding off certain cancers and lowering cholesterol in the body. The reason: the antioxidants found in red grapes. Investigating further, Beckley found studies revealing the grape’s true power, their seeds. Research studies have shown that grape seed antioxidants are 50 times more powerful than Vitamin E and nearly 25 times more powerful than Vitamin C.
In 2001 Beckley launched Merlot Skin Care, utilizing the power of red grape seeds in each unique formulation. Harnessing nature’s most powerful antioxidants, Merlot products work to protect skin against the signs of aging and to fight free radicals – the harmful molecules caused by smoke, smog, pollution, stress, and UV rays. From his first experiments in the garage to today, Beckley has built Merlot into a powerful line. Merlot Skin Care products have been praised for their high quality formulations and tremendous value. The real secret? It’s in the seed!
In 2011 Merlot Skin Care was named a “Breakout Brand” by Global Cosmetics International. Today Merlot Skin Care is a trusted brand for professional make-up artists and models and is recommended by dermatologists. Merlot’s good-for-you philosophy maintains that customers can look like a million bucks without spending that much.
Wayne Beckley — CEO & Founder, Merlot Skin Care
Wayne founded Merlot Skin Care in 2001. In addition to his role as CEO, Wayne works as the brand’s lead product developer. He has served on the advisory board for the Health And Beauty America (HBA) conference – one of the largest events for cosmetic, fragrance, skin care, and personal care professionals. He has spoken at the HBA conference on “Niche Marketing” and “Personal Care,” and has received the Vendor of the Year Award from Walgreens (2008). He holds three U.S. patents and numerous trademarks, and has a B.S. from Purdue University and an M.A. in Education from Ball State.
Michele Beckley — Chief Operating Officer
Michele manages international accounts and oversees customer care. She’s a frequent presenter for business groups, including the Small Business Development Center’s International Business Summits. Michele received her B.A. in Education from the University of Michigan, and an M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction from New Mexico State University. Michele also serves as the Governance Chair for the Paso Del Norte Association for the Education of Young Children.
Nicole Beckley — Director, Marketing & Media
Nicole oversees product marketing, website development, and media communications. She is a member of Cosmetic Executive Women (CEW) and has served on the Board of Directors for the Austin Young Chamber and the Young Women’s Alliance. Labeled a “behind-the-scenes powerhouse” by TotalBeauty, her work runs the gamut from brainstorming early product concepts to producing promotions landing in your inbox. She’s worked as a social media marketer, music journalist and editor, and her writing has appeared in Tribeza, the Onion AV Club, 7x7, Austin Monthly, and other outlets. She holds a B.A. in Urban Studies and Communications from Stanford University.
Drew Beckley — Ecommerce Manager
Drew coordinates Amazon product listings and manages the Amazon sales channel. A talented photographer, Drew holds a certificate in graphic design from Sessions College For Professional Design.