LILLIANA BOWREY IS MORE THAN JUST A SURFER—SHE’S A VIBRANT FORCE OF ENERGY, DEEPLY CONNECTED TO THE OCEAN AND PASSIONATE ABOUT INSPIRING OTHERS TO EMBRACE THEIR TRUE SELVES. IN THIS EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW, LILLIANA SHARES HOW SURFING KEEPS HER GROUNDED, THE RITUALS THAT HELP HER MAINTAIN BALANCE, AND THE IKKARI PRODUCTS SHE SWEARS BY TO KEEP HER SKIN GLOWING DESPITE CONSTANT SUN AND SALT EXPOSURE.
Through your own eyes, Who is Lilliana Bowrey?
I’ve never really thought about this before... I guess, through my eyes, Lilliana Bowrey is a vibrant, energetic force who thrives on spreading joy and making others smile. She’s the kind of person who brings positive energy to every room and is passionate about inspiring women everywhere to embrace their true selves and pursue their dreams—no matter how big or small. She also has a special connection to the ocean, often living her best life as a part-time mermaid, surfing or simply being near the ocean
When do you feel your most vital highest self?
I definitely feel most like my true, vital self when I’m surfing. There’s no feeling quite like it—it’s just me and the ocean; pure freedom. When I’m surfing, it’s like nothing else matters, and I’m completely grounded. Surfing brings me back to the present, especially when life gets overwhelming or busy. In a world filled with distractions and social media, it’s easy to lose touch with who you are sometimes. I’m so grateful for the ocean, a place I can always return to and reconnect with myself
How do you cultivate a sense of balance—both on the waves and in life?
To cultivate balance, both on the waves and in life, to me, it’s all about staying present and connected. When I’m surfing, I just focus on taking the waves as and when they come, and reading them just how they are. Every wave is different! In life, I try to carry that same approach by staying mindful of my energy and setting boundaries to protect my peace. Balance for me is about knowing when to push forward and when to step back, trusting that things will flow as they should, just like the waves!
Do you have any rituals that help you feel grounded and focused?
Yes, I have a daily journaling practice that helps me stay grounded and focused. Each morning, I set my goals and write down what I’m grateful for. Since I started journaling, it’s helped me become so much more aware of myself and my intentions, bringing clarity and purpose to my days.
How do you unwind after a long day in the ocean? Any go-to wellness practices?
After a long day in the ocean, there’s nothing better than a refreshing shower followed by my skincare routine. It’s my little meditation moment, morning and night, especially with IKKARI's Skincare range. My mum always says that I smell like I’ve just come from a spa, which I love!
Do you have a favourite IKKARI product that supports your active lifestyle?
I have a few favourite IKKARI products, but if I had to choose one, it would be the Daily Elemental Cream. It’s my go-to for deeply nourishing my skin after long days in the salt and sun. This day cream not only feels amazing but also smells incredible, making it an essential part of my routine.
Another essential IKKARI product for me is the Hydrating Mineral SPF Face and Body Sunscreen. It’s a moisturising lotion that offers broad-spectrum protection while keeping my skin nourished and hydrated. It’s perfect for shielding my skin from sun and environmental stressors!
How do you keep your skin and body feeling its best despite constant sun and salt exposure?
Having high-quality skincare like IKKARI has made a huge difference in how I care for my skin. My routine is simple but effective: I cleanse, moisturise, and always apply sunscreen before heading out, and do the same after surfing (minus the sunscreen, of course).
Once a week, I love using the Skin Refining Enzyme Mask to exfoliate and refresh my skin, and I always end my day with the Clary Sage Ikarian Body Oil. It’s become like a little meditation for me, giving my body the care it needs after sun and salt exposure.
Staying hydrated, eating well and saunas also play a big role in keeping my skin healthy. Consistency is key, and these daily rituals make all the difference in feeling my best.
What does wellness mean to you beyond just physical health?
To me, wellness goes beyond just taking care of your body—it’s about finding balance in every part of life. It’s knowing when to slow down, listen to yourself, and take a break when you need it. In a world that constantly pushes us to do more, it’s important to honour those moments of pause.
Wellness also means staying connected to my inner self, which is why I make journaling a part of my daily routine. It’s a grounding practice that helps me reflect, process my thoughts, and stay present. It’s this mental and emotional clarity that, to me, defines true wellness.
The ocean is such a powerful force—how does it shape your mindset and approach to life?
To me, the ocean is more than just a place—it’s my second home. It’s shaped my mindset and approach to life in so many ways. Whenever I feel stressed, sad, or overwhelmed, I always find my way back to the Moana (Ocean). It’s my sanctuary where I can reconnect with myself. The ocean has a way of grounding me, reminding me to stay present and embrace the ebb and flow of life. It teaches me patience, resilience, and the importance of letting go; it gives me clarity.
If you could bottle up one feeling from being in the ocean, what would it be?
If I could bottle up one feeling from being in the ocean it would be FREEDOM.
YOUR IKKARI MUST-HAVES AND WHY?
Literally everything. HAHA. But, If I had to choose my top 5 it would be:
- Hydrating Mineral SPF Face and body - As someone who’s always in the sun, I find this mineral SPF sunscreen so hydrating and leaves my skin feeling so glowy and not burnt! I use it everyday even if I’m not going surfing! It’s played a vital role in my skin care routine!
-
Ikarian Body Oil: Clary Sage, Oakmoss, Cassis - I have never used anything quite like it. This body oil leaves my skin the most moisturised it’s ever been, as well as the nicest it’s ever smelt too. I always get compliments after application, or asked if I’ve just been to the spa.
-
Daily Elemental Protection cream - This face cream is a no brainer. Seriously the most moisturising and glowing moisturiser I’ve ever used.
-
Skin Refining Enzyme Mask - I noticed a significant transformation in my skin tone and pigmentation from the sun, after using this mask. It has balanced my complexion, and I feel like my skin has a radiant glow after each application!
-
The Cream Cleanser - This is the most calming, hydrating cream cleanser I've ever used! It's perfect for removing makeup, impurities, sweat, and pollutants from my skin. I always feel so refreshed after using it!