Zoë Foster-Blake comes under fire as her skincare brand Go-To releases special edition bedazzled face oil: ‘Nonsense that ends up in landfill’

Zoë Foster-Blake comes under fire as her skincare brand Go-To releases special edition bedazzled face oil: 'Nonsense that ends up in landfill'

As a seasoned observer of the dynamic world of business and skincare, I find myself deeply moved by Zoë Foster Blake’s journey with Go-To Skincare. Her resilience, tenacity, and unwavering commitment to her brand are truly inspiring.


Go-To Skincare, the brand created by Zoë Foster Blake, has faced criticism following the launch of a new, sparkling pink bottle for their best-selling Face Hero oil.

The “Extra Special Edition,” which was quickly snapped up online, is priced at $80, a price tag higher than the regular $45 version.

However, certain enthusiasts expressed disappointment over the single-use nature of the bottles and the rhinestone finish, sparking debates about its environmental impact.

Initiating the discussion was a post from PR expert Adriana Glass, who voiced her criticism towards the company for peddling single-use plastics, labeling this practice as “something senseless that ultimately winds up in landfills.

People left comments below a post on Go-To’s Instagram, with one individual asking, “What became of your pledge towards sustainability?” or simply “Where’s the focus on sustainability now?

Another person said: ‘It’s a no from me boo. Time for a face hero refill, not just new bottles.’ 

Others said the bottle was ‘ugly’ and questioned why it cost almost double the usual version did.  

Someone asked for more, saying they go through a lot of it, while another simply requested refills.

Zoë Foster-Blake comes under fire as her skincare brand Go-To releases special edition bedazzled face oil: 'Nonsense that ends up in landfill'

As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but feel thrilled when I share my thoughts with this incredible brand! They’re not just listening; they’re actively working on it. They’ve got their eyes glued to the refills they already have in store, and they’re taking every bit of feedback we fans provide seriously. It’s like they’re crafting the perfect product just for us!

Moving forward, let’s evaluate which items could be enhanced with reusable options. If we find opportunities to provide refills that significantly improve the product, we absolutely will!

Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Go-To for comment.  

Previously this year, Zoe publicly announced her intention to repurchase ownership in her skincare company, Go-To, following the bankruptcy of beauty firm BWX.

In 2021, an Australian writer, aged 43, initially handed over 51.5% ownership of her cosmetics company to a publicly traded beauty group on the ASX for approximately $89 million.

Two years following their initial investment, Zoë and Paul Bates, founder of Go-To, reacquired the majority ownership of their company, costing only $21.8 million. This purchase took place in the aftermath of BWX’s collapse into administration, which occurred in April 2023.

Zoë Foster-Blake comes under fire as her skincare brand Go-To releases special edition bedazzled face oil: 'Nonsense that ends up in landfill'

During those challenging times, Zoë confessed that she found herself in over her head regarding the deal, as there isn’t a guidebook or manual to help one discover the ideal business partner and investor.

She expressed to the Financial Review that she wondered, “At what point did you realize it was the perfect moment? Who or what guided you in choosing the ideal partner? After all, there’s no instruction manual for such matters.

Hamish Blake’s spouse expressed a nurturing, protective instinct towards Go-To, taking all necessary steps to preserve the company following the collapse of the BWX agreement.

Seeing one’s child in distress is unparalleled in stirring up action. She declared, ‘I’m present, I’ll defend my baby no matter the price,’ feeling incredibly motherly. Nothing has strengthened her resolve as much as this moment.

She stated that it’s hard to imagine leaving the company next year, as initially agreed in the BWX deal. However, her position has changed dramatically, and she’s fully committed again.

Besides talking about her successful entrepreneurial journey, Zoë openly shared that she didn’t initially harbor dreams of becoming a businesswoman as a child. Instead, she serves as an example of ‘learning by doing’, having navigated recent challenges in her career.

Zoë Foster-Blake comes under fire as her skincare brand Go-To releases special edition bedazzled face oil: 'Nonsense that ends up in landfill'
Zoë Foster-Blake comes under fire as her skincare brand Go-To releases special edition bedazzled face oil: 'Nonsense that ends up in landfill'
Zoë Foster-Blake comes under fire as her skincare brand Go-To releases special edition bedazzled face oil: 'Nonsense that ends up in landfill'
Zoë Foster-Blake comes under fire as her skincare brand Go-To releases special edition bedazzled face oil: 'Nonsense that ends up in landfill'
Zoë Foster-Blake comes under fire as her skincare brand Go-To releases special edition bedazzled face oil: 'Nonsense that ends up in landfill'
Zoë Foster-Blake comes under fire as her skincare brand Go-To releases special edition bedazzled face oil: 'Nonsense that ends up in landfill'
Zoë Foster-Blake comes under fire as her skincare brand Go-To releases special edition bedazzled face oil: 'Nonsense that ends up in landfill'

She said she put everything into her decision to buy back her shares to make sure she did the right thing for her brand, admitting: ‘I couldn’t live with myself if I f**ked it.’

Even amidst challenging circumstances, Zoë is marking Go-To’s ten-year milestone this year by throwing a party to honor this remarkable accomplishment.

On Instagram, Zoë expressed her heartfelt admiration for her exceptional team while marking a milestone of ten years in her flourishing business, by hosting a low-key, intimate celebration at home.

She expressed her joy and honor in caring for your skin. I deeply appreciate this company, its community, and the journey we’re on together. Here’s to another decade! This was her message.

At her house, she hosted a lavish drink gathering, where she presented an elegant appearance in a stunning peach satin dress, going above and beyond to make the event extraordinary.

A year ago, Zoë repurchased her share of Go-To Skincare worth $21.8 million, having sold it to BWX for approximately $89 million about two years prior.

She expressed to The Australian Financial Review that this brand and its business are simply remarkable, boasting a team that is deeply passionate and customers who are both fiercely loyal and highly supportive when she acquired her shares.

Zoë Foster-Blake comes under fire as her skincare brand Go-To releases special edition bedazzled face oil: 'Nonsense that ends up in landfill'

‘It is my joy and privilege to give both my full focus and attention [to Go-To].’

Zoë, the founder of the brand, has resumed her role as the chief creative officer and director at Go-To following a previous sale of her shares to BWX. Now, she’s fully committed to managing her business once more.

BWX suffered losses of $335million in the 2021-2022 financial year, with mining magnate Andrew Forrest stepping in to bail the company out. 

As a committed follower, I’ve noticed that although BWX holds approximately 51% of the shares, Go-To has made it clear that it operates independently in its own right.

In February 2023, BWX disclosed a loss of approximately $100 million during the initial months of its fiscal year. Concurrently, its CEO, Rory Gration, announced his departure from the company.

In April, BWX was placed into voluntary admission. KPMG was appointed to handle its collapse.

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2024-09-17 16:04

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