Self-care and common sense. In my world, beauty means feeling good and being myself, rather than trying to be someone else – the less the better. As much sleep and water as possible and as little sun and chemicals as possible.
What does Beauty mean to you?
On Skincare
Every day ends with make up remover – I grew up with Eau Micellaire by Bioderma but I’m currently enjoying Drunk Elephant’s Beste No 9 Cleanser Jelly.
That step is followed by a cream for acne, Adapalene, a topical retinoid that cures acne and prevents it. In the morning, if my skin isn’t too dry from the evening cream, I’ll apply a cotton imbibed with my favorite toner Indie Lee Coq-10 before I do my makeup. If it is dry, I’ll moisturise with La Creme by Doré or my last and most cherished Olio Losso Face Oil by the late, cult brand Rodin.
In Anna's FIle
‘Makes one look like a baby.’
‘To hide any pimple.’
‘Love this, always in my bag.’
‘To define brows for a sharper look.’
‘Which I use as an eye shadow, applied sparsely with the finger. A move that seems to erase any sort of exhaustion from my face.’
On Haircare
I have wavy-curly hair and use a curling iron every morning to discipline them, so I compensate with pretty nourishing products in the shower. My go-to is Ceremonia’s Champu de Yucca for dry hair, a touch of hydrating mask (I’ve been buying Kerastase from French hair salons since I was a teenager), but if I run out I also like Oribe and Davines’ Nounou Hair Mask, and I always finish with Ceremonia’s Leave-In Guava Conditioner.
On Make-up
My everyday routine includes RMS Beauty Uncover-Up Concealer, Lily Lolo’s Mineral Foundation Poweder, Lily Lolo Pressed Bronzer and/or Illuminator.
At night, I dream of being more femme fatale, but I essentially repeat my same-day routine and add a touch of tinted Boy Brow Volumizing Eyebrow Gel by Glossier to define my brows, a hint of Chanel’s Rouge Coco lipstick on my eyelids, and maybe a little tinted ShineOn Lip Jelly from Tower 28.
On Health and Wellness
Balance and common sense I guess. I work with food and beverage and I work like a maniac, so I’m always trying to balance work, pleasure and health. I don’t take any supplements but I try to stick to quality foods (no category is off limits), sleep whenever possible, keep my body active, and preserve a minimum of solo time.
On Rituals
Exercise 2-3 times a week (a mix of fitness, pilates and yoga) which helps me to stay in shape but mostly helps with my mental health. Chinese reflexology often, even if I only have 15 mins in between meetings. Walking everywhere as much as possible. Reading on a daily basis, even if it’s just one page – it’s the only way to really get me off this damn phone.
On Fragrance
J’Adore by Dior, which my mom has been bringing me from the duty-free for about two decades. Sometimes, on particularly elegant days, I like to mix things up and wear Dior’s Balade Sauvage.
What is always in your handbag?
Le Baume by Doré, RMS Beauty Uncover-Up Concealer, and one of those lipsticks.
Anna’s Directory..
For hair: Rachel Weaver in Brooklyn, Hovig Etoyan in Paris. Mr Tong for Thai massage in Paris, Kimberly’s for reflexology in NY. Primp & Polish for nails in Brooklyn.
‘Super light foundation touch up, natural beauty.’