To me, beauty is all about how you feel on the inside—it’s about being happy, confident, and comfortable in your own skin. Of course, that’s not realistic every single day, but when you feel good, it naturally shines through. I like to take care of myself, do the things that make me happy, and embrace what makes me unique. Real beauty is in your energy and how you carry yourself. It’s less about perfection and more about feeling like the best version of yourself.
What does Beauty mean to you?
On Skincare
In the morning – If I’m feeling puffy, I’ll massage my face with an ice roller for a few minutes. Then, I use Dr. Sam’s Gentle Cleanser to wake up my skin. I always wash my face for 60 seconds, giving myself a little massage at the same time. Next, I apply SkinCeuticals’ Vitamin C serum to brighten my skin, followed by Dr. Sam’s Flawless moisturizer. I skip my T-zone because it’s naturally much oilier than the rest of my face. To finish, I use Dr. Sam’s Gossamer Sunscreen every day—it gives me a lovely glow under makeup but isn’t greasy.
My evening routine is a non-negotiable ritual; I never skip it, no matter how late I get home. Even if I’m at a festival, I can’t fall asleep unless it’s done. When I’ve been wearing makeup, I start by removing it with Bioderma Micellar Water—it’s gentle and perfect for sensitive skin. Then I cleanse my face with Dr. Sam’s Gentle Cleanser (for 60 seconds, to thoroughly clean). I’ve been using prescription retinol from my dermatologist since I was 19—it’s the most crucial step in my routine and keeps my skin clear and smooth. Some nights, I’ll use Dr. Sam’s Retinol Eye Cream around the outer corners of my eyes. I finish with Dr. Sam’s Intense Moisturiser, which is thicker than my daytime one but still not greasy. If I have a pimple, I use Dr. Sam’s Neutralizing Gel, and for red marks from old pimples, I dab a tiny bit of retinol to help them fade faster.
In Ella's File
‘My very first makeup product! I still use it to give a rosy flush to my cheeks and lips.’
‘The perfect shade to warm up my skin and contour under my cheekbones. I even sweep it over my eyelids for definition.’
‘L’Heure Bleue by Guerlain is my grandmother’s signature scent, and I’ll occasionally spritz it for a connection to her, though it feels like a scent I need to grow into.’
‘ I use this to brighten my skin.’
‘I can’t stand the feeling of dry skin!’
On Makeup
- Dior Forever Skin Correct Concealer – I use it almost every day for under my eyes and to cover redness. It’s creamy and provides great coverage.
- Benefit Benetint Lip and Cheek Stain – My very first makeup product! I still use it to give a rosy flush to my cheeks and lips.
- Homeoplasmine Balm – My go-to for lips, cuticles, and dry patches. It’s matte, so it works perfectly as a base under lipsticks or liners.
- Merit Solo Shadow in Brun – A creamy brown shadow I often use as eyeliner to create a subtle flick. It gives my eyes a defined, lifted look without needing mascara.
- Westman Atelier Face Trace Contour Stick in Biscuit – The perfect shade to warm up my skin and contour under my cheekbones. I even sweep it over my eyelids for definition.
On Haircare
I have fine, naturally poker-straight hair, so it’s pretty low-maintenance. Over the last few years, I’ve focused on taking better care of it because it’s been bleached and heat-styled a lot for work.
I’m always switching up my shampoo and conditioner. Right now, I’m using Klorane because it’s gentle, and I like to wash my hair every day (even though people say not to—I love the feeling of clean hair and it makes me feel good). If my hair feels dry, I use Olaplex 4 and 5.
Twice a week, I use the K18 mask, which has really helped prevent split ends and keeps my hair hydrated. For the ends, I alternate between Ouai Hair Oil and Oribe Hair Alchemy—they both smell incredible. I’m also into scalp serums and love the one by Sisley. When I want more volume or texture, I use Oribe’s Texturizing Spray. But overall, I try to let my hair air-dry and avoid over-styling.
On Wellness
My health and wellness philosophy is all about balance. I love exercising, especially Pilates—it makes me feel strong and clears my mind. I try to fit in movement most days, whether it’s a workout, a walk in the park, or something fun with friends. I really enjoy delicious food, either cooking at home or going to my favourite restaurants.
I also like to take breaks from social media to be more present—it’s easy to get caught up scrolling and forget to look up, so i try to read books instead. For me, wellness is about feeling good, having fun and taking care of myself.
On Fragrance
I’ve recently started exploring perfumes for myself, but scents have always been nostalgic for me.
Right now, I love Byredo’s Gypsy Water and Blanche—Blanche especially makes me feel like a freshly bathed baby wrapped in clean laundry. I’m usually drawn to fresh, light scents, but I adore Serge Lutens’ Ambre Sultan which is rich and musky and reminds me of my dad and grandfather. L’Heure Bleue by Guerlain is my grandmother’s signature scent, and I’ll occasionally spritz it for a connection to her, though it feels like a scent I need to grow into.
Day-to-day, I sometimes skip perfume and use essential oils instead. Scents like geranium, jasmine, and lavender remind me of growing up in the English countryside and my childhood garden.
Beauty Secrets?
Lymphatic drainage facial massage! I try to do it daily to de-puff and lift my face. I love finding tutorials on Instagram to keep it varied.
Ella's Directory
I’ve been seeing my dermatologist, Dr. Sam Bunting since I was 19. She released her skincare line a few years ago, so now I pretty much only use her products – they’re simple, fragrance-free, and work so well for me. I haven’t had a facial for a while – my skin is so sensitive so I keep it simple.
For hair, I go to Josh Wood for colour and cuts.
I love to go to nail salons when I’m in NYC – I always get a little shoulder massage at the same time, PINKY is my go-to.
I love massages but I only end up getting them when I’m travelling in hotels – my favourites are hot stone massages and Thai massages.
‘I use it almost every day for under my eyes and to cover redness. It’s creamy and provides great coverage.’