To me, beauty means simplicity, polish, ease, a touch of effort & nonchalance. Lastly, energy is an important element of beauty. It’s what a person exudes and how they carry themselves. Clichè but true.
What does Beauty mean to you?
On Skincare
Actives are a big part of my skincare routine, particularly Aha’s & Bha’s. Texture and brightness are my skin concerns so I have an arsenal of products to keep my skin luminous and healthy, especially with back-to-back early call times. I like my skin to look awake!
In terms of my routine, I have tried complicated routines and now know what works for me is keeping it to 3 – 4 steps. If you are using premium products, that’s all you need. I learnt the hard way that doing too much can compromise your skin barrier.
At night, I double cleanse followed by my choice of Aha, either P50 or Is Clinical active serum, then I finish with Ultraceuticals B2 serum and Augustinus Badar The cream.
In the morning, I don’t cleanse; I simply splash my face with water and try to ice my face every other day. Then I finish off with my moisturizer, ready for a touch of makeup.
In Filomena's Cabinet
“I use daily as part of my nightly double cleanse. I like the creamy formulation. I generally avoid foaming cleansers as I find they strip my skin.”
“This is the first step of my double cleanse, it gently removes my makeup.”
“A great exfoliant to keep congestion at bay without stripping the skin and won’t compromise your barrier.”
“A super-hydrating serum. Sometimes, I don’t follow with moisturiser, as this does a great job on its own. I love the light texture.”
£175
“I love this body balm so much a little goes a long way and I don’t know if it is just me, but I have the best sleep at night when I use it. The scent is so calming.”
On Makeup
Favourites include Chanel Baume Essentiel and Chanel Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream. I can’t remember life without these two products.
Also, Chanel Rouge Coco “ Boy” lipstick and Lip liners (the pencil kind) are my favourite type.
A brow crayon – which I sometimes use not only for brows but as a lip liner and for soft targeted contour!
On Haircare
I have my hair routine down pat, and any person with curly hair will tell you it’s a journey. It’s great to see natural textures embraced & celebrated, and lots of product options on the market.
I only wash my hair once a week using Davines haircare, which I discovered on holiday in Ischia. I rely on the Dede mask to do all the heavy lifting. I leave it in my hair as the dominant styling product. I comb it through with a wide-toothed comb then I use Tigi Curls Rock (which has zero shelf appeal but works so well) over the top for hold and let it dry naturally.
For my curl pattern, the weight of the product is what my hair needs. Then, when it is almost dry, I finish with Davine’s Oi Oil. I plait it at bedtime to maintain my curl pattern.
On Health and Wellness
I’m an introvert / Extrovert so am mindful of that and make sure I give myself time to recharge. My job is very “peopley” so alone time is important to me.
I start my day early and quietly. I never race out the door to start the day; that is too stressful for me. I have a short black espresso, light my incense, and potter for a bit. Byredo incense is my favourite at the moment.
I have a bath most nights. It’s a ritual I love, which helps me unwind and soothes my body. I have a plethora of oils and salts I’ll use depending on how I’m feeling. My all-time favourite is Oliverum bath oil. A historic blend that dates back to the 30s.
I am grateful for my body and want to look after it. I need to be strong – have you seen my kit?!
I only started working out consistently in the last four years. Pilates is my exercise of choice, mixed with healthy doses of sun, ocean, dog walks, sauna, and eating intuitively. I take a few supplements but nothing crazy. I try to keep it simple. Oh, and SLEEP! I am in bed by 9 pm.
On Fragrance
To me sharing my fragrance is so personal. To be honest I usually gate keep the fragrance I wear.
I will share one that is a constant which is Essence R oil By The Row.
To explain my point of view, Fragrance is very intimate to me, it leaves an impression that makes people remember you in some way. My daughters can name the fragrance I have worn throughout their childhood and pinpoint the country or the place or moment. It triggers core memories that only we know & I think that is so special. Scent is so powerful and part of a person’s style & individuality.
Even my dearest friends know when I am in the building just based on fragrance.
A Beauty tip you swear by?
Apply foundation with your hands for a perfected real skin result.
Filomena's Directory
The minute I land in LA, I head straight to Ricari Studios for a Lymphatic drainage treatment.
I will always try to find a sauna in any country I am in. In Paris, I go to Galleries Lafayette. There is a beauty spa floor, which has a sauna. In Sydney, I go to Body WRL.
Facial wise, Melanie Grant looks after my skin in Sydney, and she has studios in LA & London.
Bioloqique Recherche have a great network of facialists worldwide, so wherever I am, I will try to find a BR facial.
My Hair colourist is Rory Rice at Eyre by Rory Rice salon in Sydney.
“I use this daily to keep my skin smooth. It also assists with pigment control.”