Ida Simonsen

I like to keep everything simple and natural. And the older you get, the less makeup you should use.

Tata Harper cleansing oil morning and evening is my favorite. A couple of times a week I use the Tata Harper scrub. I don’t like using a towel on my face – unless it’s straight out of the laundry – so normally I use a Kleenex, always followed by a spray of Avene water to neutralize the hardness in the tap water. I’ve done this for years and think it’s my biggest beauty trick! I’ve tried other waters and Avene is my go-to. I like serums more than creams – even though my skin is dry, I can sometimes break out when I use rich creams. For the last two years, my favorite serum has been the Guerlain Abeille Royale Youth Watery Oil – it’s divine! In the summer months, this is all I need. It does smell very grandmother-ish but I adore it and I’ve gotten so many fashion people hooked on it. Followed by  Bonjout Le Balm (it is ok for now but during the winter I might need to add some cream). I switch between two eye creams – BioEffect EGF Eye Serum, which is a fabulous roll-on – one push is enough for several applications – and Kjaer Weiss The Beautiful Eye Balm. I love to use the Kjaer Weiss when I’m home on the weekends, it’s almost like a masque. I also love Dr. Sebagh’s Rose de Vie serum.

Speaking of Dr. Sebagh, a couple of times a week I use his Deep Exfoliating Mask, followed by his Skin Perfecting Mask. 

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Jones Road Miracle Balm in the Dusty Rose and Flushed. The best, the best, the best! It’s a miracle pick-you-up. I have blue eyes, and with age I’ve found that black is too harsh. So I use Chanel Stylo Ombre et Contour Number 12 for my eyelids and under the eyes, followed by Guerlain Mad Eyes Mascara.

For going out, I like to do a dark blue eye and use Chanel Number 19 eye pencil, as well as Cle de Peau Beaute Blush Cream #2.

My absolute all-time fave is the Leonor Greyl Creme aux Fleurs – it’s not easy to use, you need patience but it’s worth it. Make sure you cover your scalp, add a little water, and massage and massage and massage! Alternatively, you can also comb it through. For curly hair there’s nothing better, since it doesn’t weigh your hair down. I follow this with the masque conditioner and a little bit of Garrett Markenson REVERIE Milk – every other product I’ve tried makes your curls stiff.

I try to eat healthy with as many veggies, grains, protein etc. as possible. I was a vegetarian for 22 years (not anymore) and don’t really love meat so naturally I don’t eat a lot. I lived in Italy for many years and love pasta!  But as a true Dane, I love cheese, and use milk in my coffee and tea every day. I’ve done pilates and yoga for many years.

Chanel 19. My father gave me a bottle when i was 16 years old and it is me! Sometimes at night I’ll use Chanel 22.

I would say invest in a good eyelash curler — that can literally shave off years. And let your skin breathe! Don’t cover all the nuances in your skin with concealers etc. Don’t hide the things that add depth and nuance to your face. I never use concealers or foundation.