Beauty to me is a feeling whereas it used to be more objective, when I was younger. Today it is a good barometer of my relationship to self, whether I feel beautiful or not. When I am at one with myself and can accept things exactly as they are I embody a feeling that I used to strive to feel but tackling it from an exterior approach. eg, ‘If I look this way I will feel that way’.
What does Beauty mean to you?
On Skincare
I use Emma Lewisham Skin Reset Serum, Eye Cream, Supernatural Face Cream and the Supernatural Sleeping Mask. I use Medik8 Surface Radiance Cleanser. For SPF I use Ultra Violette SPF 50+ Hydrating Skinscreen everyday as I had pretty bad pigmentation during pregnancy.
In Alba's File
‘This is the absolute dream, especially for my pregnant skin!’
‘It feels like a real treat to put on before bed, it’s the best smell ever and you wake up and see the sorcery that occurred in the night immediately.’
On Haircare
I used to have a religious haircare routine which really makes me and my friends laugh! It was psychotic. Luckily I don’t have time for that anymore having a toddler at home.
On Make-up
Everyday make-up is Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel, Maybelline Great Lash black mascara (It’s a classic), Jones Road Lip and Cheek Stick (shade Mauve Rose). For evening makeup, I’ll use Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter (shade 2 light) and Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation (shade 1 Natural) I always get asked if I’ve had botox when I wear these two products. I love Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat in Pillow Talk medium, If you can get one to match your lip colour they work amazingly! I also use Charlotte Tilbury Eyeliner (Shade Barbarella Brown).
On Health and Wellness
My overall health and wellness philosophy is “less is more and it’s an inside job”. This has changed over time and will probably continue to change. When I was younger it was all about “more is more” and I “need” all these products and treatments to make me feel and look my best. This never made me happy and never made me feel truly good. Balancing my hormones and mood have been a priority the last few years of my life.
I take mushroom supplements to support my hormone balance and I also cleared myself of HPV virus using them. I use a brand called Mushrooms 4 Life. I also take my Looni supplements, (a company founded and developed by women), to aid my menstrual cycle and balance.
On Rituals
I find it difficult to stick to any routine but I do like rituals. I don’t find it easy to do things consistently when it comes to beauty, like regular face masks or treatments, I think my last facial was three years ago.
The things I find easiest to repeat are when they become part of the mandatory routine, like brushing my teeth in the morning and night. So, I will have a hot water and lemon every morning before food, it has become a habit. I take my pills after breakfast etc. When it comes to stretching and exercise, if I don’t do it first thing it’s probably not going to happen..so honestly, it doesn’t happen often.
I do what feels manageable and try to be gentle with myself when that other voice chimes in that “I’m not enough”.
On Fragrance
My favourites are rose and Orange Blossom, or a tobacco candle. I really don’t like body scents, perfumes or colognes, they easily give me headaches and I don’t like them covering up the smell of skin, especially my partner, he’s forbidden to wear cologne.
What is always in your handbag?
Yogurt. Bio Live organic yogurt. I use it as a face mask, for me nothing has come close to this. I put it on a clean face for 20 minutes and watch my skin literally drink it in. I also carry around Ultra Violette SPF 50+ Hydrating Skinscreen, Jones Road Lip and Cheek Stick, Klorane Dry Shampoo
‘It’s not sticky and it’s very light.’