Beauty to me is however one feels comfortable, whether natural or a stunning face of makeup. However I do believe whatever I put in my body is as important as what I put on my skin, I try to nurture the balance of these.
What does Beauty mean to you?
On Skincare
I only really started paying attention to my skin routine in the last ten years and wish it had been something I educated myself on sooner. Knowing and paying attention to my skin has made a huge difference, plus it’s great self-love. I change my routine and products day and night depending on what my skin needs, so I wouldn’t say I have a distinct routine. Every day I begin with Q+A Hylaroninc Acid, which I find most effective for my skin, and every evening I use Beta Hydroxy Acid by Inkey. I used to suffer from outbreaks on my jawline and this acid has completely solved that. For eyes, I love REN, Caudalie, and Drunk Elephant.
I use creams in the day, and oils at night. Jason Vitamin E is great when I feel worn out and dry at night. My studio is so dusty from the clay so I don’t wear anything too rich and sticky. I also use suncream every day (Ultra Violette, and Inky), obviously sunscreen is important for everyone, but as a freckly ginger, I feel it’s super important. I will finish with Tiger Grass to remove redness and Glow Recipe to make my skin look fresh and glowing.
In Alma's File
‘I also use suncream every day, obviously sunscreen is important for everyone, but as a freckly ginger, I feel it’s super important.’
‘I use Glow Recipe to make my skin look fresh and glowing.’
‘ I finish with this to remove redness.’
‘For eyes I love Caudalie.’
On Haircare
Oh lord this has taken me years and I’m still working on perfecting it! I normally have two shampoos and conditioners on the go – Davines LOVE shampoo and conditioner, and John Frieda Frizz Ease which I alternate between. Once out of the shower, I use Boucleme Curl Cream and I’ll use Olapex Hair Nº.3 Hair Perfector when needed to stop the frizz. If I’m going out Boucleme or Pattern both do a nice gel.
On Make-up
I’ve recently changed from Clinique Foundation to IT Cosmetics and love it. For blushes I like Jones Road Balm (Dusty Road) and I love the trusty old Hoola from Benefit bronzer.I also love the Highlight from Roen Glazed, and the best Brow Gel is from Got2B by Schwarzkopf. I love a glittery eye – Natasha Denona has great pallets, Jones Road Sparkle Wash (Midas and Barely Pink) is boom, and love Glossier Lidstar shimmer cream in Moon. Hourglass is the best mascara for me as I always touch my face and rub my eyes. Every day even if I’m just going to my studio and nothing else I wear a lipliner, my current favorite is Bobbie Brown Pink Mauve with Laneige Chocolate Night Mask.
On Health and Wellness
I try and take NAC+ (Viridian is a great brand) and have a Spatone Iron Sachet every day. I love pilates and cold water swimming, I attempt mindfulness as often as possible, and drink endless herbal tea. I grew up on herbal medicine (big love for echinacea) and homeopathy so where I can I try to let nature lead but it’s not always so simple. Ah, my new favorite find which I have done for the last few years is a 3-month course of Symprove, I travel a lot so is a great way to reset my gut.
On Rituals
Once or twice a week I go for a steam and cold water swim on Hampstead Heath with friends, we then sit in the sunshine with cups of tea and debrief before going on with our weeks. It’s a heavenly moment for me.
On Fragrance
Pomegranate Noir by Jo Malone…My mother wore it growing up and so it will forever remind me of watching in wonder as she dressed for the evening. Dressing up took up the majority of my childhood so watching someone do it “in real life” was pretty magic.
Your Beauty Secrets..
Tooth paste to dry out spots.
What is always in your handbag?
Alma’s Directory..
Mexico City – Hihi Nails, Pollys Place Facial, @Francazototal for hair.
‘Every day I begin with Q+A Hylaroninc Acid, which I find most effective for my skin.’