Clea Irving

Wow, this is so hard to define! Beauty is related to time — taking moments to myself to re-connect, take gratitude, taking moments to be with my family and the ones I love. Taking moments to tickle my baby under her neck. Beauty is a second in time, and eternal.

Beauty is ecological — my microbial body is as much a part of my beauty as the beauty reflected from the outside world, an ongoing and interchangeable “livable collaboration”between organisms. Beauty is sympoetic.

Beauty is accepting chaos — embracing flux, embracing decay, hands in the mud, chaos.

When I lived in Paris I loved going to Biologique Recherche for skincare treatments. Since I have moved to Milan, I try to get there (Ambassade de la Beautè Biologique Recherche) each month — Giada’s facial massage brought me back to life after pregnancy. I use their products too — Lotion P50W, Amniotique Serum VG and the Emulsion Gel Biosensible S.R. James Vivien, who runs a great clinic in Melbourne and got me on to PCA Skin’s Perfecting Neck and Dećolleté cream.

When my husband and I were last in the Amazon we were given a very special bottle of Andiroba oil, freshly pressed from a group of ageless Indigenous women. It has extraordinary healing properties — for self facial massages, or to rub in to my daughter’s toes as she learns to walk.

I’ve never been very good with makeup. But a fresh face and a strong lip go a long way. For years I have used Tom Ford’s Gloss Luxe, in various modes of smudge on my face.

I started shaving my head many, many years ago. It’s a very peaceful action for me.

I love to spend time in water. Swimming, sento, hydro facials, long showers, home baths with my family.