Melanie Pebbles Smith

Beauty is everywhere; anything and everything has the potential to be it. I’m a highly observant, attention-to-detail type of person, so I often get caught up in those floating-while-watching moments while in front of a subject of beauty—maybe a landscape or a sound, a smell, or a person’s mannerisms. I love being around beautiful things at all times, but that concept is also personal and sometimes untransferable.

Beauty to me should be found at its most raw state, but alchemical beauty is possible if the essence remains the same.

For my body, I use Cerave SA soap and shea butter. At night I apply Rosehip oil, to heal marks. On my face, I use the same soap 3 times a week. If I have lots of makeup on because of work I’ll use an oil-based makeup remover. I have recently started using retinoids from The Ordinary as well.

The most important thing for my hair is to steam it before washing it, so the follicles open up to allow moisture in, otherwise product just accumulates, as I have low porosity.

Curlsmith products work very well for me. I also massage my scalp with Castor oil.

The best makeup tip is good skin prep.  I love dewy skin so I use Egyptian magic as a primer. I then conceal with NARS and sometimes apply skin tint from Glossier. I also always curl my lashes and use eye drops to brighten my eyes.

Sleep is the most important thing for me. I go to bed the earliest I can, and love an uninterrupted sleep. Meditation has drastically changed my life – transcendental, pranayama, chanting, kundalini, and any other type of yoga.

I haven’t touched conventional medicine for 2 years now, only Ayurvedic/herbal. I eat seamos and take vitamin D3+K2, and if really needed, ashwagandha.

I don’t always wear perfum but If I do is Bal D’Afrique from Byredo or Wood, Sage and Sea Salt by Jo Malone.

I try to meditate every other day, and get a full body massage or acupuncture as much as I can. I go to steam rooms and infrared saunas. I swim, go for long walks in nature, and walk barefoot when possible. I love sports, my preferred ones are rollerskating/blading or dance lessons, as they are great to release. I have long talks on the phone with friends and family and journal often my feelings, fears, and goals.

Hyaluronic Acid Melt by Del Salon, perfect to wake up and de-puff.

Skinfood by Weleda, a super thick moisturiser and a nice smell. Raw shea butter – my most favourite for all purposes – hair, face and body.

Egyptian magic is also multipurpose and healing. Cerave soap is perfect for KP and to achieve baby skin, and Supergoop line of suncream, is nonsticky and perfect for a nice glow!

I love Spencer’s/ Mabel’s salon for a silk press and D.nice salon for braids in London.