Beauty Lessons With A Glamorous Actress
Skincare is my non-negotiable. I could go without a lot of products, but skincare? It’s my thing. Plus, make-up only looks good if your skin does. Even on my most minimalist of days, I will slather on serums and moisturisers to nourish, hydrate and boost my glow. I really believe in hyaluronic acid and use it religiously, as it’s the one ingredient I feel makes a huge difference – my skin always looks better when I use it.
Rachel Hechanova is a name to know in the beauty world. She is my aesthetician. When you find someone who understands your complexion, hold onto them. There is nothing I wouldn’t trust her with – she has an encyclopaedic knowledge of all things skin.
Inner beauty is just as important. I know it sounds cliché, but my mother taught me that kindness shows up on your face. I really believe it. Whatever makes you feel good and confident will show. Exerting a nice energy not only speaks volumes about you as a person, it also makes you look and feel good.
Experimenting with make-up is the way to find what works for you. My make-up artist Diana Shin often tells me to be bold and play with colour. It’s advice I try to follow – none of us should feel stuck in a rut when it comes to beauty products. Experiment and see what fits – it’s easy to remove it all if you dislike it.
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Naomi Campbell is my ultimate beauty icon. I mean, she’s just iconic. Her aura and sense of worth is so inspiring. I also love that she’s never been afraid to experiment with different looks and styles – she’s proof that confidence is key.
High-street mascaras are the best. I often say you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a good mascara. My ride-or-die is the L’Oréal Paris Panorama Mascara. I call it my safety blanket. It gives the best volume and definition – I’ve been buying it for years, even before I was an ambassador for the brand.
Diptyque makes my favourite scents. They have one called Eau Rose that I love. It’s strong, but not cloying. In fact, I find it quite fresh and uplifting – it makes me feel really good. A friend once told me you shouldn’t rub fragrance into skin, just spray it on and let it settle – it certainly helps the scent last longer.
Flotation therapy is game-changing. I got into it recently and I’ve not looked back. At first, the idea freaked me out. You’re plunged into total darkness and encouraged to just float. It sounds petrifying but trust me, it’s phenomenal. You feel totally reset afterwards. Life can get so hectic, but this therapy promises a real time out.
I swear by a good gua sha tool. I love to use mine with serums or oils so I have a bit of slip, then I’ll glide it around the contours of my face to ease knots and tension. The results are temporary but gratifying nonetheless – especially when I feel puffy and my skin is looking a bit lifeless. Other tools I believe in are LED masks. I have one that uses red light therapy and I really do notice a difference – my skin is more supple and juicy-looking when I use it.
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Rucking is my go-to workout right now. You have to wear a backpack and inside it, you have a ten or 20-pound weight. Go for a walk and you’ll find you hold your core a certain way. Whether you do 15, 30 or 45 minutes, it’s so effective and I always ache afterwards. It’s a bit of a workout trend at the moment, but I’m here for it. I love hot yoga too, as it’s good for the mind as well as the body.
Less absolutely is more. I’ve always believed in seeing your skin through your make-up – you want your natural beauty to shine through. One of my favourite products is the L'Oréal Paris Lumi Glotion which you can mix in with your primer, skincare or foundation. It keeps the coverage sheer but still gives your skin a luminous quality that’s so fresh and healthy-looking. I only ever apply foundation to certain areas, like under the eye. You don’t need to pile it on – go gently and focus on where your skin needs it most.
Eyeliner is one of my favourite products. The darker and smudgier the better. When I was younger, it was harder for me to find a black eyeliner that would show up on my skin. Being a dark-skinned woman, when you find something that actually shows up on your face, you love it even more. I often opt for gel crayons as they last longer. I like to put white liner on the bottom waterline and black right outside of that – it makes the whites of my eyes really pop.
Finally, remember that comparison is the thief of joy. Honour your self-worth always and avoid comparison – especially when it comes to beauty. It’s hard with social media these days, but it’s crucial to stay grounded, and remember your values and belief in yourself. If it feels overwhelming, take a break – nothing should make you feel bad about the way you look.
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