Ruby Hammer’s Beauty Dozen
For Face Masks…
I absolutely love a good face mask. My favourite is Sisley’s Black Rose Cream. I love the smell, the texture and the fact it boosts your skin in around three minutes flat – seriously. If I have more time, I’ll treat myself to the Signature Facial at The Light Salon in Harvey Nichols, but I’ll always start with Sisley when time is at a premium.
For Cleansing…
I’ve always believed you can’t hydrate or nourish the skin on your face if it is not properly clean. Due to the nature of my job, I am lucky to try many different cleansers, so I have quite a few on the go, but also a couple of staples. My preference is a balm because they offer a deep, thorough cleanse, and they are far speedier to use thanks to their melting texture. I’m currently trialling and enjoying Beauty Pie’s Apricot Cleansing Balm. And I can’t recommend Drunk Elephant’s enough – it’s gentle but leaves the skin feeling deeply refreshed and satisfyingly clean.
For Beauty & Wellness…
My favourite one-stop shop for pampering is Urban Retreat at The White House. It caters to all of my various beauty and wellness needs. I get my hair coloured by Tracey there; for detoxing, I’ll pop downstairs to see Amanda Griggs, who deals with all things nutrition and overall wellbeing. She’s great for a good detox plan.
For Mascara…
I have a lot of different mascaras in my kit, depending on the client’s needs or the shoot direction. Some are whimsical; some lengthening; some volumising; and some I just use on the lower lashes. However, my personal all-time go-to is Clinique’s Lash Power in Black Onyx. It gives high definition and (as it is tubular) comes off so easily with hot water. I’ve gone back to this time and time again, which really is testament to the product and brand – given how many I trial.
For Concealer…
I am going to have to pick two here. I am so torn between Laura Mercier’s Secret Camouflage, which is excellent for pigmentation, as well as being heavy duty for a no-budge finish. I use it with a tiny little brush and just apply it where needed. Secondly, NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer is amazing. It comes in a little round tub and is great for dark circles and gentle, seamless cover.
For Supplements…
I’ve got really into supplements recently. I love Lumity, which is good for hair, nails and skin, and it regulates your sleep and stress levels. You take three tablets in the morning and three in the evening. I must confess, I am much better at remembering the morning dosage and sometimes, when I am busy, the evening is missed out, but I’ve still seen the benefits. I also take Symprove, which you can take on an empty stomach. It’s great for gently boosting your gut health.
For Softer Skin…
I am prone to crazy lizard skin. To combat this, I use CND SolarOil, which comes in a handy dispensing pen. I use it all over my cuticles, but also on my hands and feet. As a make-up artist, you wash your hands often, with sanitising products that dry out my skin even more, so it’s really needed.
For Thicker Hair…
I am lucky enough to work on set with some of the best hairstylists in the world, but I am struggling with my hair at the moment. I have a great colourist, but thinning is currently my issue. To combat it, I use Philip Kingsley Elasticizer to give it a nicer texture and weight. I also touch-up with Color Wow when I am in between colour appointments. It’s a great brand for any DIY jobs.
For Blusher…
When I was younger, I hardly wore blush and never saw the point. As I’ve got older, I’ve realised it enlivens the face like nothing else. For me, cream formulas are the best for ease of use and Bobbi Brown’s Pot Rouge is my go-to. I have it in my kit and own, personal make-up bag for its feather-light texture that you can build and mix at will.
For Fitness…
I feel my most beautiful when I get to exercise. When I am busy with work, this suffers. I love doing HIIT training with Roland at White City Soho House. Whenever I work out with him, I feel amazing. I do a mixture of boxing, weights and cardio. Ideally, I would work out three times a week, but I do whatever I can manage. Making the time to go when my workload is heavy is the hardest, but the rewards far outweigh the effort for me – it’s the best feeling.
For Beauty Tools…
I am never without my new Magnetic Brush Set. I first discovered it about nine years ago and, a few tweaks later, it’s one of the first items I’ve launched for my new brand. As an artist, I have an array of tools, but I wanted something I could keep in my bag, on my desk, or take with me when I am travelling. It’s the perfect tool for make-up on the go. Aside from that, I would always recommend a face brush or sponge for application generally –I think it’s the best way to get even, well-blended coverage.
For Bodycare…
I always use a friction mitt with a shower gel to boost circulation and improve skin’s texture overall – it really does work. As for the body wash, I alternate between Aromatherapy Associates Renewing Rose Body Wash and REN’s Atlantic Kelp and Magnesium Anti-Fatigue Body Wash. Cleansing and nourishing the skin is so important – it’s also the easiest way to boost dull limbs when you’ve not got a natural, summer glow.
REN's Atlantic Kelp And Magnesium Anti-Fatigue Body Wash, £22
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