- You're regarded as a Beauty Expert, what kinds of questions do you find yourself answering each day? Do you have a stockpile of answers you can draw from?
Not a day goes by that I don't answer someone's beauty questions. I've even joked in the office that I am going to put tickets on the door so people have to take numbers! Seriously though, the questions are many, and range in diversity. They could be as simple as, "what is the best mineral make-up?" to "which moisturiser should I use?" Or they could be as intricate as, "do you have a recommendation for my rosacea?"
There is no right answer for everyone, to any question. Each person is an individual and as such, product recommendations and advice will vary from person to person. On that note, your skin changes from day to day and from month to month, so what works for you today, may not be as effective as something else is tomorrow. So it's not always easy for me to offer just one simple solution. I can however, point people in the right direction!
If it's a skin care question, I always recommend that people see a qualified beauty therapist before trying a new product. Just as you would see a personal trainer before starting a new exercise routine, so too, you need to see a highly qualified skin specialist before investing in new skin care. I can also recommend great mascara for curling lashes, or a fabulous hydrating foundation, but unless people try it themselves, they won't know if it's right for them. With this in mind, I'll direct them to the make-up counters I think are the most helpful and informative.
Of course, I try as many things as I can and share that with anyone who is willing to listen. I know the products that work for me and that have the scientific backing to prove their effectiveness, but in the same way my exercise routine might not work for someone else, the products that are suited to my skin, hair and complexion, might not quite be right for a friend or colleague.
Whether it's make-up, skin care or salon treatments, I'm pretty luckily that I have the resources at my fingertips to point them in the direction, and to find a solution that suits their budgets.
- When did you realise you were a beauty expert?
I actually prefer to think of myself as a beauty conduit! As a beauty and lifestyle writer and journalist, it's my job to unearth and trial the latest and best in beauty products, treatments and procedures, then share the results with my readers. My aim is to give them an unbiased, factual account of my experience and the results I have enjoyed, so they can then make an informed decision as to what will work for them.
I guess in this respect, I am somewhat of an expert. I do know what to look for in terms of efficacy and results and it's my job to deliver this to my reader. The reader always comes first and they rely on me to provide the best advice I can. This was drummed into me in the early days of my career and it has always stuck with me. Just as the industry is always changing and evolving, I am always learning about new developments, and it really gives me a thrill to be able to share this with readers.
- What are your top Five Beauty Tips
1. Always leave your cleanser on for five to ten minutes in the morning. If it's brimming with active ingredients, they will get to work on your skin, brightening it, clarifying it and waking it up for the day ahead. Rinse it off when you shower. My favourite is either Priori CoffeeBerry Facial Cleanser, or Priori Idebenone Facial Cleanser.
2. On that note, never sleep with your make-up on. Cleanse once at nigh to remove make-up and a second time to whisk away any cleanser residue or debris from the day. Use clean, warm, damp towels to remove make-up. The warmth assists the cleansing process and help to make skin more receptive to treatment products that will follow.
3. Never, ever, ever smoke. Nothing ruins your health or your looks faster. It depletes skin of moisture, it turns teeth yellow, it makes your complexion dull and grey and it starves skin cells of oxygen and nutrients. It also stains your hair and your fingers, and it makes you stink. Oh, and it kills you. Call the Quit Line if you're having trouble giving up (it's hard, I know).
4. Beauty doesn't stop at your chin! Extend ALL your skin care along the length of your neck and to your décolletage. Take it to where your nipples start. This includes cleansers, exfoliants, masks and moisture products. Remember as well, that the skin on your body needs as much love as that on your face. Swap to a gentle body wash over harsh soaps, use a quality body scrub weekly (I love Priori Face and Body Scrub) and moisturise all over after every shower. As you get older, use more big gun ingredients to smooth, firm and keep skin supple. I'm currently obsessed by Priori CoffeeBerry Body Shaping Complex.
5, Use a serum. It's like a personal trainer for your skin care. With targeted ingredients, serums get straight to the source of your skin issue, be it pigmentation, fine lines, dry skin or blemishes. Monoderma single dose serums are great, as they keep the active ingredients stabilised. They're also wonderful for travelling. Slip a few in your carry on luggage to keep skin protected and bright in-flight.
- What is you own skincare routine?
My must-reach-for products will always remain the range of PRIORI Cleansers. No matter what my skin needs on any given day, I know that these will deliver. On days when I need extra oomph and brightness, I use PRIORI FORTÉ AHA Cleanser. It sloughs away dullness and leaves a smooth canvas on which to apply my treatment creams and makeup. On days when I really want protection from running around in the Big Smoke, I use PRIORI Idebenone Complex Facial Cleanser – such a powerful antioxidant. I love PRIORI CoffeeBerry® Tightening Serum. It keeps my skin firm, smooth, bright and lightened. I mix between all PRIORI ranges – Idebenone Complex, CoffeeBerry® and Advanced AHA and find my skin has never in my life been better in terms of hydration, light reflection, firmness and lack of lines. If I'm stressed, it shows on my skin, which is when I reach for DECLÉOR. DECLÉOR Cleansing Milk is very protecting so won't strip the skin of natural oils. AROMESSENCE Rose D'Orient is an instantly soothing and beautifully smelling oil. It soothes even the most sensitive and reactive skins.
* Protected by US and International patents. The CoffeeBerry® trademark and related patents are exclusively licensed by J&J Technologies, LC.
** Protected under US Patent No. 6,756,045 and additional patents pending, licensed from PCR Technology Holdings, L.C.
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