You own a PR agency that focuses on amazing niche beauty lines and emerging powerhouses in the space...what do you love most about beauty in general?
"It's powerful ability to transform...when you pull together all the forces of hair, makeup, color, etc., you can morph into anything. I also love the self-care rituals that go along with it."
What's one product you've been using since forever?
"Oh, it has to be my Chanel eyeliner duo with navy and black pots. I love a sultry, smoky eye. It casts the perception that you've been up to something naughty. However, I can't tell you how old it is, as I should have thrown it out over a decade ago. My fave updated version is Chantecaille's Le Stylo...it's idiot-proof."
You're 48, but you look a million years younger than that...what's your secret or many secrets?
"I'm aware it sounds tired, but for me it really starts with nutrition and fitness. You have to sweat a TON and really use your body. I'm not talking about an easy jog on the treadmill, but pushing yourself to the limit (my sport is Muay Thai—Thai kickboxing—and I try and do it everyday). Give your body what it needs nutritionally. Feed on junk, and you'll look like trash (externally, you can get away with it when you're young, but it does catch up with you eventually). I know my eating regimen (herbivore sans dairy and sugar) makes my skin look healthy and my eyes bright, and elevates my energy. I also swear by oils for hair, face, and body...ones high in essential fatty acids."
What's one ritual you'll never stop doing?
"Inversions. I stand on my head to bring blood to my brain and face."
Any great beauty advice you've picked up over the years you're willing to share?
"Yes, be promiscuous (with your beauty products)...try as many products as you can afford to purchase... sampling is the only way you'll discover what's best for you. Also, seek the advice of experts. I am fortunate that in my line of business I am surrounded by some of the best talent in the industry, and I count many of them as friends. But you can seek out this info, too. Instead of asking just one, ask several hairstylists what they love and why...read the credits in magazines to get the names of top makeup artists, manicurists, etc. and follow their blogs to get advice and recommendations. The celebs who the media follow get this info from the arsenal of experts that surrounds them."
Biggest beauty myth you've ever heard?
"Cellulite creams get rid of cellulite. Luckily that's one thing I don't need!"
I know you're my ultimate beauty guru for keeping me on top of the latest and greatest EVERYTHING. What's the one product I have to try ASAP and why?
"BRAD Biophotonic Skin Care...RUN don't walk! It's all about innovation in bio-fermentation and violet light. It's highly potent and activates collagen and elastin networks. You put that stuff on and you think you've entered a time machine…and the packaging is oh-so-chic!"
How would you describe your daily routine?
"Morning is cleanse, treatment serum, moisturizer, eye cream. Night is cleanse, fortifying serum, moisturizer mixed with facial oil, heavier eye cream…in between I exfoliate with scrubs and/or pads and use a mask twice per week. For makeup, I use a bit of foundation applied with a sponge or brush where needed, blush, mascara, and lip. If I'm in the mood or have more time I'll add liner or eyeshadow."
Any special tricks for snazzing your look up for nighttime?
"I generally go heavier on the eye—smoky but soft metallics, lots of liner, and then a high gloss, but light-in-color lip...I love Bardot's look."
Favorite three products of the moment and WHY?
"I have a lot of favorite products, but if i have to limit it to three right now they would be...
1. Sachajuan Volume Powder: "It's from Stockholm and my holy grail. My hair is thick, long, and wavy, so it's an arduous task to wash (maybe 1-2x per week), so this style powder is my saving grace. Extends a good styling job by days...gives hair lift and makes it look cleaner.
2. NUDE Cleansing Facial Oil: "A delicious-smelling oil that turns to a gentle milk when mixed with water…removes my makeup and leaves my skin clean but super dewy."
3. Hourglass Prodigy Hydrating Lip Gloss in Surreal: "I'm obsessed with the color…it's a little bit nude, a little bit pink, and little bit tangerine with a hint of luminescence...and they have other colors called Eden and Opium."
Sun or no sun?
"Everyone thinks the sun is the devil…but the most recent research shows Vitamin D deficiency to be at the root of many diseases (Vitamin D cannot be produced by the body, so you either get it from sunlight or you have to supplement). I try and get a minimum of 15 minutes daily on unprotected/bare skin, and it doesn't have to be on your face. After that, run into the shade and take cover."
Advice to younger woman as they approach their 40s?
"So many younger women tell me they hope they'll either look like me or be like me when they reach my age…meaning I am still perceived as young to them. Toss the numbers game, young vs. old! It's about vitality and life force. You can be 25 and have zero energy and passion, or 45 and possess and put forth a dynamic, vital spirit, and engage in activities that follow suit. Don't be a prisoner to your mind — that's where fear and doubt live. Don't wait for this or that to happen to live your life. Do it now...make a plan then get off your ass and live!"
