Has anything about your approach to beauty changed over the last year, and are there any particular beauty looks that you’re looking forward to trying once we’re out of lockdown?
Obviously, it’s been all change because nobody has been able to go anywhere and beautify themselves in the way that we used to. I think everyone’s had to create their own routines at home—whether that be working out in the morning or a lunchtime class, you’ve had to try to give yourself some sort of routine. So skincare just really picked up for me in the pandemic more than ever. I was trying different masks and hair masks just because I could. I wasn’t seeing anyone, so I could put on a hair mask, and then all of a sudden, I hadn’t washed it out, and a week had gone by [laughs].
I really looked after myself and got good at painting my own nails, which I’ve never been good at—I’m good at my hands, but not at my toes. I’m going away on Friday, and I’m filming The Hit List. We record three episodes a day, so I’ll be in my element glamming up, different outfits, and it will be really, really nice. I haven’t got a proper red carpet event in yet, though. Everything is so up in the air still. I had one, and then it got postponed, so we’ll see, but as soon as there is one, I will be planning a look for it. That’s for sure!
You must spend a fair amount of time on set with makeup artists and hairstylists. Are there any game-changing beauty secrets that you’ve picked up from the experts?
Always mix your foundation. I always buy two foundations, and I mix. That way, it takes me forever to run out because I’ve got double the amount, but you might find you’re more tanned one month or there are certain areas of your skin that need a lighter finish. There’s a Tom Ford Traceless Foundation Stick (£66) that I love and I’ve used for years. I also use MAC Studio Fix Fluid (£27), and it’s quite matte, which isn’t very me, but what it allows you to do is put quite a lot of moisturiser underneath and then just buff it in. So you’re not actually using that much product, but what is there stays put, which is really good.
Do you have any “guilty-pleasure” beauty practices you like to indulge in?
I’m a picker. That’s my issue—the fact that I can’t just see a little spot and think it will go down tomorrow. I have to pick it. Fact [laughs]. And that goes for my husband as well! If he’s sat there, and I can see something, then I’m picking it, as much as he gets really stressed with me. I can’t help it. And when I go for my facial. Nilam or Shane, who I see, will be like, “You’ve been picking again,” and I’m like, I know, I know. I’m sorry. I know I shouldn’t, but I can’t not.
Wellness and beauty are so intertwined. Do you have any wellness practices or supplements that help to give you a boost both mentally and physically?
Pilates is my favourite form of exercise, and I really needed that in lockdown. I do feel good after it. As much as I might dread getting up to do it in the morning, I’ve never ever regretted doing an exercise in my life. You just have to think of afterward. I don’t ever want to get up is the truth of it. My alarm will go off or Blake will cry and it’s always too early. I never feel like I’ve had enough sleep, but as soon as I’m up and I’m there and I’m doing it, I feel on form.
In terms of meditation, I’ve never really been into it. Honestly, if I have a bath, then that’s all the meditation I need. I just need that bit of time on my own with my bathroom door locked and no one disturbing me. For me, it’s about switching off, and that happens in Pilates too. Because I’m finding whatever I’m doing hard, there’s no time to think, so it’s kind of a form of escapism for 45 minutes or an hour.
I go through phases with supplements. I think I’m going to stick to it, and then I don’t. The only time I ever stick to it is when I’m pregnant, and I know I have to! I try to do a lot of it with food instead. If my iron is a little low, I’ll just boost that in what I’m eating, and you do see a difference.
Finally, what’s your Unfiltered beauty philosophy in seven words or less?
I think life is short. You are you for a reason. Embrace your beauty because you are beautiful, and don’t worry about social media because none of it’s real. You know, someone has taken a million selfies to get to the right one. They’ve chosen a good angle, the one they look the best in. We all do it. So just don’t compare yourself to that. You live once, so just enjoy it. That was way more than seven words, but we got there [laughs].
