Margaret Mitchell shares her skincare and style heroes
Let’s start with the basics: talk me through your skincare routine.
When I’m pushed for time (which is often) my routine is very simple: cleanse, hydration serum, moisturiser, eye cream (I should say SPF, but let’s be honest – with the rain we’ve had this autumn I have a naughty tendency to skip that step). Before bed, I’ll use an oil for some extra ingredients my skin can soak up overnight. When I’ve got more time to invest, I will layer in a gentle enzyme or acid peel, a hydrating essence or toner, and an extra serum (usually Vitamin C). I love to do masks but usually only find time on the weekends – I am definitely an advocate of Sunday self-care.
I think we can all agree this time wreaks total havoc with our skin. What’s your expert advice for keeping things under control?
We are seeing a real push away from treating your skin as “problem-solution”. Instead, the conversation is much more about building up the health of your skin: strengthening the skin barrier, anti-inflammatory products, hydration and healing skin from the inside out. Always remember to take your makeup off – especially around the eyes – so your skin has time to recover and rebalance. If your skin is acting up, try not to attack it with loads of different active ingredients, but nourish it back to life with gentle, calming products. And hydrate, hydrate, hydrate – that includes moisturizers, masks and drinking loads of water as well.
“I am much more confident in my wardrobe now and more comfortable exploring new brands and styles”.
Has your wardrobe seen a significant change as your career has gone from strength to strength?
Absolutely! I started in the corporate world and wore a suit every day, so didn’t really bother with keeping up with trends or finding my own style. I felt awkward and frumpy but didn’t really know where to start. Moving from the corporate world into the world of beauty has allowed me to explore more with fashion and find what works for me. I am much more confident in my wardrobe now and more comfortable exploring new brands and styles.
What’s the one piece in your wardrobe that is your most important go-to?
Dresses and skirts are my main MO and always have been since I was little. I love dressing them down with trainers (and am so glad this is finally the trend, as I’ve been doing this for years). I have a black dress that I wear anytime I’ve got a very important meeting, presentation or event. It works as a cocktail dress or a power dress at work which is brilliant. I absolutely love how it makes me look and feel, and is suitable year-round, so it’s my #1 staple. My colleagues at work know something is happening when I’m wearing that dress.
You must get to try endless products, but is there one product you've always been loyal to?
Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel Pads have been in my repertoire since my early 20s. They pretty much do everything – fight off blemishes, lines, pigmentation, and instead leave you with even, glowing skin. They are loaded with active ingredients but have a neutralizing step to keep it gentle for regular use. They come in 3 different strengths for people with different sensitivity levels – they are definitely worth a try.
Clare's Picks
As I’ve got older, I’ve become much more prescriptive about skincare; I tend to use routines recommended to me by my dermatologist. When I get out of the bath I slather my body in Kiehl’s Creme de Corps Body Lotion. I’m religious about Eve Lom cleanser, I’ve used it for years and years. My skin is naturally very dehydrated and so on a Sunday I’ll often add in one of Sarah Chapman’s Skinesis 3D Moisture Infusion Sheet Masks. I’ve probably spent about a gazillion pounds on Dr. Lipp’s Original Nipple Balm For Lips over the years. You’d laugh at how many I’ve bought from Space NK.