Olivia Adams – Senior Editor
For International Women’s Day, we ask some of the women behind our brilliant brands what their self-care routine looks like
For 160 years, we have proudly partnered with women-owned brands, each led by a founder with unique talent and a compelling story. This International Women’s Day, we celebrate our brilliant female-founded beauty brands. These women, who we admire and who inspire us, know the importance of self-care as an essential ritual to restore and reset them so they can keep giving, leading and creating.
Here, we ask these fierce industry leaders – who are shaping the world of beauty – what their self-care routine looks like. Think of it as a piece of practical advice to improve your physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.
Caroline Hirons
Skin Rocks founder
“The biggest learning in my self-care routine is putting myself first, which means saying ‘no’. I have so many demands on my time, so now I only do what I want to do in my heart. Even if that’s just sitting on my sofa, on my own, and watching TV. I have a phone charger near the sofa and when I plug my phone in it’s almost symbolic – as the phone charges I’m also recharging myself with peace and quiet.”
Aimee Connolly
Sculpted by Aimee founder
“Sometimes I go on a run to clear my head, but most of the time, self-care is something much simpler – quality time with my mum. She’s my biggest inspiration, and I love resetting with her over a good movie, a bit of craic and something sweet.
“At the end of the day, cleansing is my switch-off moment; it’s how I draw a line under whatever’s happened and take a few minutes for myself. I use our DuoCleanse Gentle Cleanser because it’s super hydrating and leaves my skin feeling really nourished. All of these small moments help me recharge so I can show up properly for my team, for the business, and for the people around me.”
Trinny Woodall
Trinny London founder
“Self-care is a nurturing necessity, not just a luxury experience. As women, we are so often the engine for everyone else, but if you don’t maintain the engine, the car eventually stops. When I’m at my most stretched, my ritual is what brings me back to myself.
“It starts with my morning supplements and meditation to clear the noise, but the real work happens with those five minutes of skincare. For me, it’s a moment of connection before the noise of the day takes over. When you take that time to truly look at yourself and breathe, you find the strength to show up for the world.”
Michelle Feeney
Floral Street founder
“As a working mum, self-care is essential and everyone in my life has to understand the importance of my time. I got past the emotion of guilt many years ago! That said, I think it’s important to not make the self-care routine so difficult that the act becomes another stress factor.
“I have a couple of non-negotiables: my daily yoga for one hour before I look at my phone, and a weekly therapy session. Smell plays a huge part in my daily life, and I mix my own essential oil combinations to burn each morning during yoga, depending on how I need to be boosted that day. This routine ensures I keep my feet on the ground and that I am equipped with any challenges that life and work throw at me.”
