It's always so fascinating & lovely hearing from our wonderful community of women who embody so much of what we are about as a brand and as people. Without this community, our jobs would be a lot less joyful. We are continually in awe of them all and ever so grateful for each and every one of these amazing women!
Enjoy this Q&A all about new inspiration, routines & rituals!
Abby Dufficy - @mytall40s
A lovely digital creator helping women embrace their height with both sourcing & styling of fabulous fashion, including tips & tricks for those with longer limbs.
In 2024 I want to learn how to quiet my mind more. I want to spend more time sitting in silence, rather than always feeling that I need to be doing something, and that I should be doing something productive! I want to appreciate more and worry less.
My joy comes from being with people I love and seeing them happy. Spending time with my family brings me joy. All of us being together happens less and less these days, so I appreciate every moment when it does. I also feel joy when I've achieved something I've put my heart and soul into but most of all, that I've enjoyed doing.
Everyday upon waking I drink half a litre of water. Up until 2023, some days I may not have even had one glass of water!! Now I've turned 50, I'm really seeing and feeling the benefits of keeping hydrated. I now drink at least 2 litres a day. Better late than never!! I also make sure I get outside every single day, rain or shine!
4. What do you want to see more of in the skincare industry?
Natural products that work with your skin as it ages. Skincare that feels nourishing and kind. I'd also like to see more real models advertising midlife skincare, not 19 year olds! It's so important that all demographics are recognised and represented - not hidden! There's so much joy to be found in ageing and I'd love to see that represented in campaigns. Your skin tells the story of your life.
Everything Desavery does, I love! From the moment I met Andrea 5 years ago and she spoke with such passion about her beautiful products, I was hooked! It is truly a ritual when I apply my Desavery products - from dry brushing before my daily shower and then applying the blissful Garrigue, to gently removing the day from my face with the Dream Oil Cleanser. The smells just carry you away to warmer climes! So really I'd just like you to keep producing your beautiful products from these incredible plants please!
Claire Webber - @mintconditionlondon
A fantastic qualified personal stylist. Claire represents style over fashion with colour & body shape analysis. Claire helps women build confidence & discover their true style.
There are a number of things I’d like to focus on this year. My default wish every year is to travel as much as possible, but I also want to spend more time reading and getting out in nature. I'd also like to take the time to look internally at things I want to improve on about myself; through mindfulness and self reflection. I have an innate desire to expand my horizons by having new experiences and visiting new places, but this year I also want to stop and be more deeply aware of what I already have closer to home and be grateful for the joy in my daily life.
First thing each morning, I drink a massive china cup (gifted by my son for my 50th birthday) of lemon and ginger tea with added collagen powder. I have always removed my make up at bedtime, no matter how tired I am. More recently, my Desavery products have become an integral part of my morning and evening routines. The three step skincare is my everyday go-to and I always use the Garrigue body oil right before bed. The scent has come to signify relaxation and I love breathing it in as I drift off for the night. I also religiously take magnesium at bedtime.
I would like to see more inclusivity, especially of women aged 45+. We are a huge customer base with changing and often confusing skincare needs as we go through perimenopause and menopause, so it would be great to see more information and support for skincare around this age. I’d also love to see more evidence of sustainability, such as environmentally friendly/ recyclable reusable packaging.
Katie Sammons - @ksammonsstyle
A warm, wonderful digital creator styling every day looks in her 40's. Katie showcases fresh ideas highlighting preloved & independent brands. She also has fantastic knowledge about skincare & beauty.
Things that make me happy! This year I’m focusing on small changes, I can do daily that make me feel good. One example over the last 2 weeks is getting up and out for a 20 min walk, with my husband before our day begins, it can really change your outlook & improve your mood.
My little family, getting outside, travelling, listening to music & going to as many concerts as possible, eating good food & a few glasses of wine sharing fashion & styling on my page & looking after my skin with some really beautiful products.
Skincare! Without fail, I stick to my morning and evening routine and always remove my make up fully, it’s non negotiable for me.
More women over 40 being involved in advertising campaigns. We are bloody amazing!
I would love you to introduce a fragrance into your range based on the Lit serum, it would be incredible!
Michelle Abbott - @maison_abbott
A fabulous fashion writer & wardrobe shopper showcasing daily outfits & style finds. Michelle is also a huge advocate for facial massage with 'how to' videos & tips for getting your skin working at its best.
I want to allow a little time for myself, and to do more of the things I keep putting off or find an excuse not to do. Sometimes, I just want to be able to give myself permission to get away from my desk on work days and go for a walk along the river - but there is always something else I need to do, so the walk doesn't happen. I often decline opportunities and invitations because I think it'll be too much of an inconvenience to sort out life's logistics around my home and work commitments, but then I am resentful that I've not allowed myself to go! So I guess I want to say yes more often rather than no, (which is equally as powerful in the appropriate situations!).
So many things - a clear blue sky, sunshine, signs of spring in my garden, my garden in general, a catch up with a good friend, finishing a to do list, beautifully made clothes, a good outfit day, a tidy house, beautiful displays of objects in my home, my children. I can find joy in so many simple things - the trick is to step back and allow yourself to do that and be in the moment more in order to appreciate them.
My skincare. I never ever go to bed without removing my make up - it's my absolute golden rule. I use good skincare products and have a routine morning and evening, and practice facial massage every day. Even if this is just for a few moments whilst I'm applying my skincare products, it's just something I would never skip. Domestically, I simply cannot leave the house unless all the beds are made and I can drive everyone mad in my family because I'd rather be late and ensure the beds are perfectly straight!
The offerings in the industry are vast and sometimes confusing and overwhelming. Lots of products make very impressive claims and it can be difficult to know where to start if you're looking for new products to add into your existing routines, or to implement a complete change of approach. For me, what's important is clear, honest and realistic information about what a product can do. Know, for example that, you cannot buy a product which will simply erase lines and wrinkles, or make you look younger overnight. Good skincare is a culmination of lots of things including diet, sleep, exercise and a combination of products which feed your skin. No one thing will transform your skin and I think I would like to see less flamboyant claims in the industry which allude to that being the case!
Well having used all the products for quite some time, I'm a huge advocate for the existing range and think the quality and benefits speak for themselves. I'd be excited to see the range broaden, for example using the Lit and Stellar oils as bases for other body oils for example, but essentially, I think the beauty of the range is its simplicity and pureness. Selfishly, I'd also love a candle in any of the scents of the products, but I am fairly obsessed with a candle.
Marie Baines - @madamebshops
A gorgeous, enthusiastic, digital creator focusing on elegance & classic styles. Marie showcases timeless fashion & outfit ideas & knows how to accessorise well.
I want to read more during term time, not just on holiday. Nothing brings me more pleasure than immersing myself in a good book so I want to switch everything off and read more. Talking of switching off, I’m planning to sleep more and I need to be organised to get myself to bed at a decent time. While I’ve always burnt the candle at both ends, as I get older tiredness is less forgiving. Lastly and it’s all connected, I want to go back to doing some Pilates to balance out my running, ground myself and prevent injury.
2. What brings you joy?
Seeing spring unfurl brings me great joy this time of year. Summer is my favourite time of year but I also love the anticipation of better days. It might be grey, dark and gloomy but then you spot daffodils, primroses or lambs! To get through January, I spend as much time as possible, be it on a run or a dog walk. I always have fresh flowers in the house and I leave some sparkly lights up after Christmas. When it's dark we light a fire and snuggle up on the sofa or I run a soothing bath, there is something about the embracing the quieter pace of life.3. What daily non-negotiable rituals do you do everyday?
It’s very simple but I always look after my teeth because your smile is the first thing someone notices about you. Second non-negotiable is my skin: I always remove makeup, cleanse and moisturise before bed. Protecting my face with a good SPF during the day is another ritual because I was told in the early twenties it was the best anti-aging strategy. In the last year I’ve added dry brushing before showering to remove dead skin and help circulation. I always moisturise from head to toe once a day with either oil (the lovely Garrigue oil) or body lotion.
I would like to see more simplicity, transparency and honesty. I feel we are relentlessly being sold dreams of eternal youth and miracles in a society where even children are talking about anti-aging potions. I want to see simpler, cleaner products in more sustainable packaging that make us feel good in the skin we have. There could also be more focus in simple physical routines such as massage and body brushes that probably have more impact than ingredients we can’t pronounce. I also dream of a skincare industry where aging is embraced and medical procedures aren’t a given.
Answer six questions and give your skincare routine a mood-boosting makeover.
