Byrdie UK's Editorial Director on Boxing and Britain's #1 Skincare Brand

It’s here: 31 days. 31 cities. 31 perspectives. Each day in the month of March, we’re profiling an inspiring woman from across the world and asking her to share her beauty routine, products, and wellness secrets. Consider this your firsthand look into the beauty traditions and cultures of your beauty-obsessed counterparts from Thailand, Nigeria, and more (and don’t forget to check our Instagram for a beauty-themed global takeover each day). Now, we have London-based Amy Lawrenson, Byrdie's UK's drop-dead-gorgeous editorial director who's sharing inspiring insight into the fearlessness of British beauty culture. Plus, find out which products she loves for creating off-duty hair that would make even the Olsens (her hair idols, by the way) green with envy.
Name: Amy Lawrenson
Age: 33
City and country of residence:
I've now lived in London for 12 years.
Your beauty icons:
The Olsens—because hair!
The skincare products you can’t live without:
Augustinus Bader The Cream ($342), Lumene Valo Glow Boost Essence, Colbert MD Illumino Anti-Ageing Brightening Mask ($160), NYDG Luminizing Skin Essence ($144), and Sarah Chapman Skinesis Liquid Facial Resurfacer ($82).
The hair products you can’t live without:
I am SO low-maintenance when it comes to hair! I just wash and go. Right now I am loving Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray ($63), and Original & Mineral Know Knott Detangling Conditioner ($32).
With shampoo and conditioner, I tend to use whatever is new. At the moment, though, I'm addicted to the
Ouai Smooth Shampoo ($43) and Repair Conditioner ($40).
The makeup products you can’t live without:
It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream ($61), BareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydration Gel Cream ($42), Chanel Soleil de Tan Chanel Bronzing Makeup Base ($69), Estée Lauder Sumptuous Knockout Defining Lift and Fan Mascara ($50), Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter for a Superstar Youth Glow ($65), Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Lipstick in Meringue ($42), Nars Soft Matte Complete Concealer ($44), and Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick in Taupe ($46).
What countries and cultures do you find most inspirational when it comes to beauty?
I think Brits are fearless when it comes to trying new trends, which I really admire. I also look to
Scandinavian countries for skin inspiration. It’s all about that healthy glow.
The most popular beauty products and brands in your country right now:
The Ordinary is probably the most talked-about brand. People are obsessed with it.
The most popular beauty trends in your country right now:
Skincare is crazy-popular right now. The consumer is far more knowledgeable and interested
about actives (thanks to brands like The Ordinary). Vitamin C, retinol, any kind of acid—especially
hyaluronic acids—are all really popular. Layering serums and using at-home peels are in right now
too. Everyone wants clear, glowing, hyper-real skin in real life.
Favourite traditional beauty secret from your country:
If you’re in a bind, use clear polish to stop a ladder in your tights!
Where you buy beauty products:
Liberty has a wonderful beauty hall. Otherwise, I also love online shopping, and I buy from Cult Beauty, Space NK or Feelunique. And Boots, our version of your drugstore, is great for essentials and affordable makeup and skincare.
What does “healthy living” mean to you?
Balance! Trying to eat well, exercise, and meditate when I can but still living life, having fun, and eating
chocolate.
How do you define/practice self-care?
Taking time to do things for yourself, away from a computer screen. Whether that means reading, knitting, meditating, or in my case hanging out with my kittens, Louis and Cedric. Also, I think it's so important not to be too hard on yourself. If you know you're trying your best at life, then you cant do better than that. So make sure to give yourself a break!
What's your favourite way to stay active, and why?
I haven't been to the gym in a while, but weightlifting (really heavy weights) is my favourite thing! When I'm lifting, I am just leaner and stronger. Plus, it's great for your metabolism, and you burn fat more efficiently. I love boxing for stress relief, too.
What's your favourite healthy meal?
Sashimi!
What are the most popular wellness trends in your country right now?
Boxing is huge. A new studio, Re-Mind, has opened which runs drop-in meditation classes. Mindfulness is a massive topic in the UK right now.
Check back every day for more beauty and wellness routines from cool women across the world.
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