The soprano and presenter spills her beauty essentials …
My skincare routine
“I’ve tried so many cleansers, but stick with a pharmacy version that removes make-up gently, even mascara. I follow with a hyaluronic-acid toner. I tend to try a different moisturiser every six months or so when my skin gets accustomed to it, so it’s nice to change. I’m currently using Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream; although it’s pricey, I like it. It has the right balance for my skin and works well under foundation. I’m 41, so I use a retinol at night, too. I like Cerave Resurfacing Retinol Serum and start slowly, building it up a bit, so I see results. The great make-up artist at Irish National Opera, Tee Elliot, recommended Korean face masks as she says they’re the best, so I use them about once a week.”
Beauty staples I’m never without …
I adore make-up and always have: I look at it as art for your face. I wear a bit less now than when I was younger, but I love creating looks and it makes me feel good. My usual look is smokey eye and neutral lips, with dewy skin that looks fresh. I tend to stick to natural shades for eyes now, though would have experimented with more colours when I was younger. For lips, I love Pillowtalk by Charlotte Tilbury – I use Superstar Lips and Big Lip Plumpgasm in the same shade. I can’t leave the house without doing my eyebrows; I use a little brush with Benefit putty (such as Benefit Brow Pomade at Boots) that’s not too heavy, just to outline them. With mascara, I like a natural look with a thick brush applicator. I’ve been using Tilbury Exagger-Eyes recently, which suits me.
Best beauty investments …
For hair, now that I’m back being blonde, I feel it needs a bit more care. I find Kerastasse good; pricey, but I notice a massive difference. I try to stay away from heat on my hair, so I use a sleep-in roller set and it works amazingly. You wake up as if you’ve had a curly blow-dry!
One foundation I swear by ….
“I use Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation. It lasts maybe four to five hours and then I top it up if necessary. I don’t use powder as I don’t like the feeling of it on my skin. I also love Hollywood Flawless Filter, which gives skin a nice glow. It’s nice both under foundation and also on its own when you don’t want to wear too much foundation. That’s my go-to. With stage make-up, I always ask if I can wear my own foundation as I’m very comfortable with it, so I arrive with my base done and they add whatever else is needed, if they’re amenable to that.
For body …
I find Ritual of Sakura Body Scrub fantastic for leaving my skin incredibly smooth. My daughter’s name is Blossom and it smells like cherry blossom, so I’m always drawn to products like this! I also love Opi Avojuice body cream, which has a cranberry scent. It’s a hand and body lotion that glides on and keeps skin supple, but it seems to have been discontinued. I’ve used a Clarisonic body brush for years as it’s good for exfoliating and you can use it in the shower, too.
My favourite perfume …
I’m a perfume addict and adore scents. When I was younger I had so many, it was a problem! When someone smells nice, it’s such a lovely first impression. One of my favourites is Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille. I bought it in an airport about ten years ago, but every time I wear it people compliment me. I’ve just treated myself to Bitter Peach (currently €287 at Dublin and Cork Duty Free, a saving of €51), which is absolutely delicious.
I also like Angel by Thierry Mugler: it’s strong, but I love to wear a small amount. I have the raspberry Nova version, as well as the original. When I was young I loved Britney Spears’ Fantasy, which smells like candyfloss. My kids love it now, so sometimes I wear it for them!
For energy …
Every morning, my husband makes me a glass of warm water with lemon juice as it wakes up the body. I also take Revive supplements, which I find brilliant. If I have a cold coming on, I’ll take extra zinc as it shifts it faster. As a singer, I’ve researched loads of remedies and this works for me.
Eating healthily is key, too. I enjoy my food and spend a bit more on good quality produce. I cook as much as I can and avoid super-processed food as much as possible, although we all need treats sometimes!
My beauty ethos …
My priorities are always sleep and water. It might sound basic, but I think people can overlook their importance. Without those, products don’t mean anything. I use a pillow spray and satin eye mask to black out the room if I’m travelling. If I’m very busy, I add melatonin to help the odd time. If I don’t drink enough water, I can feel that my voice is not as supple. With two young kids, I don’t have time for fancy treatments, but if you can have a good night’s sleep everything falls into place.
Need to know: Claudia stars as Adina in the Irish National Opera‘s upcoming production of L’elisir d’amore at The Gaiety Theatre in Dublin in May, and then the National Opera House Wexford and Cork Opera House in June. She also presents Weekend Classics on Lyric FM.
SEE MORE: What’s On My Beauty Shelf – Margaret Young, Wild Soul Yoga & Wellness
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