The Skin-Stress Connection: Why Your Complexion Needs Adaptogens

Just like your internal system, your skin faces constant aggressors – from UV radiation and pollution to the invisible impacts of cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. This daily onslaught can lead to a weakened skin barrier, increased sensitivity, dehydration, and accelerated ageing. No thank you.

Adaptogenic herbs work by helping the body – and in this case, the skin –”adapt” to and resist these physical and emotional stressors. When applied topically, they don’t just sit on the surface; they deliver targeted benefits to help fortify your skin’s natural defences.

Meet the Power Players: Your Topical Adaptogen Arsenal

Ashwagandha: The Ayurvedic powerhouse known for its calming properties. For the skin, it helps neutralise free radicals from pollution, soothe inflammation, and strengthen the skin’s barrier, making it a surprising ally for those with sensitive skin.

Reishi: Known as the “mushroom of immortality,” this fungus is a hydration hero. It’s packed with triterpenes and polysaccharides that help calm redness and lock in moisture, creating a plumper, more resilient complexion.

Rhodiola: This root is renowned for helping the body resist fatigue. In skincare, its high antioxidant content helps protect skin cells from oxidative stress, preventing tired-looking, dull skin and promoting a more radiant glow.

SHOP THE STORY

Ready to integrate these powerful ingredients into your routine? We’ve curated the best in adaptogenic beauty. You’re welcome.

RMS Beauty ‘Kakadu Clean Cleansing Gel’ – £37

Start and end your day by washing away impurities without stripping the skin’s microbiome. This gentle gel cleanser is infused with wild mint leaf and RMS’s proprietary Adaptogenic Herbal Blend, which works to balance and hydrate the skin, leaving it clean, soothed, and perfectly prepped for the next steps in your routine.

Kama Ayurveda ‘Vanasara Ashwagandha Invigorating Essence’ – £53

 This is far more than a facial mist. Harnessing Adaptonyl (a potent Ashwagandha extract), it works to boost skin resilience and hydration. Infused with prebiotics and Ayurvedic floral waters, it’s a sensorial treat that instantly enlivens a dull complexion and strengthens the barrier.

Youth To The People Adaptogen Deep Moisture Cream – £54

This rich, yet non-pore-clogging, cream delivers intense, long-lasting hydration to dry, reactive, and sensitive complexions. Its hero adaptogen blend of Ashwagandha, Rhodiola, and Reishi works in synergy to soothe redness and irritation, helping your skin better cope with daily stressors. Meanwhile, squalane, jojoba, and Shea butter drench skin in moisture and a dedicated Calming Peptide Complex helps fortify the skin barrier and smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Ranavat ‘Renewing Bakuchi Créme’ – £95 

A truly potent moisturiser where Ashwagandha plays a key role in protecting against environmental stressors. It works in harmony with bakuchi seed (a natural retinol alternative) to improve elasticity and soften fine lines over time.

Joonbyrd ‘Daydreamer Firming Body Serum’ – £78

Founded by leading dermatologist Dr. Alexis Granite, Joonbyrd fuses science with sensoriality. This hero serum is a perfect example, tightening and toning with 18 powerful actives. It features the adaptogenic power of Songyi mushroom (Reishi) to shield skin from stress, all within a nourishing, gourmand-scented gel-to-oil formula.

Words by Frankie Jabarkhyl

The post Adaptogens For Glowing Skin (They’re Not Just for Your Smoothie!) appeared first on Hip & Healthy.

This season, it’s time to trade harsh actives for hydrating heroes and barrier-supporting saviours. It’s not about doing more, but about being smarter with what your skin truly needs to thrive. Ready to reclaim your glow? Get ready to swot up on the art of winter recovery skincare.

Double Down On Hydration
When the heating is on and the air is cold, moisture is the first thing to vanish. Lightweight lotions might not cut it, so it’s time to embrace richer, more nourishing textures and reach for ultra-hydrating serums. Look for formulas containing powerhouses like hyaluronic acid for multi-level plumping, glycerin to draw moisture into the skin, and polyglutamic acid to lock it all in.

Hero Product: Augustinus Bader ‘The Rich Cream’ – £348
This cult-classic and celeb go-to is the ultimate winter recovery elixir. Its patented TFC8 technology helps to support natural cellular renewal and repair, while a luxuriously rich blend of oils and shea butter creates a formidable barrier against the elements. It deeply nourishes, soothes any sensitivity, and leaves skin profoundly plump and glowing.

Also Love: Byoma ‘Hydrating Serum’ – £16
Boost your skin’s moisture levels with this lightweight serum that works to leave skin feeling soft, smooth and nourished. Formulated with a Tri-Ceramide Complex, squalane, and glycerin, it provides a surge of instant hydration, helps strengthen the skin barrier and minimises water loss to combat winter redness and flakiness. It’s the perfect, gentle base layer of hydration under your rich winter cream.

Reinforce Your Skin Barrier
Your skin barrier is its first line of defence. A compromised barrier leads to sensitivity, redness, and dehydration. Look for formulas packed with ceramides and fatty acids to help repair and fortify.

Hero Product: The Ordinary ‘Soothing & Barrier Support Serum’ – £17.30 
The perfect powerhouse product for compromised skin. Formulated with a complex of eight key technologies – including essential lipids, vitamins, and phytosteroids – it works to instantly soothe redness and actively restore your skin’s protective shield. Clinically proven to deliver an 86% increase in hydration and provide barrier repair within just two hours, it’s an ideal, targeted solution for relieving irritation and improving texture for a calmer, more radiant complexion.

Also Love: Kiehl’s ‘Ultra Facial Advanced Repair Barrier Cream’ -£38
This intensive cream that acts as a rescue treatment for dry, sensitive skin. Its unique Advanced Barrier Technology mimics the skin’s natural lipid structure to deeply repair, while potent levels of colloidal oatmeal and beta-glucan work to instantly soothe irritation, visibly reduce redness, and reinforce the skin’s defences. It absorbs quickly with a balm-like richness, transforming even the driest skin to feel soft, smooth, and comforted.

Gently Exfoliate & Illuminate
While harsh scrubs and strong acids can strip winter skin, gentle, enzymatic exfoliation is your secret weapon for brushing away dull, dead cells and revealing the brightness underneath. Lactic acid hydrates as it smoothes, while polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) are larger molecules that provide superficial, non-irritating resurfacing. These are far gentler than their harsher counterparts.

Hero Product: Votary ‘Sensitive Resurfacing Peel’ – £52
This is a must-have, instant-fix skin transformer. Powered by 10% lactic acid – the highest percentage permitted in the EU – it professionally refines texture and boosts luminosity without the typical irritation. Uniquely, it’s backed by calming lactobacillus ferment and horse chestnut extract to reduce redness, making it a barrier-safe treatment that reveals fresher, more even-toned skin from the very first use.

Also Love: Biossance ‘Squalane + Lactic Acid Resurfacing Night Serum’ – £50
A fan-favourite that uses gentle 10% vegan lactic acid to resurface and visibly firm, while squalane provides cushioning hydration. It works while you sleep to melt away dull, dead skin cells, ensuring you wake up looking fresh faced and fabulous with a more even, luminous complexion – all without drying skin out.

Add A Mask…

Think of a face mask as a concentrated shot of recovery for your skin – a weekly non-negotiable to deeply replenish what the winter environment steals. While your daily routine maintains the baseline, a mask provides an intensive surge of hydration and nutrients while boosting your glow. Even better? They work in minutes. 

Hero Product: Caudalie ‘VinoHydra Moisturising Mask’ – £24
This is a true drink of water for parched skin. Powered by polyphenols, organic grape water, and organic centella asiatica, it delivers an immediate quench of moisture, leaving skin feeling unbelievably soft, soothed, and plump. Made with 98% natural origin ingredients, it’s hydrating, regenerating, anti-inflammatory properties help reinforce the skin barrier.

Also Love: Susanne Kaufmann ‘Glow Mask’ – £61
Brighten your complexion and boost hydration with this revitalising mask, designed to energise the skin for a more even, radiant appearance. Papaya powder gently exfoliates and minimises pores, while red date seed and raspberry extracts deliver antioxidant protection and replenish lost moisture. Enhanced with ginger root and caffeine to boost cell metabolism, this vegan-friendly treatment promotes a more even tone and leaves you with a luminous, energised glow.

Words by Frankie Jabarkhyl

The post Let It Glow: Your Ultimate Guide to Winter-Ready Skin appeared first on Hip & Healthy.

“This hot chocolate has become a little daily ritual for me. It tastes gorgeous, but it also gives me something extra — the collagen helps support my skin and joints, and the raw cacao gives me a lift when my energy or mood dips. During menopause, you really notice the difference when you add in things that support your body, and this is such an easy, delicious way to do it.” Lisa Snowdon

Raw cacao provides minerals and mood support, whilst collagen adds protein and benefits skin, hair, and joints — making this more than a cosy drink. It’s a genuinely functional treat. It is naturally low in sugar and contains magnesium and iron, which are excellent for supporting energy, mood and relaxation. It also has antioxidant properties that help keep skin bright and healthy. 

Collagen levels naturally drop during perimenopause and menopause. Adding Correxiko Marine Collagen provides easily absorbed peptides that support skin firmness, joint comfort, hair strength and gut health. It blends smoothly into warm drinks, making it an effortless daily supplement for beauty and wellbeing. 

Lisa’s Collagen Hot Chocolate Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup milk of your choice (dairy, plant-based or goat’s milk)
  
• 2 tablespoons Correxiko Marine Collagen (this collagen is unflavoured and mixes perfectly with the cocoa to make a creamy drink)
  
• 2 heaped teaspoons raw cacao
  
• Optional: honey or agave
  

Method

1. Warm your milk gently on the hob.
   
2. Add 2 x tablespoons of Correxiko marine collagen powder and whisk until dissolved
   
3. Stir in 2 x heaped teaspoons of raw cacao
   
4. Sweeten lightly, if desired.
   
5. Whisk again until creamy and well combined.
   

Serve warm. It’s rich, chocolatey and takes only a couple of minutes — ideal for mornings, afternoons or anytime you want a nourishing, midlife-friendly treat. I have been making this drink with Correxiko marine collagen for years, and I love it. It’s such an enjoyable and super simple way to experience the benefits of collagen, and it tastes so good.

The post Lisa Snowdon’s Collagen Hot Chocolate Recipe to Boost Mood and Glow appeared first on Hip & Healthy.

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Apeer Pro Radiance Ritual, Lodsworth Clinic (Haslemere)
The Apeer Pro Radiance Ritual at the Lodsworth Clinic is a bespoke, clinical-meets-sensual facial designed to leave skin glowing and revived. It uses AI-driven skin analysis to tailor every session to your skin’s needs in that moment, and draws from a curated apothecary of serums chosen especially for you. The ritual includes gentle exfoliation, nourishing serums, and a soothing facial and neck massage to help reset and restore the skin, think more comforting rather than aggressive resurfacing. It’s designed for zero downtime 0- in fact my skin looked glowing after. For best results, you’re encouraged to return every 4–6 weeks. https://www.thelodsworthclinic.com/

Kichi Baby Face Laser Facial, 180 Strand
The facial that Sienna Miller swears by – need I say more. Kichi’s Baby Face Laser Facial is a powerful “baby laser” resurfacing treatment, using the Lutronic Lase MD Ultra device for deep dermal renewal. Designed to boost cellular turnover, the facial reduces wrinkles, tightens pores, and evens out skin tone, making it excellent for sun damage or post-acne marking. The clinic carefully customises the laser depth (levels 5–20) to suit your skin type and sensitivity. Lasting about 45–60 minutes (including numbing time), the discomfort is mild and though there’s some redness afterward, the skin will then shed over the next few days – which is invisible to others but will feel a tad gritty to you, revealing amazing, red-carpet worthy skin by around day 10. https://www.kichi.studio/ 

Sarah Chapman Skinesis Bespoke Facial
At Sarah Chapman’s Skinesis Clinic in Chelsea, the bespoke facial is a signature treatment that merges science-driven skincare with luxurious, expert touch. It begins with a detailed skin consultation, then moves into deep cleansing, a gentle resurfacing peel, and targeted extraction. Throughout, her unique “gymnastics” massage technique lifts and sculpts, and the treatment can include LED therapy depending on the session length (especially in the 90-minute version). Her clinic uses potent cosmeceutical formulas (stem cells, peptides, vitamins) to visibly energise and revitalise the skin. Clients often describe immediate glow and long-term improvement in skin texture and firmness, it’s a treatment that’s as much about relaxing as it is about delivering real results. https://www.sarahchapman.com/pages/clinic 

MZ Skin Facials, Claridge’s, London
At the Claridge’s Spa, MZ Skin by Dr. Maryam Zamani brings a highly refined, clinically effective facial offering. Their “Reveal & Glow” facial (60 minutes) combines a gentle peel, detoxifying massage, and LED light therapy with super-hydrating and brightening products, it’s designed to give you a plump, radiant, dewy complexion. For a deeper rejuvenation, the “Ultimate Lift” (90 minutes) uses specialised massage techniques to firm and sculpt, with multi-masking and focused actives that target firmness, hydration and youthful density. It’s a luxurious treatment that balances relaxation (even including hand, foot, arm massage) with serious skin-renewal benefits. https://www.claridges.co.uk/spa/treatments/mz-skin/ 

Lisa Franklin The Signature Facial
Lisa Franklin’s Signature Facial at her London clinic (Clinic Privé) is a 90-minute medical facial that blends deep cleansing, steam, manual extraction, and advanced tech like microdermabrasion and LED light therapy. The facial is highly tailored: expert aestheticians assess your skin and adapt the treatment to your current needs, whether that’s smoothing fine lines, increasing radiance, or evening skin texture. There’s no downtime, so you leave looking visibly smoother and brighter. To finish, they use rose quartz gua sha for lymphatic drainage, helping to reduce puffiness, increase circulation and accentuate the skin’s glow. https://www.lisafranklin.london/

Cloud Twelve, The Katie Brindle Gua Sha Facial, Notting Hill
This 60-minute facial at Cloud Twelve is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, created in partnership with Katie Brindle from the wellness brand Hayo’u. It begins with a deep cleanse and exfoliation, followed by intensive massage using gua sha and acupressure to sculpt, lift, and energize the face, with a focus on lymphatic drainage to reduce puffiness. The finale is especially indulgent: you get a nourishing face mask plus a Clear Quartz Crystal Eye Mask, which is said to help calm the mind while revitalising the skin. This treatment is ideal for those seeking a non-invasive, natural lift and glow, with a strong focus on relaxation and energy flow. https://www.cloudtwelve.co.uk/ 

The post The Best Anti-Aging Facials To Book This Winter appeared first on Hip & Healthy.

Think about the half-empty coffee pot, the orange peel in the compost bin… now imagine them being transformed into radiant complexions and silky-smooth skin. This is the magic of upcycling: taking nutrient-rich leftovers that would otherwise be wasted and turning them into skincare gold. It’s a win-win for your glow and for the planet, making our beauty routines a force for good, one repurposed ingredient at a time.

Upcycled products are part of a conscious shift towards a more circular and sustainable beauty industry. By giving a second life to these nutrient-rich leftovers, innovative brands are creating products that are as kind to your skin as they are to the planet. Get ready to meet the brands turning what was once considered waste into genuine skincare gold.

UpCircle 

With a mission to repurpose ingredients that would usually go to waste, UpCircle has built a cult following for its innovative and effective formulations. They’ve taken orange peel wax, a by-product from the juice industry, and transformed it into a nourishing conditioning crème. This natural wax is rich in botanical lipids and Vitamin C, working alongside coconut oil and bamboo extract to intensely moisturise, protect your strands, and seal in hydration.

UpCircle ‘Conditioner Crème with Rosemary Oil + Bamboo Extract’ – £19.99

NEOM

For a truly energising start to your day, meet NEOM’s ‘Super Shower Power Body Polish’. Formulated with 100% upcycled exfoliants – think coffee grounds rescued from British baristas and almond shell from the food industry – it gently buffs away dullness to reveal incredibly soft, hydrated, and glowing skin. Soothing organic oat milk moisturises as you polish, while an invigorating, 100% natural blast of spearmint, rosemary, and eucalyptus essential oils awakens your senses. It’s the ultimate two-in-one: a moment of refreshment for your mind and a visible glow-up for your skin.

NEOM ‘Super Shower Power Body Polish’ – £28

Green People

Green People has long been a pioneer in natural beauty, and their commitment to upcycling is woven into some of their most beloved products. The Cranberry Seed Powder in their ‘Fruit Scrub Exfoliator’ is upcycled from the seeds, pulp, and peel left behind during juicing, acting as an amazing natural exfoliant that smooths skin without scratching to reveal a radiant glow.

Green People ‘Fruit Scrub Exfoliator’ – £23

Caudalie

Since 1995, Caudalie has masterfully repurposed the by-products of the French wine industry, transforming discarded grape seeds and vines into their iconic, antioxidant-rich serums and creams. But their innovation doesn’t stop there. Their luxurious Premier Cru line features an even more unexpected hero: rosewood residue. After the essential oil is extracted for perfume, Caudalie rescues the leftover material, which is still packed with compounds that improve skin firmness and smooth the appearance of wrinkles. 

Caudalie ‘Premier Cru The Cream’ – £85

Wildsmith

Proving that upcycled beauty can be the height of luxury, Wildsmith utilises ingredients sourced from its own British farms. Bringing their farm-to-face innovation to an ultra-nourishing moisturiser, their breathable gel-cream delivers up to 72 hours of hydration through slow-release bioactives. It features upcycled English barley ferment, which works alongside pentavitin and niacinamide to calm, hydrate, and reinforce the skin barrier. 

Wildsmith ‘Hydrating Light Cream’ – £90

KraveBeauty

KraveBeauty is putting its money where its mouth is by embedding sustainability right into its formulas. A perfect example is their ‘Plumptuous Lip Jelly’, a treat for your lips that’s also a treat for the planet. Its hydrating formula features a whopping 55% upcycled ingredients, including rich plum oil sourced from discarded French plum kernels that would have otherwise gone to waste. 

KraveBeauty ‘Plumptuous Lip Jelly’ – £20

Words by Frankie Jabarkhyl

The post From Peel to Power: The Rise of Upcycled Beauty appeared first on Hip & Healthy.

Q+A Hyaluronic Acid Daily Moisturiser, £9
A brilliant budget-friendly moisturiser that punches well above its price point. Q+A’s hyaluronic acid formula draws moisture deep into the skin while maintaining a lightweight, non-greasy texture. Ideal for layering under SPF or makeup, it leaves skin plump, fresh and comfortable all day long.

Inlight Beauty Night Balm, £67
For a deeply restorative overnight treatment, Inlight Beauty’s certified organic Night Balm is the ultimate skin soother. Packed with botanical oils and extracts including marigold, rose and carrot, it melts into the skin to repair and nourish while you sleep, the perfect antidote to winter dryness.

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Dr. Dennis Gross Hyaluronic Marine Oil-Free Moisture Cushion, £64
This cult-favourite from Dr. Dennis Gross delivers long-lasting hydration without any heaviness. Its oil-free gel texture instantly refreshes and smooths, while hyaluronic acid and marine algae work together to boost moisture levels and strengthen the skin barrier. A brilliant choice for combination or oily skin types.

Oskia Midnight Elixir, £165
Oskia’s Midnight Elixir is a luxurious nighttime treatment designed to regenerate and hydrate while you rest. Powered by probiotics, bakuchiol (a natural retinol alternative), and nourishing oils, it supports skin renewal and leaves your complexion visibly smoother and more luminous come morning.

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Pai Resurrection Girl Hydrating Mask, £44
This glow-giving mask is a winter skin saviour. Infused with blue tansy oil and resurrection plant extract, Pai’s intensely hydrating formula revives dull, tired complexions and brings instant comfort to dry or sensitive skin. Leave it on for 10 minutes for a plump, soothed finish or overnight for a serious moisture boost.

Augustinus Bader The Eye Patches, £19 (single sachet)
Infused with Augustinus Bader’s signature TFC8® complex, these hydrogel patches are the ultimate pick-me-up for tired eyes. They hydrate, depuff and smooth fine lines in just 15 minutes, perfect before an event or after a long week.

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111SKIN Rose Gold Mask, £60 (for 3)
Beloved by facialists and A-listers alike, this mask drenches skin in a cocktail of 24K gold, damask rose and hydrolysed collagen for a visibly firmer, plumper and more radiant complexion. The perfect pre-party skin treat.

Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream, £67
A cult classic for good reason. Tatcha’s Dewy Skin Cream combines Japanese purple rice and botanical extracts to deliver deep hydration and a soft, luminous finish. It’s rich yet absorbs beautifully, ideal for dry or mature skin in colder weather.

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Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF 30, £98
This iconic moisturiser keeps skin supple, hydrated and protected. Enriched with marine actives and SPF 30, it smooths fine lines and boosts elasticity while shielding against UV damage. A daily essential that truly earns its bestseller status.

Eve Lom Cleanser, from £48
A luxurious ritual in itself, Eve Lom’s cult cleanser uses a blend of aromatic oils to melt away makeup and impurities without stripping moisture. Skin feels soft, balanced and deeply nourished, the perfect start to any hydrating routine.

Kate Somerville Goat Milk Moisturizing Cleanser, £41
Gentle yet effective, this creamy cleanser is formulated with goat milk, manuka honey and avocado oil to soothe and hydrate while cleansing. It’s especially great for dry or sensitive skin leaving your complexion calm, clean and comforted.

The post Hydration Heroes: Best Moisturisers, Masks and Serums for Deeply Hydrated Skin This Winter appeared first on Hip & Healthy.

 The first thing I do when I wake up is drink the glass of water I have by my bed. I have an under-active thyroid, so I then take levothyroxine. You’re meant to take it 30 minutes before you eat anything or have coffee, so I have to do that right away.

I used to be a morning person, but work’s gotten really busy and now I’m productive between 10pm and midnight because I work a lot with the US. So, I actually started waking up a bit later and my poor husband gets the kids every morning [laughs]. Now I’m up around 7.45am, or sometimes I manage to push it to 8.

First I do my shower and skincare routine. I wash my hair once a week, and I mainly use Davines products. We now have an amenities range, so in the shower I use the apricot body cleanser, which I love. I also love the Dr. Bronner’s ‘Baby Mild All-One Magic Soap’, which I use on my kids as well. I then use one of my body oils – I love the rose one.

Irene Forte ‘Apricot Hand & Body Cleanser’ –  £45

Dr. Bronner’s ‘Baby Mild All-One Magic Soap’ – £24.99

Irene Forte ‘Rose Body Oil’ – £110

When it comes to my skin, I start with my almond cleansing milk – which I can’t live without. It’s cream-based and very nourishing and hydrating. At the moment I’m using Clinisept+, which is an antibacterial antimicrobial spray with hypochlorous acid. It’s great to keep rosacea and breakouts at bay. I’ve always suffered from rosacea and I’ve managed to control it over the last year or so.

I then use my ‘Triple Level Hyaluronic Serum’, which is very lightweight, absorbs beautifully, and is easy to use. During the day I’ll follow that with the hibiscus serum, which has a neuropeptide from hibiscus seeds that’s clinically proven to smooth wrinkles. It also has lifting ingredients like green pea polypeptides and tetra peptides. 

Irene Forte ‘Almond Cleansing Milk’ – £85

Clinisept+ – £15.95

Irene Forte ‘Triple Level Hyaluronic Serum’ – £110

Irene Forte ‘Hibiscus Serum’ – £155

My olive eye cream is really hydrating, lightweight, and is great under makeup as it doesn’t make it cakey. I also use the hibiscus night cream during the day. It’s quite rich, but it absorbs really nicely and it keeps my skin dewy and hydrated. In terms of SPF, I use Heliocare 360 ‘Oil Gel-Free SPF 50’. In the winter, I sometimes use the La Prunier ‘Plum Screen’ instead.

Irene Forte Olive Eye Cream – £140

‘Irene Forte Hibiscus Night Cream’ – £165

Heliocare 360 Gel Oil-Free SPF50+ – £31

Makeup wise, at the moment I really love the Westman Atelier complexion drops. They’re so hydrating and not heavy at all. I really like that dewy look. I also use the RMS Beauty UnCoverup concealer under my eyes or the Westman Atelier foundation stick. I always use a brow liner, and that’s it – I don’t wear mascara or anything.

I shouldn’t say, but I’m really not into fragrance. I like my products because they smell nice and they give me that fragrance experience, but without lingering too long. I don’t like anything that lingers.

Westman Atelier ‘Vital Skincare Complexion Drops’ – £62

RMS Beauty ‘UnCoverup Concealer’ – £39

Once I’m ready, I head downstairs for my coffee and breakfast. I used to have a really nice breakfast but I don’t really anymore. The first thing I have is an almond milk latte, which I know isn’t very healthy, but needs must! I then rush to take my daughter to nursery, and on the way to the office I might grab a juice.

In my bag, I love carrying around my triple level hyaluronic serum and my helichrysum toner. They’re both small and very hydrating, so I like to give my skin a boost during the day. I often have some makeup in my bag too, in case I have to go out for a meeting and need to top up. We’re actually about to launch a new lip product, so samples of those are in my handbag at the moment. I’m a little bit addicted to Ombar chocolate – there’s always a pistachio one in my bag or in the fridge in the office. I try and wait till after lunch to start digging into that [laughs]. Aside from that, I always have water, my computer, and a notepad.

When I’m in the office, my day is full of meetings and calls, all day long. Half of our team is in the US, so afternoons tend to be jam packed with calls. I’m still very much running the business, so everything from marketing, email content, social, sales – so I’m always having calls with various heads of departments. 

After I leave work, I go home, put the kids to bed, have dinner with my husband, and then work until late. I eat really well – lots of super foods, fresh foods, lots of vegetables and fruit. I’ve always had a very balanced diet with lots of Mediterranean food, which was part of my upbringing. I used to take a lot of supplements, but it’s more about being organised about it. I still try to take vitamins D and C, but am I consistent in taking them daily? No. 

My evening skincare routine is quite similar to my day one, but with a few different steps. I use my almond cleansing milk, then the helichrysum toner, which hydrates and plumps. Then I use the ‘Triple Hyaluronic Serum’ again, and then one drop of the ‘Phytomelatonin Rejuvenating Serum’ on targeted areas – a little goes a long way. I also have a 20% prescription azelaic acid for rosacea and hyperpigmentation from pregnancies, which unfortunately is about keeping it under control basically.

We’re launching a new eye cream next year, so I’ve got samples of this delicious, rich eye cream that I use at night, and I follow that with the ‘Hibiscus Night Cream. If I’ve got loads of time, I might do an ‘Apricot Penta-Acid Polish’ and a pistachio face mask, but that tends to be more on the weekends. If my husband goes out on a Friday night, I might have a bath with bath salts and be a bit more indulgent with my routine. 

Irene Forte ‘Helichrysum Toner’ – £100

Irene Forte ‘Phytomelatonin Rejuvenating Serum’ – £225

Irene Forte ‘Pistachio Face Mask’ – £130

I watch a lot of football – I’m a big Chelsea fan. That’s my moment to relax, even though it’s actually quite stressful to watch [laughs]. I watch a lot of the Premier League, Champions League, Match of The Day… I wanted to be a football manager when I was a kid – I was obsessed with football. It’s a nice distraction from everything else. 

I always have a book on my bedside table, but has it been opened recently? No. [Laughs]. I’m quite enjoying the LYMA ‘Laser Pro’, which is also on my bedside table, and sometimes I write emails with one hand and use that with the other. There’s also the ‘Sculpta Pro’, which has a really nice microcurrent radio frequency, and I really like that tool. I sometimes use Clinisept and then go over my skin with that. This summer I was super consistent and did it very night, but then when you’re back to reality and working, it’s more challenging. 

LYMA ‘Laser Pro Starter Kit’ – £4,995

I think I’ve become quite resilient to stress over time, as I’ve had a business for some time now. I don’t really feel heavily stressed ever, despite obviously lots of stressful things always happening in the business. I used to do a lot more exercise, which was a great tool. I really try to do something three times a week, and that tends to be barre or Pilates. I’m still trying to work out where to slot that in, because it’s actually easier to do it over lunch rather than in the evening as I’m really tired once the kids are in bed and I’m not in the mood.

My office is walking distance from home, so I walk to the office and back every day, which is a good 40 minute walk. During that time I can’t be on my phone trying to respond to emails, so there are little ways in which I stay active. 

I did a vedic meditation course, but the reality is I only do it when I’m not that busy, ironically, so I’m not sure it’s become a great tool. But generally speaking, I sleep very well and I’ve never had problems sleeping. 

Time just goes too quickly. There aren’t enough hours in the day at the moment. The reality is, it’s very difficult to balance two young kids and a business, and my life is all about the business and my kids right now. Maybe at some point the social piece will come back in. It’s weird as you want time to pass quickly, but then you don’t. I can’t believe my daughter is already two and half, it feels like she was born yesterday. It’s bittersweet.

The post From AM to PM: Irene Forte Shares Her Beauty & Wellness Rituals appeared first on Hip & Healthy.

But what actually happens while we’re off in the land of nod? 

Accelerated Cell Turnover & Repair
Your body’s production of human growth hormone (HGH) increases during deep sleep. This hormone is crucial for repairing the damage from the day (like UV exposure and pollution) and generating new, healthy skin cells. Studies show that skin cell regeneration can actually double at night.

Boosted Blood Flow & Collagen Production
Blood flow to the skin increases, delivering a fresh surge of oxygen and nutrients while flushing out toxins. This is also when your body ramps up production of collagen, the protein that gives skin its firmness and plumpness, helping to smooth fine lines.

A More Permeable Barrier
Your skin’s barrier function changes; it experiences higher hydration loss but also becomes more receptive to active ingredients. This means your nighttime products are absorbed more effectively and can work in synergy with your body’s natural processes.

Your Overnight Tool Kit
This is where you directly fuel your skin’s night shift. With increased absorption and repair activity, your product choices matter more than ever. These are the best nighttime tools and products our Beauty Editor swears by to ensure you wake up looking and feeling your very best…

Silk Pillowcases
This is a legit beauty tool, not just a luxury. The benefit boils down to one word: friction. When it comes to your skin, cotton tugs and pulls, creating “sleep wrinkles.” Silk allows your skin to glide effortlessly, preventing creases and long-term sleep lines. It’s also hypoallergenic, gentler on acne-prone skin, and naturally cooling – helping you sleep better in the process. Not to mention its hair benefits – reduced friction = less breakage, split ends, frizz, and tangles, so you wake up with smoother strands and preserved hairstyles.

Hey, if they’re good enough for Victoria Beckham and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley…

SILKE London Pillowcase – £85

Overnight Masks
Modern overnight masks are lightweight, treatment-oriented serums or creams designed for 8+ hours of wear. For ultimate hydration, look for polyglutamic acid (a powerhouse humectant), beta-glucan, and squalane. They work to pull in moisture and seal it in, combating overnight water loss. For repair and firming, peptides are the star ingredient. They send signals to your skin to boost collagen production, perfectly aligning with your body’s natural nightly work. Also look for bakuchiol (a plant-based retinol alternative), which refines texture and smooths fine lines without sensitivity.

Fresh ‘Rose Deep Hydration Sleeping Mask’ – £27

Targeted Treatments
Overnight lip masks have a become all the rage, and for good reason. These thick, occlusive balms are infused with hydrators to heal chapping. You wake up with impossibly soft, plump lips. When it comes to the thin under-eye area, look for creams with caffeine to reduce puffiness and niacinamide to brighten dark circles.

Laneige ‘Lip Sleeping Mask’ – £22

Enhance Your Sleep Environment
Here are a few extra tips and tricks to help you maximise on those hours spent sleeping. A Contoured Sleep Mask: A good mask does more than block light. A contoured design doesn’t put pressure on eyelids or lashes, protecting extensions and preventing wrinkles. Most importantly, it ensures you enter deep, restorative REM sleep – where the most potent repair happens. A silk option will help keep skin smooth and cool with the added bonus of looking seriously chic.

Slip ‘Lovely Lashes Contour Sleep Mask’ – £66

A Humidifier on Your Nightstand 
This is a secret weapon. Dry air from central heating or AC pulls moisture from your skin. A cool-mist humidifier ensures the air is moisture-rich, allowing your hydrating products to perform at their absolute best and preventing you from waking up with tight, dry skin.

Words by Frankie Jabarkhyl

The post Beauty Sleep is Real: The Science of Waking Up Glowing appeared first on Hip & Healthy.

Bamford Geranium Bath Oil, £52.00 (250ml)
Did you know that geranium is brilliant for balancing hormones, which is why we love this soothing, geranium-infused bath oil that leaves skin soft and lightly fragranced as well as contributing to our overall health.

Olverum Bath Oil, £29.50 (60ml)
A classic, aromatic blend of essential oils designed to relax muscles and calm the mind.

Susanne Kaufmann Oil Bath For The Senses, £55.99 (200ml)
Newly formulated to make it even more sustainable and efficacious, with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and aromatherapeutic benefits, this exquisite blend of ylang-ylang, patchouli, and lavender suits all skin types; simply add 30ml to a tub of steaming water, sink in, and let your cares drift away.

Aromatherapy Associates Deep Relax Bath & Shower Oil, £14.00 (55ml)
Aromatherapy Associates has earned cult status amongst bath aficionados – and for good reason. Their Deep Relax Bath Oil has been voted as best for wellness time and time again.

Neom Real Luxury Wellbeing Soak Multi-Vitamin Bath Oil, £31.50 (100ml)
Experts in creating luxury bath-time rituals, Neom have created a vitamin-rich formula that nourishes skin while creating a truly indulgent bathing experience.

Weleda Arnica Muscle Soak, £15.75 (200ml)
Perfect for post-workout recovery, this bath oil eases tired muscles with arnica extract. It has become a staple in our household for the whole family – whether post-rugby matches or long winter runs – this bath product really does the trick.

Mauli Sleep Dharma Bath & Shower Oil, £48.00 (200ml)
100% natural blend inspired by Ayurvedic wisdom, designed to nourish the skin and encourage a restful night’s sleep. Infused with lavender, vetiver, and chamomile, alongside nourishing moringa, avocado, and jojoba oils, it leaves skin soft, hydrated, and subtly fragranced while calming the senses. 

OSKIA Vitamin E Bath Oil, £64.00 (120ml)
A rich, restorative blend of pure Vitamin E and over thirty floral and superberry oils, this luxurious formula soothes the mind with its intoxicating fragrance while leaving skin soft, smooth, and beautifully scented.

L’Occitane Almond Shower Oil, £17.60 (250ml)
A creamy, transforming shower oil that melts into a nourishing almond-scented foam.

Gaia Skincare Balancing Bath Oil, £35.00 (100ml)
A calming, botanical-infused oil that balances skin and spirit during a relaxing soak.

The post The Ten Best Bath Products That Improve Wellbeing appeared first on Hip & Healthy.