This month we had the pleasure of sitting down with Donna to talk all things skin and wellness. Our discussion ventured from the key products in her beauty routine to well-being-centered styling.
Hi Donna, can you share a little about where your affinity for skincare stems from?
I really think it comes from a place of wanting to age in as healthy way as possible, I’ve just aways been drawn to skincare and doing that morning routine. Even when I was a teenager and skincare just wasn’t a thing back then.
If you had to spotlight 4 hero skin products that belong in everyone's beauty stash, what would they be, and why?
Definitely a good cleansing routine, clean skin is happy skin. Always a Vitamin C and SPF in the mornings and a hydrating serum like Hyaluronic Acid and Retinol in the evenings. That’s 5 but cleansing is a given :)
Could you offer a piece of advice for those looking to create, or maybe refine, a daily skincare regimen?
Definitely start by knowing your skin type, Oily, Dry, Combination, Sensitive or Normal, this will guide your product choices. It’s like knowing your correct bra size, so much easier to buy and be comfortable. Then address specific skin concerns like acne, pigmentation and ageing by adding in various serums/creams to target them. Always hydrate, everyone needs this regardless of skin type. Wear SPF every single day, 365 days a year and be consistent, it's the key to great skin.
What do you think are the biggest misconceptions about skincare? Please clear them up for us!
That you need a 10 step routine to have amazing skin, you really don’t. You also don’t need to spend a fortune on skincare, just have the right ingredients and use them every, single day.
So much of your content focuses on the link between inner wellness and skin health - can you expand on that connection?
Yes, I think for me was the realisation that good skin doesn’t just come from a good skincare routine. You need to feed the skin from within and I’ve truly focused on that for a good few years now. A good diet, lifestyle and reducing stress all create this holistic approach that I talk about so much.
Share a few realistic wellness rituals that everyone can fit into a daily routine.
100% diet. Reducing refined sugar and swapping Ultra Processed (pre-packaged) food for whole foods, it’s relatively easy to do and makes the biggest difference. I also highly recommend looking at your sleep schedule. I have read countless studies on healthy ageing and getting the right amount of sleep. It’s incredibly important for regeneration and I’ve massively noticed the difference since nailing mine. Get an Oura ring and thank me later :)
Does your dedication to all things “feel good” extend to your wardrobe? How do you approach everyday dressing with wellness in mind?
Absolutely, I started out in fashion, it’s something I’m very passionate about and have a very big shoe problem! But, I approach my style in very much the same way as I do my lifestyle, very minimal. I love simple fabrics in muted shades that help keep my mind calm. I never want to over complicate an outfit, just good basics, a vintage blazer or two and tailoring, always.
Meet Donna - @donna.bartoli