Beauty Full Lives

Bobbi Brown is a woman so synonymous with her the eponymous make-up brand she started in the early '90s, that it was somewhat surreal to be sitting with the real, human Bobbi Brown.  In this episode she teases the two Bobbi's apart, talking about both how she made hers a household name for make-up before leaving the company three years ago, and the human endeavour behind it. We also talk about Bobbi’s life today, from her pared back approach to beauty (towards the end we look through her travel beauty stash and I was astonished at how minimal it was), why she decided her new company, Evolution 18, should focus on beauty from the inside out, and how she harbours a little crush on Lenny Kravitz. Beauty Full Lives is hosted by Madeleine Spencer, produced by Charlie Jones, and with artwork by Sung Lee.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Author, presenter, and founder of TRINNY LONDON joins me in this episode to talk about everything from growing up with acne while her older sister breezed through adolescence with spot-free skin, learning to loathe fake tan, managing an addiction to sugar, handling her mental health during challenges like IVF, tackling money issues, and the thrill of not knowing 'what's behind the closed door.' ‘Your make-up can age you, and define the decade in which you felt your most beautiful. Taking away that protective thing is the hardest thing to do, but once you say “look, you can make yourself ageless by giving yourself a glowing skin, giving yourself that energy from within. Begin that process of exfoliation if you never do it, consider an acid, look at a retinol, protect your face from the sun, wear a white trainer with everything - you will look ageless suddenly, and then you will not be judged by decades in which you felt your happiest. Make this the happiest decade.’ Products, and places, mentioned: - Eve Lom Cleanser - No 7 Lipstick - Clinique 3 Step skincare routine - Erno Laszlo - Shannon at Nicola Clarke's branch of John Frieda - Evolve Gel Balm Cleanser  - Santa Maria Novella Pot Pourri - Foreo Luna - Biologique Recherche P50 - Julia Hunter Maximal Strength Night Regeneration - Ameliorate Body Lotion - FaceGym Pro - NuFACE Microcurrent Facial Toning Device - Heliocare SPF - Allies of Skin Vitamin C 35% - Colbert, Sloane Square - Scott's, Mayfair - The Wolseley, Picadilly  Beauty Full Lives is hosted by Madeleine Spencer, produced by Charlie Jones, and with artwork by Sung Lee.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

'I feel uncomfortable with doing something interventionist to my body that means that it's somehow kind of disguising what I really am. I have a sort of Dorian Gray feeling about it, that you know somewhere this person, this old crone will be there underneath it all and you're wearing a kind of mask.'Journalist and former editor-in-chief of Vogue, Alexandra Shulman, joins me in this episode to discuss her life, and her 25 years at Vogue, candidly, touching on everything from the expectation to look a certain way, to panic attacks, maternity leave, fear of failure, and sizeism in magazines.She also talks about her renewed passion for make-up, her views on ageing, and how she came to curate a collection with No 7, which is currently available in shops.Products, and places, mentioned:- Molton Browners- No7 x Alexandra Shulman- Vaishaly Patel- Wildsmith Active Repair Nourishing Cleansing Balm- No7 Airbrush Away Primer- By Terry Terrybly Densiliss Concealer- Clinique Airbrush Concealer- Golbourne Road- Regent's Canal- Ida RestaurantBeauty Full Lives is hosted by Madeleine Spencer, produced by Charlie Jones, and with artwork by Sung Lee.This episode is sponsored by HiSmile. To receive 20% off HiSmile products, enter 'BEAUTYFULL' at check out at HISMILETEETH.COM  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

‘As soon as you feel great, however that is presenting yourself - for me it’d be just having something on to feel a bit more polished in terms of my make-up - that impacts the way you present yourself. Yes, it’s kind of a shame that you feel “I need to have this make-up on to feel great”, but I think that’s overridden by the positives that would come from any interactions you’d have when you feel great.’ Blogger and make-up artist Rose Gallagher is a much-loved figure in the beauty industry for both her candid approach to make-up and honesty about her battles with rosacea, and because she welcomes people in, encouraging them to find quick and easy beauty solutions under her tutelage. In this episode, we talk about the Irish roots that schooled her in the art of community, how interning and trying to get a job in magazines was financially challenging, the power of saying no, and how rosacea affects Rose's confidence. Products, and places, mentioned: - Peaches and Cream Liverpool - Talonted Lex  - Hunsnet - Beauty From The Heart with Rose Gallagher - It Cosmetics  Beauty Full Lives is hosted by Madeleine Spencer, produced by Charlie Jones, and with artwork by Sung Lee. This episode is sponsored by HiSmile. To receive 20% off HiSmile products, enter 'BEAUTYFULL' at check out at HISMILETEETH.COM  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

When road and track cyclist Dani Rowe and I first met, I was really struck by her candid nature and fascinated by her anecdotes about her extraordinary career as a thrice world champion and Olympic gold medallist, so felt she'd be a perfect fit for the show. Happily, she agreed to come on and in this episode talks openly about everything from meeting the Queen (the rules: no selfies, no questions), how she geared herself up to cycle in the Olympics (music played a role), the pay gap between men and women in cycling, and how working hard played a much bigger role in her success than native talent. Products, and places, mentioned: - Clinique Moisture Surge Sheertint Hydrator - Clinique Super City Block SPF 40 - Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation - Lucas Papaw  - Professor Steve Peters, The Chimp Paradox - Bobbi Brown Smokey Eyes Mascara - Blink Brow Bar - BBB London Clear Brow Gloss - Charlotte Tilbury Cheek to Chic in Ecstasy  - Urban Decay Naked palettes - Bobbi Brown skincare - Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir - Jo Malone Poppy and Barley - MAC Velvet Teddy Lipstick Beauty Full Lives is hosted by Madeleine Spencer, produced by Charlie Jones, and with artwork by Sung Lee.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

As a budding (ahem) florist, Nikki Tibbles was often required to wake up very early in the morning and had little time and even less inclination to put on make-up. Fast forward 23 years, and Nikki's time is even more stretched; her Wild at Heart business is flourishing, and she's also at the helm of the Wild At Heart Foundation, which she founded in 2016, with the mission to bring an end to the world's 600 million stray dog problem by organising rescue projects, sterilising as many as possible, and educating people worldwide. (To date, the Wild At Heart Foundation has rehomed 1,175 dogs - one of whom is my rescue beagle/pointer, Monty, who hails from Cyprus and is utterly delightful - and sterilised a further 16,000.) In today's episode, Nikki discusses the childhood that set her up to be very driven, how she's harboured a love for animals throughout her life (she has throughout her life always owned at least one rescue dog, and has six today), which skincare she finds effective, how she'd choose David Gandy to come to her ideal dinner party, and her 35 piercings... Products, and places, mentioned: - Guerlain Mitsouko perfume - Timothy Han fragrances - Chanel Crystal Eau de Parfum - Miller Harris perfume - Barbara Sturm skincare - Apogii Notting hill - Drunk Elephant skincare - Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter, and Chic-to-Cheek blush - Maria Tash Piercings Beauty Full Lives is hosted by Madeleine Spencer, produced by Charlie Jones, and with artwork by Sung Lee.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Between straddling the roles of producer, mother, and designer of FROST yoga wear, it's little wonder that Sadie Frost has had to make an effort to prioritise creative and family time and therefore has a very streamlined and efficient routine. In today's episode, Sadie and I discuss that routine, along with how she balanced having a career with motherhood ('I’d get myself to a situation where things would be going really well and then I’d get pregnant again. But I’ve always been driven and I’ve never wanted to give up'), the challenges surrounding divorcing when you have children ('I think it’s just better to be friends with your ex and to be loving and wish them well even when you’re going through difficult times'), and letting the wrong people in ('I trusted people who were actually quite jealous and just wanted what I had so they screwed me over, and that hurt'). We also discuss amongst other things her postnatal depression, how subsequent weight fluctuations affected her approach to food, and how her height was a double-edged sword. Products, and places, mentioned: - Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturiser - FaceGym - Lucas Paw Paw - Benefit Gimme Brow - Chanel Vitalumiere Foundation - Chanel No 5 - Guerlain l’Heure Bleue - Triyoga - Everyman Belsize Park and Hampstead - Limonia Restaurant Beauty Full Lives is hosted by Madeleine Spencer, produced by Charlie Jones, and with artwork by Sung Lee.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In the first of this season's bonus episodes, I’m joined by the award-winning beauty journalist Sam Silverand the fashion and celebrity stylist Gemma Rose Breger who jointly founded This Is Mothership, an online platform designed to share practical tips and tricks on beauty and fashion for busy mums. In today’s episode, we talk about how - and why - Sam and Gemma came to found This Is Mothership, their own pregnancy challenges, how having babies affected their careers, and they of course impart some wisdom on the best products around to tackle everything from lacklustre skin to bags under eyes. Products mentioned: Nioxin This Works In Transit No Traces St Tropez Purity Face Mist Tan-Luxe Sleep Oil Becca Under Eye Brightening Corrector Estee Lauder Pure Colour Lipstick in Envious Smashbox Always On Lipstick Estee Lauder Pure Colour Lipstick Poppy Sauvage Victoria Beckham for Estee Lauder Morning Aura Chanel Les Beiges Eau de Teint Giorgio Armani Power Fabric Concealer Becca Ultimate Coverage Longwear Concealer Clinique Pretty Easy Liquid Eyeliner Pen Beauty Full Lives is hosted by Madeleine Spencer, produced by Charlie Jones, and with artwork by Sung Lee.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Make-up artist and beauty industry maverick Ruby Hammer MBE's story speaks of her innate chutzpah and inner conviction, and includes ditching plans to work for the UN n favour of make-up artistry after a chance encounter, hard graft while growing her career as a mum to a young daughter, and launching a huge brand while going through a divorce. Her advice to her younger self? ‘When I was young, I was always an optimist and I was pretty naive, and I think now I realise is that life is not all singalong and happy and you’re going not to be giddy and happy forever. Is it full of ups and down and let downs, whether they’re commercial, financial, emotional. I’ve lost my parents now, I’ve gone through a divorce so I would say to [a younger] me, “just be prepared, Ruby. And don’t lose sight of who you are; integrity means a lot.”' In this episode, we discuss the role of beauty and it's emotional impact on Ruby's life, her move from Nigeria to London, how she ended up going from helping at her mum's restaurant to a make-up artist creating looks for Vogue, Elle, and Marie Claire among others, and what having an MBE means to her.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Yoga teacher Tashi Dawa (@tashi_dawa_yoga) believes that beauty has nothing to do with exterior but rather is about one's experience of life: ‘This is the oldest we’ve ever been and the youngest we’ll ever be again so this moment is passing. Feel your feelings, explore the adventures; life’s short and it would be terrible to live your last couple of breaths going “I was really scared of being judged.” That deep respect for the miracle that we are - not so concerned with what it looks like as a miracle, but what it feels like - that is beauty, I think.’ This theme carries through her entire life: all Tashi's possessions fit in a single rucksack, she spends her money on travel and training, eschewing treatments and products in favour of time spent pursuing her goals. In this episode, Tashi explains how she came to work as a yoga teacher, details some of her views on what can be done to combat stress diseases and which philosophies might engender a fresh perspective. She also chants, something I'll never fail to find relaxing after having heard her do it daily at Vale de Moses (the yoga retreat on which we met), so I'd encourage you to bookmark the episode and return to that chanting if you want something soothing to listen to at the end of the day...  Beauty Full Lives is hosted by Madeleine Spencer, produced by Charlie Jones, and with artwork by Sung Lee.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Over her 30 plus years in the beauty industry, Alison Young has noticed a seismic shift in the attitudes of beauty customers. Where once she found herself advising people merely on what to buy, she now more often than not has to tell people to scale their efforts back, buy fewer products, use the things they already have to get the best result. She is unreserved on the topic, claiming many of us are over-egging the pudding. Her views on the role beauty should play are equally as sensible, with her saying to those who have found what works for them: “well done - you’re in control of your beauty, beauty’s not in control of you, and if you don’t want anti-wrinkling and anti-ageing and to try to keep up with the insta image, good on you”. In this episode, Alison and I chart her journey from young girl with chronic eczema and a fondness for horses and dogs who didn't consider herself to be very academic to beauty therapist administering treatments to 80s models at Grayshott to presenter at QVC and award-winning beauty expert. Alison also explains why she doesn't condone cosmetic surgery, which products she uses, and how her appetite to learn has not yet been sated: ‘Everyone thinks when they’ve come out with a qualification that that’s it, they’re great. No - you’ve started. I’m 35 years in the industry and I’m still starting. You never stop learning.’ Beauty Full Lives is hosted by Madeleine Spencer, produced by Charlie Jones, and with artwork by Sung Lee.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Singer-songwriter Joy Crookesmade the transition from extracurricular singing at school to artist over many years, or, as she puts it 'it was so gradual - my life has been so gradual.' And despite Vogue calling her 'one of the most exciting artists to emerge on the music scene this year,' her approach is still steady and careful, dodging people who 'blow smoke up your a***,' and with a healthy dose of wariness when it comes to social media. Her attitude towards make-up similarly started with some sensible contemplation: ‘I hated make-up, I hated it! I thought it was the devil. And that sounds so granny of me but I just told myself “just don’t get into it.” You see these girls who are 13/14 who have to powder themselves up in make-up every morning, and fair enough if they don’t feel like they’re comfortable - but I don’t want to get to a point where I’m uncomfortable in my own skin.’ In this episode, Joy and I discuss all the above along with her approach towards looking after herself both physically and mentally, how having a Bangladeshi mother and Irish father has affected her, and the influence of Elephant and Castle on her appearance. Joy is an ambassador for Maytree.org.uk, and recommends Baatn.org.uk, the Black, African, and Asian therapy network. Beauty Full Lives is hosted by Madeleine Spencer, produced by Charlie Jones, and with artwork by Sung Lee.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Writer and author Sophia Money Coutts doesn't remember seeing any make-up during her young life because ’the posh old school thing is that women aren’t supposed to wear a lot of make-up - or if they do they’re certainly not supposed to look like they’re wearing a lot of make-up.' Aged 11, vitiligo started to leach pigment from her skin, and when Sophia eventually started to use make-up, some of her efforts were directed at the white patches. In today's episode, we talk about how make-up has never been a big feature despite it inching its way into her life, Sophia's fascination with silky hair, and how a bath is her preferred way to end a day. We also discuss botox, break ups, navigating uni life, being judged for having a 'posh' name, and how Sophia went about crafting characters for her two books, The Plus One, and What Happens Now? (The latter of which I read in a satisfying gulp over the summer and very much enjoyed so would encourage you to buy.) Beauty Full Lives is hosted by Madeleine Spencer, produced by Charlie Jones, and with artwork by Sung Lee.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

By the age of 30, make-up artist Gucci Westmanhad already had a hugely successful career, working on films like John Malkovich and with a client list which included Jennifer Aniston and Cameron Diaz. Ever after a new challenge, Gucci decided to leave the film industry to try her hand at editorial work. She initially hit a bump in the road with Creative Director Grace Coddington, but once given the opportunity to show what she could do, Grace declared Gucci to be one of the greatest talents she'd discovered. From there, Gucci worked solidly, making up huge celebrities for campaigns and covers of magazines. Gucci's make-up trademark: beautiful, luminous skin. It therefore came as no surprise to anyone who's followed her work that her make-up line, Westman Atelier, homes in on creating juicy, luscious skin. (Side note: I use the Vital Skin Foundation Stick regularly and recommend it heartily.) In this episode, Gucci talks about how she achieved all that while managing to remain balanced and healthy, and also delves into her childhood memories, painting a picture of a girl who grew up with spiritual parents who lived slightly unconventional lives - and for whom make-up was a mere glimmer of excitement on the horizon. Beauty Full Lives is hosted by Madeleine Spencer, produced by Charlie Jones, and with artwork by Sung Lee.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Ayda Williams didn't stick to her plan in life. She wanted the reliable, to have a job that was dependable. She was fixed on that course, studying to become a tax attorney, and was, in her words, 'super square - I was a super student.' The death of her beloved grandmother changed that: 'I always wanted to be an actor, but I was too afraid. Everyone [in LA] was an actor slash model slash singer and I thought "I can do better than that, I'm good at school, I can do something with myself, by golly." 'When I was studying abroad in Paris, my grandma has just passed away and it was very weird being in her city without her. I remember walking the streets of Paris, and there was this weird thing that happened where I thought 'wow, she'd be so sad that I was so afraid of my dreams that before I even begun, I stopped. She'd be the one person in my corner really pushing me to go for my dreams and here I was so afraid of them that I wasn't even going to try. And I felt this overwhelming sense of regret and disappointment, and at that moment, I just decided I was going to try.' After landing a job fairly quickly in Days of Our Lives and then going on to work steadily as an actress in LA, Ayda met British singer Robbie Williams and decamped to the UK to be with him. Today, Ayda primarily lives in the UK with Robbie and their three children, a family set up she talks about in today's episode as being her biggest triumph: 'I never thought I was going to have this amazing life where I got to be in love and be a mummy. There were definitely times and horrid relationships where I thought I'd be alone.' We discuss all the above, including the products Ayda loves, how she looks after her physical and mental health, and how the passage of time - and having those children - has affected her perspective. Ayda Mentions: YSL Paree Scent, Kevyn Aucoin Face Forward book, Stila Lip Glaze, Lancome Juicy Tubes, MAC Lip Glass, MAC Spice lip liner, Omorovicza Blue Diamond Super Cream, Omorovicza Thermal Cleansing Balm, B683 Marc Antoine Barrois Cologne, Le Labo Santal 33, Rose 31, and AnOther 13, Dr Sebagh Rose Serum, Charlotte Tilbury nude lipstick, John Masters Organics, STRIIIKE in LA, Cowshed massages, Sarah Chapman's facial, Josh Wood for hair colour, Perfect 10 for waxes and tan by Fake Bake or Sienna X Beauty Full Lives is hosted by Madeleine Spencer, produced by Charlie Jones, and with artwork by Sung Lee.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.