Singer-songwriter and UN environment ambassador, Ellie Goulding talks to us about the importance of cryotherapy for a natural skin glow, eating your way to healthy hair and the power of facial massage
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What does beauty mean to you?
Beauty to me is feeling like the best version of myself. It's about knowing that beauty is not just the skincare I use, but also the food that I eat. It sustains my body, and therefore keeps my skin and my hair looking healthy.
Talk us through your morning beauty routine...
My morning routine starts from within - literally! I start by drinking a huge glass of water and maybe a herbal tea. I also love to make myself a warm drink every morning with collagen/biotin, ashwagandha and non-dairy milk. My favourite collagen powder to use at the moment is Ancient and Brave Cacao + Collagen.
The first thing I do beauty-wise is spray my face with Vintner's Daughter Active Treatment Essence before a workout, or I use a little of the Retrouvé Conditioning Tonic With Chamomile.
Afterwards, I shower and cleanse my face with either the Medik8 Surface Radiance Cleanse or Augustinus Bader The Cream Cleansing Gel. Depending on how my skin feels, I will apply an oil, like the Vintner's Daughter Active Botanical Serum, or I will use Face Gym's vitamin C gel.
What is your biggest skin concern?
I don't tend to break out often, but I am always having my photo taken so my biggest priority is to make sure my skin looks hydrated and fresh. I love to use cryotherapy-inspired tools, like ice globes, straight from the freezer on my face in the morning to relieve puffiness before applying an under-eye mask. The 111Skin Rose Gold Illuminating and Cryo De-Puffing Eye Mask are my favourites!
Having an express Facegym facial is also one of my go-to’s. I find it makes a huge difference, especially before a shoot or red carpet event.
Which three products are always in your makeup bag and why have they earned a place there?
My three essentials are the MAC Pressed Blot Powder to take down shine, Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Collagen Lip Bath to plump up my lips and Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara for fuller lashes.
How do you look after your hair?
Because of the nature of my job, I’m constantly using hot tools and colour, so it’s so important that I make sure I’m looking after my hair. I love to use Kérastase Volumifique Bain Volume and the Living Proof Triple Bond Complex Hair Strengthener. I also always try and use natural oils like coconut and argan oils to keep the ends hydrated.
Zinc supplements also make a big difference, as do foods like bananas and eggs, which definitely help with my hair strength.
What is your favourite fragrance?
My favourite fragrance is the Maison Francis Kuurkdjian Baccarat Rogue 540 [a warm floral, woody scent with a distinctive note of candied strawberry jam]. A lot of people have now discovered this, and I like to smell unique, so I might need to find another that is just as beautiful!
What is the best beauty advice you’ve ever been given?
Beauty comes from the inside: nutrition first, beauty products second. Outer beauty should also always be paired with inner confidence.
What was your greatest beauty discovery?
This is easy: cryotherapy, closely followed by face massage. My jaw is always tight from singing and at one time I had no idea that a facial massage existed. It can really energise and bring life and firmness back into your face.
I also have to credit the Hourglass mascara for saving my lashes. I never have to rub my tired eyes for ages with cleanser after a long shoot or event because it comes off so easily with warm water. A life saver!
What beauty advice would you give your younger self?
I would tell myself to take better care of my skin from an early age. The importance of high SPF, serums with vitamin C and hyaluronic acid should never be underestimated and always moisturising with products that suit your specific skin type.
Over the year, I've also learned that you should never be scared to give your face a strong massage every morning with moisturiser or oil. And try to use vegan, organic foundation that lets your skin breathe underneath.
