Beauty / Society

Henrietta Rix's beauty shelfies: "I don’t wear much makeup, so having a good beauty routine is essential"

By Fiona Embleton

Photo: Instagram/henriettarix

Rixo made its debut at Copenhagen Fashion Week in 2020 and ever since then the young London label has become a favourite fixture with the Nordic fashion crowd. Here co-founder Henrietta Rix talks to us about the multi-tasking balm she always carries in her makeup bag, the lash treatment she swears by and a very Scandinavian past-time she recommends for pores

What does beauty mean to you?

To me, beauty means being comfortable in your own skin, and looking after it the best you can. It’s about feeling confident in yourself.

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Talk us though your morning beauty routine...

My routine is really pared back as I don’t tend to use lots of different products. I’ve found the routine that works for me and now I just stick to that. Morning and night I start by cleansing with the Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm. If I've been wearing eye makeup, it literally lifts it off rather than me having to scrub my eyes.

This is followed by my favourite 111Skin Y Theorem Repair Serum NAC Y2 and the 111Skin Y Theorem Day Cream NAC Y2. They leave my skin looking so bright and plump. My schedule is super busy so I need products that I can trust to bring that glow.

I wear SPF every day. La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+ Sun Cream doesn't feel like it clogs up my pores too much and it's great to layer over the rest of my skincare.

I don’t wear much makeup, so having a good beauty routine is essential.

Henrietta with co-founder and best friend Orlagh McCloskey. Courtesy of Rixo.

What is your biggest skin concern?

The change of season always causes my skin to dry out. I switch my moisturiser to a more nourishing, thicker one during the winter to avoid dryness. I love La Mer Moisturizing Cream.

Which three products are always in your makeup bag and why have they earned a place there?

I won’t go anywhere without Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream in my handbag. It’s the best thing for dry lips. I love so many of Pai Skincare’s products, especially the Impossible Glow Bronzing Drops – they give you the perfect glow, especially during winter. And finally, the Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer helps cover up any dark circles and spots, without making me feel like I’ve got too much makeup on.

How do you look after your hair?

I rarely put any heat on my hair, but if I do I use the Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil, which has a really high level of heat protection. I also use the Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo and No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner; my hair is highlighted, and it helps prevent it from drying out.

What is your favourite fragrance?

It has to be Tom Ford Neroli Portofino. I wore this perfume on my wedding day, so the smell of crisp citrus and warm amber will always bring back those amazing memories.

What is the best beauty advice you’ve ever been given?

Consistency is key, and glowy skin starts from the inside.

I drink a lot of water every day, and honestly think that’s a huge factor in my skin looking healthy. I once heard that it doesn’t matter what you are using on your skin if you aren’t healthy on the inside, and I totally agree. I can literally feel my skin drying up and looking dull when I know I haven’t been drinking enough water.

What are the beauty practices you’ve learned from the women in your family?

My mum has always taught me that skincare is the most important step in any beauty routine. She has regular facials and passed that habit down to me. Facials are definitely a luxury but they’re a great investment for your skin, especially the Sarah Chapman Bespoke Luxury Facial [a combination of manual massage, high-tech treatments and potent cosmeceutical products].

What was your greatest beauty discovery?

The difference LVL Lashes have made to my natural lashes in terms of volume, length and lift is incredible. It’s so nice to not have to wear mascara.

What beauty advice would you give your younger self?

Wear SPF every day and start doing it earlier.

Do you have a beauty or wellness secret?

Open your pores in a steam room and then jump into a plunge pool in-between. It’s such good exercise for your skin.