Loves of My Life
The tanning tycoon chats to Chloe Brennan about her special trip to Thailand and her love for rustic Italian food
Tanning tycoon Lynsey Bennett
The memory
Spending summers in America, visiting family. I remember fresh crabs, big Irish/American cookouts, and trips to the ocean piled into my aunt’s stationwagon. There was no such thing as a seat belt, or, heaven forbid, a car seat!
The moment of the day
When homework and mum’s taxi service are finished for the night, and I get to open my book and read a few pages before bed, when everyone else is asleep — bliss!
The song
John Mellencamp’s Jack & Diane —an American rock classic.
The movie
The Commitments. There was a time my friends and family could recite, re-enact and regurgitate nearly every scene. Derived from the Roddy Doyle novel of the same name, The Commitments is full of classic one-liners, while the soundtrack spawned two successful albums.
The friend
My sisters are my best friends. People often ask how we manage to work and socialise together, but there is nobody else I’d prefer to spend my time with.
The hero
My mother is an incredibly generous and caring person. We girls get our love of fashion from her. She taught us to get up every morning and put our make-up on straight away, even if we have no plans to go anywhere — her philosophy was, we’d be ready to face anything the day threw at us, looking good! Now that I have my own children, it amazes me how she coped with six children, one with a physical and mental disability.
The outfit
My sister bought me Spanx leggings for Christmas and I have worn them to death. You can dress them down with a winter jumper and trainers, or pair them with a blazer and heels for an evening look.
The accessory
I’m not good with accessories. I can’t be trusted with expensive jewellery or sunglasses, as I lose everything. I have recently invested in the new Dior saddle bag and I am determined to keep it looking pristine!
The pet hate
Badly applied fake tan on people’s hands and feet. I’m on a mission to educate tan-lovers on how to get it right.
The drink
I love New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and French Sancerre. Wine Wednesday is my favourite night of the week. My sisters and I drop the children to tennis, and we enjoy a few glasses of wine and a nice meal.
The virtue
Generosity. I love giving to others, whether it be my money, time or knowledge. I get great satisfaction from encouraging others to succeed.
The vice
I’m a self-proclaimed chocoholic.
The definition is: “A chocoholic is a person who craves or compulsively consumes chocolate”. I eat at least two bars a day!
The celebrity
Jo Malone. Known around the world for her candles and perfumes, Jo is severely dyslexic and was told by a teacher she would never make anything of her life. She credits dyslexia for her amazing sense of smell, and wonders if she had been able to achieve all the qualifications that were deemed so important by teachers and parents, would she have gone on to create a multi-million pound company? Her book, My Story, is an inspirational read.
The holiday
Last year, I travelled with my sister and my twin girls to Thailand for six weeks. My sister adopted the most amazing little girl, Isabella — she has brought so much joy to our family. We spent six idyllic weeks getting to know her and the Thai culture. We met so many lifelong friends while we were there.
The piece of advice
My grandpa always taught us that civility costs nothing. Be nice to those you meet on the way up, because you will meet them on the way down.
The bar
Harry’s Bar in Venice. My husband and I have visited it many times over the years. It’s renowned for its Bellini cocktails, carpaccio and celebrity clientele — not that we’ve ever spotted any celebs there.
The part of my body
My shoulders. I love working out, and seeing the definition on my arms and shoulders makes the effort worth it.
The taste
I love rustic Italian food. For my last meal, I’d order serrano ham and melon, spaghetti vongole and vanilla ice cream.
The smell
The original Lusso Tan Bath Bomb. It has strong citrus scents that fill the whole house.
“My mother is an incredibly generous person. We girls get our love of fashion from her” “Be nice to those you meet on the way up because you will meet them on the way down”