Sophie Ellis-bextor
The musician and mum of four on body goals, porcelain skin and trying not to pick at the kids’ leftovers
MY FITNESS
Jumping around on stage for 90 minutes every night when I’m on tour takes care of my cardio. I’m never content when sitting still, so when I’m not performing I always make time to go for a walk by the river Thames near my home in Chiswick, West London. I’m not particularly motivated in the gym but, like a good dog, I’m obedient and do whatever my PT tells me during our thrice-weekly sessions; I get bored easily so the program changes every week. In terms of body goals, I’ll always covet the strong, lean limbs of dancers. I was in the best shape of my life after doing Strictly in 2013 – I could feel myself activating muscles I never even knew I had and everything was taut. The experience of physically pushing myself so far beyond my comfort zone taught me that if I want something enough – and put in the effort – my body can achieve anything.
MY FOOD
My day-to-day eating is quite simple. Breakfast is two slices of Vogel, toasted, one with Marmite and one with Pip & Nut Coconut Almond Butter. I’ll pick at cherry tomatoes or unsalted almonds if I get peckish mid-morning and throw together a salad from whatever’s in the fridge for lunch. Yesterday’s was fennel, rocket, spring onion and capers with smoked mackerel and a boiled egg. The kids get home from school at 4pm, and I’ll inevitably eat the bits of bagel left over from their after-school snack. That keeps me going until my husband Richard [Jones, bassist in The Feeling] and I have a simple supper, like tuna steaks with roasted peppers. Cooking for me is meditative. My mind wanders and works through anything that’s been worrying me that day.
MY FACE
I’ve always been careful to protect my pale skin. Sisley Facial Sun Care SPF50 (£115, sisley-paris.com) is a favourite; it smells lovely and is so light it doesn’t make my skin break out. On my body, I use the same Boots Soltan Suncare Lotion SPF30 (£4) I put on the kids. It’s important to me that they look after their skin – and it’s the same with teeth so we aim to make brushing time fun*. I always do my own stage make-up. I’ll start with Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation (£40, Debenhams), but I’m experimental with colour, so I’ll try new lipsticks, eyeshadows and blusher from Rimmel, Barry M – everywhere! When I’m off-duty, my staples are Lancome Hypnôse Doll Eyes Mascara (£24.50, lancome.co.uk) and Charlotte Tilbury The Feline Flick Eyeliner Pen (£22, charlottetilbury.com).
MY FOCUS
You’ll find me scrolling through ebay on my phone after a busy day. That’s me in relaxation mode. I grew up in a house with lots of kids around, and now, nothing beats having my five siblings and their families round for noisy Sunday roasts or summer barbecues. As much as I love being a mum, it’s important for me to stay connected to my music. I’m lucky enough to still feel passionate about something I fell in love with as a child, and whenever I’m performing, or even writing, I feel alive – like I’m waking up a part of my brain that doesn’t get used in my daily routine. My 22 years in the industry have taught me two valuable lessons: trust your instincts – and cut yourself some slack.