EMMA GUNAVARDHANA, 39, freelance beauty editor and host of The Beauty Podcast With Emma G
WHAT’S YOUR SKIN LIKE?
In my twenties it was always thirsty, but despite using serums, my face never felt soft. For years I bought into the hype of Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish. Then I discovered A’kin’s Creamy Cleanser, which I love even more. It melts into skin and doesn’t strip it, so my face isn’t screaming out for moisture all day and night.
WHAT’S AFTER CLEANSING?
I apply SPF without fail. People think it should go on last, but it’s protecting against ageing so it needs to sink into the skin. I love Ultrasun SPF50. It has the consistency of a Nivea cream and isn’t hard to blend in. Next, I use a serum with antioxidants or peptides. Then, because I’ve done the complicated stuff, I don’t put much pressure on my moisturiser, so I use something basic, like Astral.
HOW DOES YOUR NIGHTTIME ROUTINE COMPARE?
I’m a bit more cavalier. If my skin doesn’t need much attention, again, I’ll whack a load of Astral on and massage it in. I know it’s dirt-cheap, but I wake up and my skin looks great. If my skin looks terrible, I reach for Bioeffect EGF Serum. It’s really potent in epidermal growth factor (EGF) – which stimulates skin growth – so I’ll just use two or three drops and nothing else.
DO YOU HAVE REGULAR FACIALS?
I’m more interested in techniques like lympatic drainage and massage, and I use both in my daily routine. Facialist Abigail James changed how I applied products. Now I’m not afraid to be firm around the eyes – you can drain puffiness by pulling out skin in that area. She also taught me to firm my neck and jawline by using fingertips to ‘barrel roll’ up the chin; Abigail puts demonstrations on Instagram. Doing it once or twice a week has made a visible difference.
HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT COSMETIC PROCEDURES?
I saw my friend have Botox and decided that I’d rather grow into my face than have a frozen forehead. Hindsight is a bitch when it comes to cosmetic surgery.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOUR FRIENDS ALWAYS ASK FOR? It always comes back to anti-ageing. Friends in their twenties are using creams designed for people in their forties because they think it’ll stop their skin ageing. I tell them skincare at that age should be about cleansing, toning and moisturising – it’s important to keep skin hydrated and incorporate a bit of massage to help release tension. I always say they can be brand loyal, but not necessarily product loyal because nothing’s going to suit their skin forever. We all need to move on to age-relevant products.