MY LIFE IN BEAUTY

TV presenter Angela Scanlon shares her skincare discoveries, hair goals and the transformative power of meditation

Angela Scanlon reveals her make-up must-haves

Committing to a skincare routine is key to a glowing complexion. I used to be fickle and would be drawn to shiny new products that I’d use for a few days until my attention was caught by something else, but my skin is sensitive and I’ve learned that being consistent and sticking to a set routine gives me better results. I feel my complexion looks clearer for it and is more robust now.

In the morning, I’ll use Skin Health Gentle Cleanser, ZO £44, followed by Olay Total Effects Whip SPF30 [4], £34.99. Then, after cleansing again at night, I wipe over Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Ultra Gentle Daily Peel pads,

£89, and massage in Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Serum, £34.99. I’m much saucier with my make-up if someone else is

doing it. In the past, I’ve worn turquoise eyeliner, which I loved but would never attempt myself. When Covid restrictions came in and I had to do my own hair and make-up for filming, I genuinely thought it would be a walk in the park. Unfortunately, when I saw myself on screen, I realised how desperately I need expert help from a glam squad! Since having my daughter Ruby, now three, my off-duty make-up has become low key. If it takes longer than two minutes, then I’m not interested. Depending on my mood, I might apply Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick [3], £32, which I dab over areas of redness or on blemishes. My go-to brow is fluffy, so I’ll use Glossier Boy Brow in Auburn,

£14, to groom them upwards. Then, to finish, I’ll pat some Dr. Lipp Original

Nipple Balm [2], £12, on to my lips.

Parisian cool-girl is my hair-styling goal. It’s completely ironic the amount of work that goes into making it look effortlessly tousled! I’ll wash my hair with Lush Big Sea Salt Shampoo [6],

£15, which contains little lumps of texturising salt. Then I rub a tiny amount of Moroccanoil Treatment [9], from £32.85, through the ends and let it

air dry. To stop my hair looking straggly, I’ll tong random sections and finish with a spritz of Sam Mcknight Cool Girl Barely There Texture Mist [5], £25. My roaring red hair has faded as I’ve aged. My colourist makes it pop with a semi-permanent tint, which I maintain at home with Josh Wood Treatment Gloss in Copper Gold [7], £19. To hide any roots or greys, Color Wow Root

Cover Up in Red, £28.50, is wonderful. If I have my hair in an up-do, I’ll dab

some powder on to sparse patches; it’s a great trick, as it makes your hair look monstrously thick, too! There’s an expectation for redheads to have fiery tempers and be mischievous.

If I’m being cheeky or pushing boundaries with my family or friends, I’ll use my red hair as justification for my behaviour. It’s a brilliant get-out-of-jail-free pass. Roses have a soothing, nurturing quality that I adore. From drinking rose tea to having Jo Malone Red Roses

Candles [1], £49 each, dotted around my home, I try to incorporate them into every corner of my life. A decadent Sunday evening treat is to have a long, leisurely bath with a generous amount of Bamford Rose Bath Oil, £45, or

The Nature Of Things Rose Absolute essential oil, £15.20. I always forget to apply body moisturiser, so using nourishing oils when I’m in the bath feels like I’m giving my skin a bit of a boost. My signature scent is smokey, rich and intense.

The fragrances I’m most drawn to smell like an antique leather chair that’s been sat in by a man smoking cigars – a complete contrast to my love of roses! I had a consultation with the fragrance brand Miller Harris and they suggested that Vetiver Insolent [8], from £85, would suit me. It’s deliciously spicy, with a hint of citrus to make it even yummier. I used to push myself really hard in the gym. But giving birth to Ruby made me reflect and take stock of what my body is capable of. I still love to exercise, but now I listen to what my body needs and try to treat myself with kindness and compassion. Meditating helps me find stillness and

peace. Setting my alarm an hour earlier so I could do some guided meditation took a while to get used to, but the positive impact it has on my mood means I’d now rather forego that extra hour in bed. I’m also interested in breathwork as a practice to boost mental health and I’ve started to incorporate breathing exercises into my day. Previously, if

I was stressed or anxious, I used to think it would swallow me whole, but now I have these tools to help me guide myself through stressful periods. Finding joy has been a journey for me.

Along with therapy, meditation has allowed me to embrace both good and difficult emotions. Without leaning into messy emotions such as fear and stress, you can’t appreciate love and happiness. So now, simple, everyday things like playing with my daughter have taken on a new and profound importance for me. • Angela presents BBC Two’s Your Garden Made Perfect, which aired earlier this year and will be back soon for a second series

If make-up takes longer than two minutes, I’m not interested!