As part of an ongoing series with Clarins, we’re meeting women from all walks of life who prove how beauty shines from within
Makeup Lianne Wanjiru, Beauty Coach at Clarins Boutique & Spa | Hair Zoë Rankin of The Sober Colourist | Photography Claire Nash
Elaine Stack is a pharmacy assistant from Co Meath. When we did an open call for women to take part in this series, Elaine wrote in and said: “I’m 52 and going through menopause…I feel sometimes like I am invisible and would love the pampering of the Live Beautifully shoot to give me back a bit of my old self.”
The day of the photoshoot was wonderful as Elaine had her makeup expertly applied by Lianne from Clarins, followed by the photos where she glowed from the inside out. We then asked Elaine about her self-care rituals.
What was the first beauty item you ever bought?
It was a lipstick called Holly Red, it was a beautiful pillar box red and I loved it. I bought it with my pocket money at the time so it was a big treat. When I started working for the first time, the first product I bought myself was the Clarins Eau Dynamisante fragrance and I have loved it since as it is a very enlivening fragrance for all year round.
Did you ever receive self-care advice growing up?
Any beauty advice I ever got growing up was from my aunt, who was always very glam and had all the latest fashion and makeup. She used to say that if you have lipstick and a bit of mascara you will instantly look more put together even if you have nothing else in the makeup bag. If all else fails, she’d say to wear a big pair of sunglasses and a nice scarf and you have instant glamour. She also told me to wear SPF all the time – we never did growing up as it was more fashionable to have a tan in the 60s and 70s.
What part of your beauty regime is non-negotiable?
It would be a serum or booster product, as I find these give me more targeted results for what my skin needs in my 50s, such as my vitamin C in the morning for brightening and retinols at night. Of course, with retinol SPF is then a must every day. I’m currently going through menopause so have found my skin to be a bit drier than normal, so I enjoy a mask every couple of weeks just as a nice boost.
Tell us about a time you felt your most beautiful?
Probably on a trip I took abroad last year. I was very relaxed and my skin glowed. I went makeup-free for the duration of the trip and my skin just had a renewed vigour to it purely from the experience and the beautiful surroundings. I often find when you are more relaxed and content in yourself that is when you feel your real beauty shine through.
How do you prioritise self-care in your everyday life?
I take time every evening when I come home to relax with my dogs and read for an hour or so just to unwind after the day. Weather depending, I go for a walk with the dogs as I’m very fortunate to live in the countryside. I spend a good bit of time on my skincare before bedtime as the little pamper before the day ahead makes me feel more organised and relaxed.
Get The Look: The Hero Products Used on Dymphna
Clarins Total Eye Lift €79 or refill €63
Skin Illusion Tinted Moisturiser SPF25 €43
