Meet the real-life stars behind our Christmas campaign #LoveEscentual. Team Member, Lis is the face of our Luxury Beauty edit; this year she’s battled with change and loss, but she always manages to put on a brave face. Lis has an eye for detail and finesse, and if like her, you won’t be spending money on a Christmas party dress, and you feel like you need a beauty pick-me-up, you can discover the Affordable Luxuries Lis recommends, but let’s get to know her first…
About Lis
Elisabeth: I’m Elisabeth (Lis for short!), and I’ve worked on the Communications & Campaigns team at Escentual for the last two years. I completely switched my career when I joined Escentual, before that I used to work as a Recruitment Consultant, but decided to follow my passion of writing, beauty and skincare and it was the best move I’ve ever made!
How has this year been different for you?
Elisabeth: I think, like a lot of people, I’ve found this year difficult. I’ll openly admit, I’m not someone who deals with change particularly well, and for me initially, all the changes sent me into a frenzy. That said, I’ve adjusted to a lot of them and have found some equilibrium over time and a way of coping. What’s been the main difference for me though is the amount of time I’ve had to think and reflect this year, and really realise what is important to me – and also what isn’t anymore. I also feel like my friends and I, although we haven’t been able to see each other as often, have actually got a lot closer.
What’s been the hardest thing about this year for you?
Elisabeth: A friend of mine who worked in the hospitality industry took his own life in July, and that was particularly difficult to deal with for me. I’ve got several friends who work in this sector, and many lost their jobs, or their jobs are still under threat. I feel as though this is way more significant than the little struggles I’ve experienced this year personally and wish there was more support for people working in travel and hospitality-related roles.
Lis on Christmas
What Christmas traditions do you have, and how will you be switching them up this year?
Elisabeth: I normally enjoy a fairly low-key and quiet Christmas, because that’s the way my family and I love to enjoy the festive period. We don’t like a lot of fuss, and we don’t like to feel stressed out at all, so we tend to keep things quite simple, and I don’t think that will change this year. One thing that is a tradition though is indulgent food – there will be plenty of that for sure! I also really love to decorate my house – there’s something that brings so much nostalgia for me about twinkly lights at Christmas time, it reminds me of being a child.
What makes you the happiest at Christmas?
Elisabeth: I know that this sounds so cliche, but I genuinely love seeing my family happy and laughing together. We’ve been through some tough times this year, and I hope that we will still get the chance to do that this Christmas.
Lis On Self-Care
Things have been tough this year, what have you been doing to cheer yourself up?
Elisabeth: It sounds a bit odd, but I get so much satisfaction out of sorting through things and having a clear-out. I find it therapeutic and helps me to feel in control. I sold a lot of my clothing and items I no longer needed or wanted and made quite a bit of cash doing that; I then used to treat myself a little and put the rest into savings. I’ve also really enjoyed running, working out from home and rediscovering my love for cooking and baking!
What are your usual self-care rituals?
Elisabeth: If I’m feeling a bit low and in need of a pick-me-up, there are a few things I like to do. I love a good bubble bath and have a little stash of fancy bath products that I’ll save for those moments where I need a little pampering boost. I’ll pop on a hair mask, face mask and soak for a while then smother myself a luxurious body lotion. A fresh application of self-tan always makes me feel better about myself or giving myself a manicure with a neutral shade. And lastly, I find music such a mood-booster – so I’ll always put some of my favourite songs on while I do this!
What’s something that has made you smile this year?
Elisabeth: What’s given me the most smiles this year, is my little Shih Tzu-maltese cross dog, Clicquot. Her funny little character and mannerisms always bring a smile to my face, no matter how miserable I feel.
Why do you think it’s important to treat yourself just as much as it is to treat others?
Elisabeth: If there’s one thing that this year has taught me, it’s to be kind to yourself. Of course, it’s important to care about others, that goes without saying, but if you’re in a good head-space, I think you’re in a much better position to be able to help and give to others. A little treat for yourself, whether it be small and inexpensive or something more lavish can really help to lift your spirits. Many of us will have saved a fortune by not going on holiday, going out to eat as much or buying new clothes to wear out, so as well as spending that money on your loved ones this Christmas, why not treat yourself a little, too? A little gift, from you, to you, because you deserve it.
Feeling inspired? Discover the hand-picked products we’ve chosen in our Affordable Luxuries gift guide for more inspiration, or visit our gift guides to find perfect presents for everyone on your list. #LoveEscentual
