Read our team’s beauty biographies in our series, My Life in Beauty. From their first encounters with makeup and skincare to the mishaps they’d rather forget, we take a trip down memory lane to hear their unique beauty tales, learn about the products they’d never want to live without, where they get their inspiration from and more.
This month, we talked to our Commercial Manager, Alicia, who leads all of our brand partnerships at Escentual. Alicia has what could be described as every beauty lover’s dream job, with tasks like deciding what brands we launch on-site and getting sneak peeks of products before they launch.
Beauty Past
What’s your first beauty memory?
My sister (older) was obsessed with Jean Paul Gaultier Classique. My dad used to travel a lot for work and always brought back the mini sets or any other great sets you could only get at travel retail! I always used to sneak a spray of that. The bottle is so iconic; she still has many of the bottles with the different basques. My venture into perfume wasn’t quite so sophisticated… it started with So! and Charlie Red.
When did you start dabbling with beauty?
I had quite bad skin when I was young. My mum and sister were more of soap and water and some Nivea and never had a breakout! So I quickly started trialling body shop scrubs and masks to try to clear my skin. I used pocket money to buy my first pressed powder to remove shine and some green colour corrector and concealer. I used clear mascara for years and didn’t really try eye makeup/colour until I was a bit older. I was more focused on trying to hide my spots! I still skip mascara some days but never leave the house without a powder in my handbag.
Did you have any beauty mishaps growing up?
So many. Over-plucking my eyebrows still haunts me now! I also went through a terrible phase of Rimmel wash-off tan for nights out as I couldn’t stand the ‘biscuit’ smell of fake tan. Also, a stage that my best friend refers to as ‘pale lipnamaniac’ is when I used to put concealer on my lips (post my Rimmel coffee shimmer days) as I thought pale lips suited me better. Luckily, I found neutral ground with Dior addict gloss after getting a weekend job.
What was your first beauty purchase?
My first premium beauty purchase was a Givenchy blusher with peachy/bronze tones, and I loved it! It was so versatile, and I loved it on my cheeks and eyes. I bought it in House of Fraser with my Saturday job money, and it made me feel all grown up parading around Cardiff with my Givenchy gift bag! Later, I discovered a Chanel lipstick balm I got at Heathrow Airport and used it for many years. They have since discontinued it, and I have never found one to match it.
Beauty Favourites
What makeup product could you not live without?
Concealer!
Has one skincare product changed your life?
Dermalogica Pre-Cleanse. I love it. I first bought it after a Dermalogica facial years ago, and it’s something that always makes my skin so much clearer and brighter. I forgot about it, and after having my daughter, I suffered from breakouts again and as soon as I returned to using it, I noticed a difference within days! It’s my go-to cleanser recommendation for post-partum skin and hormonal breakouts.
Do you have a signature scent?
It was Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau de Parfum, which has been discontinued, so I am searching for a new one and trialling loads!
What haircare product makes the biggest difference in your routine?
Klorane Dry Shampoo and Philip Kingsley Elastizer.
What’s your most repurchased beauty product of all time?
YSL Touche Eclat – my mum put this in my Christmas stocking every year for as long as I can remember!
Is there a discontinued product that you wish would make a comeback?
So many… every foundation I ever find and love gets discontinued/reformulated. Lancome Teint Idole Compact Foundation, Lancome Creme Blush, Chanel Lipstick in shade 69, Benefit Big Brown Eyes Pallet.
What’s the next thing on your wishlist, and why?
I try a lot of eye creams and eye patches to combat my puffy eyebags (hereditary, so I’m told!) and have heard great things about the Dermalogica Stress Positive Eye Lift, so it’s next on my hit list to find the ultimate depuffing solution!
Beauty Mantras
What’s your beauty mantra and style?
Fresh-faced, nothing too bold! Skincare is key. Otherwise, makeup won’t sit well! Fragrance-wise, I am struggling to find ‘the one,’ but I do like ouds/pink pepper notes, etc., for winter/evening and something citrus and fresh for day and summer….nothing sickly sweet or overpowering.
Where do you find beauty inspiration?
I don’t have any social media accounts, but I stay informed on the latest beauty trends and talking points by reading articles, research and books – Caroline Hirons’ is a firm favourite. Sheerluxe and other newsletters are a weekly read. Escentual’s newness campaign each month is when my wishlist grows; the excitement in the office makes me want to try new things each month! FOMO!
Who’s beauty style do you admire most?
There’s not one person, but the kind of style is the likes of Kaia Gerber, Jessica Alba, etc. They all do classic/natural/sunkissed beauty well.
What was the last new beauty trend you tried, and how did it go?
Double wing’ eyeliner for ‘out out’, and from the previous year, I still love my coloured eyeliners. I use both my green and purple liners for different looks, and I find they slightly change the colour of my eyes when wearing them.
What’s your #1 beauty tip?
Use Givenchy Rose Perfector as a highlighter and lip balm, and always take your makeup off; there are no excuses!
