#ForteFemale At Home - Reena Hammer

Today's #ForteFemale is Reena Hammer, the brilliant managing director of Urban Retreat. Urban Retreat was well-known for its flagship store in Harrods, but it has recently opened its own five-storey stand-alone wellness space in the heart of Knightsbridge. 'The White House' has allowed Urban Retreat to realise its vision; it’s the ultimate ‘beauty destination’ where ‘beauty meets hospitality’.

Which place would you travel to now, if you could?

Lion Sands Safari in South Africa. I went for the first time on my honeymoon, and I was blown away! Right now my biggest wish is to escape to some nature.

What's the first restaurant you're going to go to after the quarantine?

It would have to be La Petite Maison in London. I would have a long three-hour lunch or dinner with a bottle of great red wine!

What is your favourite spa or wellness space?

I am a little biased, so would definitely say Urban Retreat. But otherwise, if I could I would be transported to an outdoor beach cabana with a light breeze, listening to the ocean whilst enjoying a deep massage...that wouldn’t be too bad either.

What is the first treatment you're going to do after lockdown?

A mani or pedi.

What are you doing/using to stay physically active and mentally well at the moment?

I'm walking a lot more and I've also tried running - which started with a 5k nomination. We have a lovely roof terrace at home, so that has become a sanctuary to read and to just be outside.

What helps you get to sleep if you are wired but tired?

I'm so lucky that I'm generally a great sleeper, but an Epsom Salt bath always helps.

What is your skincare regime during the lock-down (morning and evening)?

I don’t normally wear much make-up anyway, but I have been make-up-free for the whole of lockdown and it makes a difference letting your skin breathe a little!

I have taken more care with my body care as I’m already quite rigorous with my face. I've been exfoliating and moisturising more. In the morning I start with my teeth where I air floss and tongue clean. Then for my skin, I cleanse with Cellcosmet, use an eye cream from Royal Fern and use a face cream. At nighttime I start with some exfoliation using Dr Goldfadden. Then, I either use a Sarah Chapman Face Oil or the Irene Forte Orange Blossom Face Oil and massage for a few minutes.

Do you have one evening or more a week where you spend time masking/pampering? What do you do?

I don’t have a set routine or time that I allocate, but in general, I don’t rush anymore.

What is the best beauty/skin advice you've ever been given?

Prevention is key, there is only so much you can do once the damage has been done. Invest as early as possible and start looking after your skin in your early teens.

What's your favourite:

Book:

Empress Orchid by Anchee Min - I adore historical novels - give me any story about Asian Royalty or Gengis Khan and I’m very happy.

Documentary:

Anything narrated by David Attenborough

Skincare product:

Omorovicza Silver Skin Saviour – I use it for all my niggles of dryness or when I need to soothe my skin.

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