Our second #ForteFemale is the talented and glamorous London-based make-up artist and groomer Emma Day. She began her career as the first assistant to high-profile artists Lisa Eldridge, and Miranda Joyce. Today, her celebrity clientele includes Rachel Brosnahan, Elizabeth Debicki, Laura Dern, Maisie Williams, Cara Delevingne, Kaya Scodelario, Judi Dench, Riley Keough, Karlie Kloss, Bella Hadid, Millie Bobby Brown, Isla Fisher and Leonardo Di Caprio.
What have you been doing differently in this lockdown?
Like everyone I have spent much more time in doors due to the winter weather. Last lockdown I bought a bike which I love (first time on a bike since I was 18) and I was biking to places like Whitstable, Kent near where I live for exercise which has been quite a revolution although I'm still using it every day to get shopping and fresh air - I call her Betty! I've been reading more this time, binge-watching The Queen's Gambit and The Crown and attending to very boring paperwork that I have managed to put off till now.
Which place would you travel to now, if you could?
Funnily enough, having travelled to it so much for work prior to Covid, I'm really missing Paris but a beach in Barbados sipping a rum punch seems pretty tempting too!
What's the first restaurant you're going to go to after the quarantine?
I think it will be something really classic like The Ivy in Covent garden which is perfect for Christmas time. I'm also dreaming of high tea or cocktails at Claridge’s. I long for old-school classic glamour - very comforting.
What is your favourite spa or wellness space?
I haven't been to a spa or wellness space for so long that I can't answer that, but I have a strong feeling I will be in need of one in 2021!
What is the first treatment you're going to do after lockdown?
I actually need a good relaxing body massage and a detoxing and anti-ageing facial would be excellent.
What are you doing/using to stay physically active and mentally well at the moment?
I've been doing half an hour of yoga which I do from an app 3 times a week in the mornings (I'm normally a gym girl) which I procrastinate about doing but always feel better for after, I've got beautiful big windows in my living room that let through fantastic light and it really helps with the yoga "Zen". Mentally a walk down the river in Kent is something I love on a sunny frosty morning and we managed to see a white squirrel there recently which is very rare - little moments of magic like that are really uplifting in dark times. We have been having Saturday dinner get-togethers with my bubble involving locally grown organic meat and veg from a fantastic farmers market called The Good Shed with lots of good booze and I really look forward to those and my friend Joe’s fantastic cooking. I hate Zoom chats, but I think long phone catch-ups with friends and family are important as are sending little treats in the post. Human connection even though we can't hug is super important, just that thing of checking in is everything.
What helps you get to sleep if you are wired but tired?
I'm a huge fan of camomile or sleep teas like the one from Pukka and also melatonin tablets from Italy when I need it. A long hot bath with lavender and geranium essential oils from Neal's yard also relaxes me - plus keeping my phone out of my bedroom, preferably switched off.
What is your skincare regime during the lock-down (morning and evening)?
I like to use a foamy cleanser in the morning and then a Vitamin E moisturiser and an SPF 30. I also like applying the Irene Forte Age-Defying Almond Eye Cream. At night time, I take my makeup off with a cleansing balm in the bath and then I use the Irene Forte Hibiscus Night Cream with a rose facial oil if I think my skin needs calming and some extra love - if my skin is breaking out I like using retinol which I will use nightly for a week.
Do you have one evening or more a week where you spend time masking/pampering? What do you do?
Oh, I love a mask! It really depends what’s going on with my skin - if it needs a deep cleanse and it's congested then I will use one like the Irene Forte Lavender and Rosemary Foam Cleanser after I've done a bit of squeezing with a blackhead removing tool after a bath or shower when my pores are open (I try and avoid squeezing spots if I can but sometimes can't resist!). If my skin needs some anti-ageing and brightening and is looking a bit tired then I use the Irene Forte Pomegranate Face Mask which is lovely and then I'll have a small massage after with a rose facial oil, I am a huge fan of Rose Quartz Gua sha Massage Tools which I also use to prep clients skin.
What is the best beauty/skin advice you've ever been given?
Do not touch cigarettes! They are the absolute worst for ageing skin. Never go outside without an SPF 30 - 50 cream. I also remember my mum telling me when I was young - don't compare yourself to anyone else, own your own uniqueness - she was a bit blunter in how she put it but it stayed with me and I have always tried to dance to the sound of my own drum. It makes me sad that we have gone into an age where all the young girls want to look exactly the same with plastic surgery and I hope that changes and goes out of fashion - imperfections and differences can be truly beautiful.
What's your favourite:
Book:
Sweet Caress by William Boyd and Faithfull by Marianne Faithfull
Documentary:
Antonio Lopez 1970: Sex, Fashion & Disco
Skincare product:
Maison Francis Kurkdjian Oud Satin Mood Body Oil (so decadent!)
