Some health and beauty tips from Yuka O’Shannessy, the co-founder and former creative director of Astute Assembly, now director of Public Record Ltd.
What’s your favourite way to unwind after a busy day?
Having nice meals with my loved ones, family and friends. I also love taking a moment to relax on my favourite spot of couch, having a cup tea with some treats and watching a movie.
Which ingredients do you try to avoid in skincare or makeup products?
Alcohol-based products, and ingredients that react badly with women’s hormones. My sister is a dermatologist and when I visited her new clinic in Tokyo last year, she told me not to wash my skin too strongly and that it’s better to gently wash with a foaming cleanser. The stress of rubbing your skin breaks your skin cells which will make darker patches. I don’t take much time for skincare myself and probably washed my face too quickly and strongly! After this advice, I try to be more gentle.
I’ve learned that you need to know what’s best for yourself and be intuitive for your style.
What products can’t you live without?
Concealer and black eyeliner. I’m coming to an age where I need to focus on a good covering.
What important lesson have you learned from the fashion world that you apply to your beauty routine?
I read an article by Comme des Garson’s designer, Rei Kawakubo once – she explained that she wears her favourite clothes in the season in a sequence, wearing the same outfit day after day. This is the only way she can understand the silhouette of clothes that suits her best and this routine gives her trained eyes. So, from this ethos, I’ve learned that you need to know what’s best for yourself and be intuitive for your style.
What advice would you give to someone about carving out time in their busy schedule for self-care?
Honestly, I’m not sure this question is relevant for me as my business keeps me so busy, I’m not the best at carving out time for myself! But I do try to make time for myself a few times a day, doing little things that I love. I try to treat myself by going to my favourite coffee shop in the morning to start my day, taking walks with my dog, catching up with people I love, and taking a minute to unwind at the end of my day.
