You are incredibly attractive yourself, do you get many people asking you for advice?
In my forties! We have to step the game up here; we can't rely on just slapping on a bit of tinted moisturiser. Ah, the joys and memories of being 21! I have always loved the glamorous look, but I have finally come to accept myself now and relax a little about being pristine and perfect. I really embrace good living more than I do perfection. I want to be a great role model for my beautiful 13-year-old daughter and help her understand that life as a woman now is so much more than just the way we look; it’s about finding your personality and identity and really embracing it.
I do get asked for lots of advice, and for five years I have published a very successful and award winning blog, but these days I like to write, coach, and teach my subject more than try out the latest lipstick and skin treatment. I think I just grew up and loved life more than I did vanity in the end. Although beauty will always be my passion, I prefer an elegant sophisticated look with a natural, minimal healthy glow rather than my previous days of total glam diva.
How can people report practitioners or doctors they suspect of being bogus?
The trouble with the UK is the distinct lack of regulation in the aesthetic industry. The fact that anyone with little or no training can embark on a course and learn invasive medical aesthetics is shocking. It's only in the last three to five years that we have started learning about the implications of the lack of regulation through our campaign Safety in Beauty and other beauty campaigns. If you suspect someone is practising in aesthetics and they seem sub-standard or unsafe, don't be afraid to call the local council they have a shop and report them. Is the insurance certificate clearly displayed on premises?
If not, ask the practitioner, salon, or clinic why it isn’t. Ask for credentials and qualifications—you’d be surprised how many are fake! Never walk into a salon or clinic off the street to have a treatment without researching them first; speak to people who have had experiences with that clinic or salon and ask for details. If you suspect that a medically qualified professional is dubious, then ask them about their qualifications. If they are a dentist, a doctor, or a nurse, they will be registered with the GMC, GDC, or NMC.
If you can’t find their name on these registers, don't be afraid to ask them why; be your own Detective Columbo, a few hours of research could save you and indeed others from needless pain, bad work, and suffering. No one wants that. If you’re stuck and need advice on a rogue practitioner or business, contact us at Safety in Beauty and we will investigate for you.
What treatments have you had aesthetic-wise, and have you been happy with the results?
I have had countless treatments with an amazing array of fantastic professionals and clinics. Some of my favourites include Ultherapy to my jawline and face (Air Aesthetics) which massively improved some minor sagging. Of course, I love Botox (twice a year), and use soft fillers to smooth out just a few lines. At the moment, so far in 2019 I think EmSculpt is one to watch out for (Dr. Rita Rakus Knightsbridge), as well as AquaGold (from Venn Healthcare), SkinPen (from Bioactive Aesthetics), Skinade, Dermalux, Priori Skincare, Boutique Teeth Whitening safe, effective and inexpensive. My eyebrows are my favourite and are from the leaders Karen Betts and Dawn Forshaw from Finishing Touches. Heliocare is an absolute must, and PCA Peels are my go-to, and a Hydrafacial is my essential.
How do you decide the winners of your awards?
Each year, the Safety in Beauty Campaign recruits a panel of industry experts and professionals to help steer and ensure that the campaign runs efficiently with adequate medical, legal, and psychological expertise.
All of our advisory panel members kindly provide their services on a voluntary basis with no financial remuneration or compensation. All of the work carried out at Safety in Beauty is purely voluntary.