May’s – ‘The Fragrance Issue’ – Download Now

Sylvie Loday, co-founder of EX-NIHILO and perfume expert, talks us through her beauty routine.

Talk us through your morning routine.

When I first wakeup, I jump straight into the shower to feel energized, put on my daily morning mask and then look at my phone to catch up on any messages and begin planning for the day. Before I go into work, my Nespresso coffee is a must. I then jump on my scooter and head to the office.

How does your evening routine differ?

I always try to get some exercise done before dinner. I meet my personal trainer three times a week for an intensive body workout and the other day I practice stretching or yoga. Before COVID-19, I used to often go to restaurants for dinner, one of my favourite close to work is ‘The Balagan’. However, since the global crisis started, restaurants have been shut and so I enjoy cooking at home.

What are your go-to skincare products?

I really enjoy clean beauty products, I use the Vintner’s Daughter, active treatment essence to activate Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid to my skin. In order to keep my skin moisturised throughout the day, I use the Augustinus Bader, Rich Cream which feels absolutely like heaven.

Are you a fan of masks?

Yes, every morning I use the Tammy Fender Restorative Radiance Mask, it’s so exquisite and it feels incredible as it goes on to your skin, leaving it dewy, firm and totally hydrated.

What’s your approach to make-up?

I enjoy makeup as it makes me feel good and it’s where I can experiment, even though I’m not so daring with colours. I like a very natural summer glow for a dewy look, for instance the Iced Out Highlighter by Anastasia Beverley Hills which provides an illuminating radiance.

What can always be found in your makeup bag?

Besides a perfume and a hand sanitizer, I would say a Mascara for sure. Just adding a little goes a long way.

Which fragrances are your current favourites?

That’s a tough question, but I would have to say Honoré Delights. It is our latest gourmand creations and although you would expect it to be a heavy ‘Pastry’ kind of scent, but in reality, it’s a blooming, warm and reassuring perfume.

How do you choose your evening fragrance?

I would it varies depending on the weather. If it’s sunny, I want something airy like Fleur Narcotique and if it’s cold then something warm such as Gold Immortals, but I’m usually trying to figure out different proposals of upcoming creations. So, I use my time to try them on and see how different people react to it, it’s quite fun.

Talk us through your hair routine

It just depends on my wardrobe of the day really, I will have it tied up in a bun and another day I’ll have it down in a wavy texture.

What is the most unusual item in your makeup bag?

The most unusual item I would say is the different sample creations that I carry inside my bag. When we develop a new scent, I like to have them on me. I’ll take one out to try, depending on the setting I’m in and begin to analyze it even more and see what I think about that creation.

Hero Buys

Active Botanical serum

Vintner's

Dhs735 Vintner’s Daughter available at Revolve.com

The Rich Cream

Augustinus Bader

Dhs1,099 for 50ml Augustinus Bader

Restorative Radiance Masque

Tammy Fender

Dhs863 for 114g Tammy Fender

Iced out highlighter

Anastasia Beverley Hills

Dhs178 Anastasia Beverly Hills

Honoré Delights Eau de Parfum

EX Nihilo's

Dhs1,337 for 100ml EX NIHILO available on ounass.ae

Shine Serum

SachaJuan

Dhs145 for 30ml Sachajuan available on faces.com

May’s – ‘The Fragrance Issue’ – Download Now

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Images: Supplied