Our Josselin is on Ibiza getting her diving certification and so does not have any time for the important things in life like this Q&A. So I have taken over her chair to write this weekly column. A good moment to bare all because I am promiscuous when it comes to beauty. A tell all self portrait kind of thing.

Let’s begin.

Morning ritual

“I get up at 6:30 am in an ideal world. I wash my hair with Silvershine shampoo from  l’Oréal (on the advice of Leco van Zadelhoff to keep my colour looking good). I am also in love with the shampoos from Christophe Robin, they take me back to the salon of le Meurice in Paris, heavenly.”

“I wash my face with the Philips Visapure advanced, it cleanses deeply. I use Uncover for cleansing, Jetske Ultee’s (my skin guru) line. I sometimes go for Perfectly Clean by Estée, because I love the smell. It travels well (in a tube) and smells wonderfully clean. After showering I tone with Uncover and then use the exfoliant. This needs to soak in. A great moment to use the tummy-challenge-app. I don’t do feel like doing it every morning but I see the results and it only takes 5 minutes, so…”

“Then I moisturise with Uncover and after that apply the Sisley suncream, the best there is. Yes, even in winter.

 We haven’t even started talking about The Hair. I usually stick the Carmen-set on before my shower so then set my hair in rollers afterwards. Once I’m dressed I take them out, et voilà.

Baudelaire said: “Que c’est un dur métier d’être belle femme” and that is almost how it is”

5 minute make-up

“Make-up is quickly done. I usually end up sitting with a child on my lap who has smeared lipgloss on her eyes and is proudly showing me the results. Or one that has taken my mascara to the taupe-coloured walls…

I start with a good basis. That could be Le Beige by Chanel or the tinted moisturiser from Laura Mercier. For heavier cover (for a party or photo) I go for Nude by Dior.

Eyes (read, the bags) get extra attention in the form of the Secret Camouflage by Laura Mercier. I apply eyebrows with powder. Bobbi Brown has a box containing two colours, Chanel has three so you always have the right colour and you can touch up for the evening.

I use Orgasm by Nars for my cheeks, which has become a classic.

I apply eyeliner to my eyes. I bought one from Marc Jacobs in New York that was so lovely. It was finished so quickly and can only be bought there I think, so if you’re going let me know. At the moment I’m using one from MAC but I also love Chanel, Sisley and Bobbi Brown. Whatever is handy. Then a great little mascara from Chanel or the Diorshow, fabulous.”

Brows or lashes

“The brow is the current reigning queen in beauty land. We saw many girls in New York with a totally natural look, so foundation and powder but no other accent except enormous eyebrows. I love it. Luckily I don’t need to choose, so I do both. Keeping my mouth understated.”

Favourite perfume

“I have every Chanel perfume and love them all, but as I said already, I am fickle when it comes to beauty things and I am currently madly in love with Le Gemme by Bvlgari. An exclusive and so refined and adult.”

Favourites

“Chanel is fabulous in everything, quality, smell, packaging, everything is a party. Furthermore, I love Dior, Estée Lauder, Bobbi Brown and Sisley of course. And may I curtsey for Jetske Ultee? My skin has never looked as good as since she’s been looking after it.”

Best buy

“Oh. I’m in the terribly luxurious position of rarely having to buy something since I get most things sent to me. My last buy was the tinted moisturiser from Laura Mercier and I fantasise over Sel Marin from Heely, the perfume that totally epitomises summer.”

Never leave home without

“My face, as stated by beauty journalist Karen van Ede. I always have my toiletry bag with me, it contains powder, foundation, a gloss and my Mason Pearson brush.”

 Million dollar tip

“Do you have some time? The Skinflash primer from Dior is the perfect four o’ clocker for the skin. If you feel like your skin looks tired, just apply this under your eyes and on your cheeks. Then a little foundation and powder over the top and everyone will be asking if you’ve been on vacation. I also love spraying my face with rosewater van de Heritage Store. Buy it at the chemist in New York for 9 dollars. The Black Rose Precious face oil from Sisley is one of the best products I have used this year. So good for dry patches and around the eyes.”

 Biggest Style Icon

“My mother who always looks amazing, our Peggy, Harriet Calo. All woman who are no longer twenty but have grown older gracefully. I’ll feel blessed if I manage to do the same.”

(photo credits for photo May-Britt Mobach: Gwendolyn van Waveren)