Joely Walker

joely walker

As Beauty & Health Director at Grazia magazine, Joely Walker (@JoelyGabrielle) knows more than most about beauty and a thing or two about what really works. We talked to her to find out which products she relies on to really relax, plus, she divulges the night time tricks that never fail to send her off to sleep…

Sunday Sessions

On Sleep…

I’m not the best sleeper so I like to start winding down early on a Sunday – around 7pm – to ensure I get a good night’s kip to kickstart the week ahead. Because I jam pack my diary with as many events and catch ups as possible (then complain about having no downtime, such is life!) I reserve my Sunday spot for all the do-good beauty rituals I don’t have time for during the week.

On Bath Rituals…

First things first, bath time – something I only took up recently (until around two years ago I was firmly in Chandler’s anti-bath camp) and now I’m well and truly hooked. I’ll always throw some salts into the situation, like This Works Deep Sleep Bath Soak – essentially the cult sleep spray in bath salt form, with calming chamomile and lavender – or REN Magnesium Booster Bath Salts, with an effective dose of muscle-relaxing and sleep-inducing magnesium.

On Essential Scents…

I struggle with my sinuses, especially in winter, and Aromatherapy Associates Breathe Bath and Shower Oil, is a god send. I massage a little into my chest whilst I’m filling the tub and the eucalyptus, peppermint and tea tree essential oils do the trick, opening up my airways to alleviate congestion and pressure. (Great hangover cure too, just saying…).

Obviously, there’s a candle thrown into the mix for good measure – Diptyque Baies, is hard to beat on the scent front, not to mention the Shelfie appeal, and once I finish I’ll use the glass pots as for makeup brushes, pens, sweets, you name it.

On Netflix Binges…

Finally, I’ll have my latest Netflix binge on in the background (Bates Motel – please tell me you’ve seen it?) or Kindle in hand (I’ve just finished Three Women by Lisa Taddeo). My husband knows interruption is to be avoided at all costs, not least for his own safety.

Sunday Sessions

On Skincare…

Let’s get straight down to business. For face, I’ll kick things off with a cleanser like Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip, which does the job without stripping skin of natural oils (squeaky clean skin isn’t the aim of the game), or – if I feel my skin’s on the lacklustre side and in need of something with a little more oomph – I’ll use an exfoliator. My current squeeze is Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment. Next, I’ll go straight in with a face mask that focuses on nourishing and hydrating (glow is my ultimate goal). For this, my all-time favourite sheet mask (and VB’s fave, FYI) is Sarah Chapman Skinesis 3D Moisture Infusion Masks, using any leftover serum in the packet on my chest and shoulders. I used one the night before my wedding, they’re <that> good.

On Hair Care…

For hair, it’s all about masking, too. And things get messy – I coat my hair from root to tip in a thick, hydrating mask and leave it to dry, sleeping in it overnight tied into a braid. If you’re looking for a quick moisture boost, Living Proof Restore Mask, works wonders, fast. I’ve got many a friend hooked on it.

On Masking…

Later in the evening, just before bed and once the mask has had ample time to settle in, comes the tan. I also used Sisley Self-Tanning Hydrating Facial Care, the night before my wedding and it never fails to give good glow. Expensive, yes, but by god is it good – and a little really goes a long way, working not only to tan but also to hydrate. Another favourite is Tan Luxe The Face Tanning Drops, which you can add into your moisturiser, allowing you to customise your bronze.

Sunday Sessions

On Bed Time…

I’m useless on no sleep – and often Sunday’s are the nights I’ll find myself staring at the clock at 2am, when I get into bed at 9.30/10pm. My mind – if left to its own devices – will race like its training for a marathon, so I’ll take a cup of Pukka Herbs Sleep Tea to bed with me and spritz This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray, to maintain some calm (the latter always misted liberally onto a Slip Silk Pillow Case – all round beauty do-gooder and the comfiest snooze companion). Then comes the final moisture boosters; a thick hand cream that helps nourish cuticles, too – like Kiehl’s Ultimate Strength Hand Salve, – and my go-to Votary Natural Lip Oil.

On Tech…

I’ll make sure my phone is on airplane mode with the brightness turned right down, and I’ll try to avoid late night scrolling. I’ve also recently invested in the Dyson Pure Hot and Cool Air Purifier, which cleanses air of pollutants and allergens (you can see the decreasing levels on an App), works as a fan and the monotonous zzz sound helps lull me off to sleep too.

On Monday…

My alarm goes off at roughly 7.30am and I’ll snooze for 15 minutes (I’m categorically not a morning person) before dragging myself to the shower. I always choose shower gels with uplifting citrusy scents to help wake me up – Fresh Hesperides Grapefruit Bath & Shower Gel, smells amazing. And I never, ever skip body moisturiser. I always go back to This Works Skin Deep Dry Leg Oil, which leaves my skin notably softer and I’m also a big fan of Malin + Goetz Vitamin B5 Body Moisturizer.

On Podcasts…

I try to walk to work if my schedule / the weather allows, which takes around 50 minutes. I’ll pop on a Podcast (Dear Joan and Jericha is hilarious), call my Mum or just listen to music (I have a 70’s playlist on repeat at the minute). It gives me clarity for the day ahead and time to mentally sort out my to-do list so that when I arrive in the office, I’m ready to rumble.

Joely W