Noella Gabriel co-founded Elemis in 1991 and for almost 30 years she has stayed true to her ethos that beauty is more than skin deep, it’s a lifestyle choice. The brand was championing the idea of wellness before it became a hashtag through its use of natural ingredients, luxurious textures and layering rituals. The bestselling Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm has become an icon in its own right.
A couple of years ago, Noella moved from London to New York for work and while she’s fully settled in the Big Apple she’s not immune to homesickness. Here, she shares her tricks for overcoming it with long walks and beauty…
I Stockpile Teabags…
Despite living in New York for years, I’ve yet to find a decent teabag. I miss the ritual of an afternoon tea – brewing the tea in a teapot, drinking out of a beautiful tea cup, et cetera. When the London team visits the New York office, they’ll often bring me a box of Barry’s. It’s my favourite brand of tea.
My Remedy For Homesickness Is…
A walk over Brooklyn Bridge. I feel connected to the water there, which always reminds me of home, and I like to feel the wood of the bridge under my feet to feel grounded. I look over the New York skyline and that reminds me why I’m there.
I’ve Learned A Lot From The NYC Beauty Scene…
The beauty industry moves incredibly fast in New York – the speed of change is extraordinary. As a brand, it’s necessary to be bold and disruptive to cut through the noise. You need to deliver to the expectation – if you don’t, people will quickly move onto something else.
And, I’ve Adapted My Own Routine…
There’s more pollution, the population is more concentrated and this affects the skin. I do a deep cleanse twice a day using the Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm followed by a wash, like Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash. This ensures all the pollution particles, dirt and grime from the day are fully washed away. The Pro-Collagen Overnight Matrix has become a permanent fixture in my evening routine too as it helps to counteract the affect of pollution.
Face Oils Have Taken The Centre Stage…
At the moment, my beauty routine features a lot of oils. Oils have become incredibly sophisticated – they can be lightweight, they can transform into milks et cetera. ls. A good quality oil is a must-have for everyone’s beauty routine. Every evening I’ll light a candle and use one of our nourishing oils, including the Pro-Collagen Marine Oil or Pro-Collagen Rose Facial Oil.
My Makeup Staples Have Stayed The Same Though…
Skincare has always been the focus for me, but I do have a couple of staple makeup products that I love. Since discovering Laura Mercier lipsticks and Chantecaille palettes in my local Space NK boutique in Muswell Hill years ago, I have remained loyal to both.