Sofia Valanci, Fashion Student

Sofia Valanci
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Sofia Valanci

“Ever since I was a kid people would always say something about my eyebrows, at the time, I never really cared too much. When I grew older I began embracing them and was lucky to find someone who would give them a nice shape. So I've had this shape for a couple of years and clean them up once a month. No make-up on them, nothing but my eyebrows in their natural state.

I am very fond of what natural-looking means. Simple yet strong – I guess this is a way to reflect my own sense of personal style. I always had a fondness for the simplicity of Parisian style…. minimalist and very feminine. Think Clémence Poésy.

My beauty routine begins every morning with Mario Badescu’s Enzyme Cleansing Gel to exfoliate, remove dirt and oil. I will always go for oil-free formulas. Then, I use his Aloe lotion to help soothe, deep clean, and reduce redness. To hydrate my skin, Sisley’s Crème Hydratante au Concombre works so well—it leaves my skin feeling nice and fresh. I use Giorgio Armani’s Face Fabric foundation that gives me a soft texture and at the same time keeps it simple. I’ve been using Dior Bronze’s blush for a while now; it adds a touch of healthy glow to my face, I love it. Best mascara ever for me is Diorshow—chestnut for day, black for night—can’t leave home without it…and Shu Uemura’s eyelash curler is great too.

My hair is long so I need to take good care of it but I don’t have much time to apply masks and treatments very often. In fact, a well-known stylist once told me that the best treatment would be not to stress over it. All I use is Kiehl’s—I’m a huge fan—Rice and Wheat shampoo followed by the Amino Acid conditioner. I never blow dry my hair just let it naturally dry. Shu Uemura’s Essence Absolue, it’s a nourishing protective oil—my latest discovery when in Paris—and this gives the final touch to my hair. Its fragrance is based on camellia petals leaving hair smelling unbelievably good as well as adding the right amount of shine…it’s perfect.

I’m very loyal to weekly manicures. I love Deborah Lippmann’s range of neutrals and Essie’s nail polishes for life. Also, yoga and pilates—I consider them an important part of my beauty routine—both make me feel so healthy.”