'My name is Kate Rooney [@TheGlowEdit]. I live in London, and I’m the beauty editor at About Time Magazine. I also run The Glow Edit. For me, feeling good goes beyond any product I own or use. I like to remind myself that, at the core of my job, it's about embracing who you are both inside and out, without hesitation and without doubt. I workout five to six times a week, whether it's boxing, Pilates, or spin class, and I try to eat well. I don’t do it because I feel I have to, I do it because I want to. It keeps me feeling on top of my game, and most importantly, it’s fun to me. London’s wellbeing scene has never looked so strong, so living in a city that has such a refreshing health movement makes it an exciting place to be. I’m lucky enough to work in the same industry as some of my best friends, which makes 'off duty' play all the more fun. It also means that when we’re out at breakfast, events, or parties, we’ll all go into Instagram and Snapchat mode together—in sync, at the same time...It’s quite a vision.
Having a beauty stash that takes up over half of my flat may sound like a dream, but keeping my routine minimal is something I firmly stand by. Sometimes I moisturize, sometimes I don’t. If I do, I use Elemis’ Pro Radiance Illuminating Flash Balm. Then, as a base for my foundation, I directly go into using A La Carte's Matte Miracle. It has a sheer, lightweight texture and leaves my skin looking flawlessly radiant—despite the name—all day or night long.
On a daily basis, I go for the same look— Nars' Sheer Glow Foundation in Punjab followed by some neutral, but still bright, eyeshadow. I’m currently working my way through my second Sisley Phyto-Ombré Glow shadow in Gold. It’s an incredibly flattering contrast for blue eyes. If I’m going out and want to wear it after dark, I’ll pair it with Burberry’s Eye Definer in Midnight Brown and apply lots of individual lashes. I’ll then apply YSL’s Volume Effet Faux Cils Mascara heavily at the root of the upper lash for a full, fluttery look. I add some definition to my face by highlighting and contouring...who needs real cheekbones when you have Tom Ford's Shade and Illuminate?
Lipstick-wise, I’ll always have at least three options in each of my handbags. Some take priority and get lugged from bag to bag like Maybelline Color Sensational Lip Liner in Sweet Pink... and Bobbi Brown Creamy Matte Lip Color in True Pink and Tom Ford Lip Color Matte in Pink Tease. That last one holds an especially welcome place in my heart because it is my long-reigning favorite. When I started to get into makeup at 16, I knew little about it, but I saw Tom Ford's Private Blend Lip Colors in Vogue and something came over me—I had to have one. I fell for the white-and-gold packaging, the aspirational visual of one of his lipsticks. And since then, I've hardly cared to find another.
Portable beauty products are a concept I really appreciate. If there’s a way of making extra space in my handbag for more of something else I don’t need, then I’m on board! My latest find is this genius Mai Couture Blush Papier in Sunset Boulevard. It's this beautiful golden, apricot blush deposited on paper—think along the lines of a blotting book. Very convenient.
In terms of fragrances, I like to wear something with a little more depth—a head turner, if you will. Lately that means Tom Ford's Santal Blush and Byredo's La Tulipe. I also believe that there are few stresses in life that can’t be solved by diving into the tub with Jo Malone’s Pomegranate Noir Bath Oil. While I’m there, I’ll light a candle. I'm rotating between Diptyque’s Baies and Byredo’s Fleur Fantôme lately.
For my hair, I’ll use either Kevin Murphy's Angel Wash or Bumble and bumble's Mending cleansing duos. They’re both extremely nourishing, which my highlighted hair needs in-between trips to the salon. Once washed and styled, I’ll spray Oribe Apres Beach Wave & Shine Spray over my hair and tousle it up. It’s 100 percent non-sticky and leaves the most divine scent throughout.
When people ask me where my greatest beauty inspiration comes from, the answer is always the same. A scene from my favorite movie, Dr. No. The moment Honey Ryder (Ursula Andress) emerges out of the sea with wet hair and an enviable sun-kissed glow captures everything I love about beauty. It’s raw, innocent, and immaculately bronzed. I’ll often watch it while I’m getting ready to go out.”
—as told to ITG
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