The #ITGTopShelfie interview series focuses on the beauty routines of Into The Gloss' lovely, accomplished, and loyal community of readers. Submit your own on Instagram—post your Top Shelfie (tag us @intothegloss!) and include the hashtag #ITGTopShelfie for a chance to be featured on ITG.
"Ciao, I'm is Ines Sercelj (@ines_sercelj). I'm a stylist and I live in the capital of a small—but kickass!—country called Slovenia. My work now is closely connected to my childhood. My grandfather was a tailor who owned his own business and my aunt worked for him as seamstress. When I was little I spent a lot of time at my grandparents'. I loved being there because I got to see all of his fashion and tailoring magazines. As I grew up, the power of clothing and the stories you can tell through dressing always fascinated me. That was the main reason I became a stylist. Mixing old with the new and looking a bit nonchalant is my jam. Nothing in this world makes me happier than hours spent at vintage shops. I always look for good ones everywhere I travel.
My French pharmacy brand of choice has always been Avène. I'm a bit obsessed with it if I'm honest. I use Glossier's Milky Jelly Cleanser—I still haven't found a better cleanser to this day. I love that it doesn't leave a residue and everything washes off. It's so good for sensitive skin like mine. I'd like to say that I'm low maintenance but that would be a lie. I do everything from acid exfoliation masks to retinol treatments. REN Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask seems to be working wonders for me. It's gentle enough so it doesn't irritate my delicate skin but does leave me with a glow. After using acids, I always apply a very rich and soothing overnight mask. I usually buy them from Lush. If I don't have one at home I mask with Burt's Bees Intense Hydration with Clary Sage which I have stashed for emergency situations. I also have the AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution from The Ordinary but find it too irritating for my face. Now I only use it for my clogged pores in my chest area and it's perfect! No more whiteheads, I kid you not! My aesthetician told me that exfoliation is the most effective way of keeping whiteheads and blackheads away. And it's so true. It's also the perfect way to get to Glowsville.
I like power packed serums like Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane and Alpha Lipoic Acid. Both from The Ordinary. But I can't use them every day. Three to four times a week seems to do the glowy trick for me. Avene Hydrance Optimale—the light one—is my staple. I use serums from The Ordinary—Buffet and their Hyaluronic Acid. Rain or shine. Night and day. Before I go to bed I combine with Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate which is up there as one of my favorite products of all time. It's the smell again. So rich and herbal. Recently I got a face roller as a gift from my boyfriend and I started using it at night with my oil or in the morning if I'm puffy. I keep it in my fridge next to Tabasco and I only take it out right before a rolling session.
When it comes to makeup for everyday, I like a bit of concealer and a swirl of mascara. If I feel like being dewy I spray a bit of Avène Thermal Water and highlight my cheekbones with chapstick. The areas where I feel too shiny are dabbed with a simple baby powder. But I do enjoy playing with makeup if I get the chance. I do have my Chanel Rouge Allure in Audace that I stole from my mom. And my Dior Addict lipstick in Flamenco Red [Ed. note: discontinued] that I put everywhere. I love a product that can be used in multiple ways. I like to use my fingers. It seems that the heat from your body melts the makeup and blends it more seamlessly. Playing with Cloud Paint from Glossier really evokes feelings of childhood and playing with watercolors. The only thing that I don't mess with are my brows. I still have some damage from my Christina Aguilera era to repair. Boy Brow really helps with that. I sometimes wear it to bed—don't judge me! ...I'd rather sleep without my clothes.
When I'm in the shower I like to be quick. Scrub my body with a loofah, apply oil and that's it. I'm currently using jojoba. As for my hair since I'm not dying it anymore I tend to pick products that make them a bit lighter. Chamomile and lemon are the way to go! Especially in the summer. John Frieda Sheer Blonde is in my current rotation. Oh, and I once heard Frederic Fekkai said that it's good to switch shampoo and conditioner every third or fourth wash so I do it religiously now and I really think it makes a difference. My hair seems to have a different bounce to it. If it gets greasy I again use baby powder on my roots to soak in the sebum. There is nothing that I hate more than dry shampoo. I feel super dirty if I'm unable to put my fingers through my hair. It feels like wearing a helmet.
Nothing relaxes me more than the company of my animals. Or any animals for that matter. I'll take a day on a farm over a good party anytime. My wish is to have a farm of my own where little frisky goats would roam the pastures and be best friends with horses. And let's not forget those 15 cats and 6 dogs. I'm gathering name suggestions as we speak so fire away."
—as told to ITG
