Rather impressively alongside writing her weekly beauty column for the Evening Standard’s ES Magazine and hosting the podcast, I’m Absolutely Fine!, the journalist Annabel Rivkin finds the time to squeeze in one, if not two, baths a day. “Baths are a very important part of my every day. I must apologise to the planet for this but I will have two baths a day if I can,” says Annabel. “Showers feel like a punishment.”
At a time when most of us are at home and can enjoy a long, hot soak in the tub, we thought it was the perfect opportunity to ask Annabel to share her tried and tested, no-nonsense bathing recipe and her evening beauty routine…
Don’t Stress About Setting Tone…
My bathroom is a kind of dusting disaster. There are just so many bottles huddled everywhere because I’m always trying new things but reluctant to let go of old friends. When it comes to creating a relaxing ambiance, I don’t mess around with candles. Any form of serenity has to come from within me. If I’m feeling insane, a candle won’t touch the sides. In fact, I will just panic about the fire risk.
My Magic Ingredient…
Something delicious dribbled in like Laura Mercier Crème Brulée Honey Bath elevates the experience. Recently, I’ve also been really enjoying the grown-up floral scent of Ouai’s Body Cleanser.
The Post-Bathing Essential…
A cursory slather of Diptyque Body Balm Fleur de Peau over ‘bits on show’ – lower arms, lower legs, chest – otherwise I get too hot and bothered. It’s iris-y and mango buttery and terribly elegant.
Every Now And Again I’ll…
Exfoliate my body. Although it does feel like a chore. I hate all the grains scattering themselves all over the bathroom. The whole procedure bores me. So where necessary – by which I mean pre-holiday – I’ll use those cheap exfoliating gloves because I feel there’s nothing better followed by a really quenching body oil. Chantecaille Rose de Mai Body Oil is a massive, soothing treat.
And From The Neck Up…
I never know how my skin is going to look from one day to the next. I spent the last five years looking in the mirror and wondering if I was tired but I’ve only just realised that this is my face now. Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Pore Perfecting Cleansing Gel is the best cleanser I have ever used. My skin is much less reactive, hormonal and badly behaved since I discovered it. It seems somehow to excavate my pores without drying everything up. And I am a recent Augustinus Bader Rich Cream obsessive – criminally expensive, appallingly good.
