Welcome to this week’s ‘My Beauty and Wellbeing’ story… this week we’re sharing our interview with Nadira V Persaud, makeup artist and beauty expert.
We’re all about holistic beauty and wellbeing and we love hearing about how other people are managing there’s – for this series we’re reaching out to some inspiring women and men to find out about their favourite products and practices- you know …the things that enable them to be their best selves.
There’s a new story every Wednesday so watch this space and don’t be shy to comment or volunteer to share your stories!

Nadira, first of all, tell us a little bit about your relationship with your beauty

As a child with a creative mind, my initial observations of beauty were through TV commercials, for instance, I’d pick up on nail shape and colour or how makeup and hair were styled.  And of course, I had my favourite Charlies Angel, which was Sabrina, natural beauty enhanced simply, so it was around this time my mum introduced me to a simple skincare routine; cleanse, tone and moisturise.  I hadn’t any skin concerns but she was aware I was fascinated by her skincare routine and would watch a ritual unfold and one that she never neglected for herself as a busy working woman.  It was then I understood the importance of looking after my skin, getting to know skin needs and what it requires.

 Why is clean/conscious beauty so important to you?

It’s all about choice! I understand that many clean/conscious brands come to fruition through a story of developing a product due to a skincare concern and its these details that interest me initially.  It’s an absolute buzz when new brands consciously consider what customers want and I believe they shape the beauty industry into being a more transparent place with integrity.

As a makeup artist, how important is it to you to practice what you preach?

I may have an old-fashioned view but I do like to practice what I preach!  If I didn’t look after my skin, this would be evident, I’d feel like I was doing a disservice and I would not have gained the trust and loyalty, although saying that, I do not have a dictatorial approach.  To offer recommendations and options is fundamental to my profession and allows clients to make an informed decision, not pushed into making irrelevant purchases.

What are your must-have skincare products? and what is the last product that you purchased that you’re loving?

Graces London CBD Roll On has been such an all-rounder for me and recent skincare product I have bought for myself and others as it can be rolled on directly to my face for a lovely balance of hydration and nourishment morning and night which provides enough slip for some light facial exercises too.  I also carry a spare roll on to ease my joint and muscle pain – it offers incredible relief without reaching out for painkillers.

 As you know, Wow Beauty is committed to encouraging self-care. What are some of your non-negotiable self-care rituals?nadira

I am lucky enough to have been using self-care rituals from a young age such as pressure techniques all of which I share in my book, Press Here! Face Workouts for Beginners.  As well as focusing on toning and defining the facial framework I cover self-soothing routines and exercises which I perform when I am stressed or anxious.  These can be as simple as firmly placing the outer palm of hands onto the orbital bones with light pressure and circulate for relaxation or to ease tension headaches.

Have you made any changes to your wellbeing toolkit since the pandemic? What items have become your lockdown/ wellbeing must haves?

I invest in supplements as I find this the most effective way to stay on top of my health though during lockdown I modified my regime and I began to take Comvita Olive Leaf Extract capsules each day as opposed to at the first signs of being run down to efficiently support my immune system.

I am always onto of my vitamins and I was introduced to the cutting-edge liquid Liposomal Vitamin C 1000mg before lockdown which was a blessing considering research showed that Vitamin C was essential support during this time plus liquid form being the most effective for absorption.  It has been easy to introduce to my morning routine on an empty stomach by adding to a shot glass with water 15 minutes before eating.

What is your typical morning skincare routine like? And your nighttime routine? Has anything changed since lockdown?

My morning routine is minimal whether I’m just off to do the school run and work from home or head out for work or meetings – some days a splash of water and a face serum such as Dr. Steventon 4 Anti-Ageing Serum or I’d use a light face wash then press in a few drop of face oil, then smooth on Cosmetics a la Carte Skin Treat Moisturiser which delivers on all day hydration and a continuous luminosity on the skin.

At night I like to cleanse with something nourishing like Cosmetics a la Carte Creamy Deep Cleanser with Sweet Almond oil and natural beeswax, then a light toner such as their Rosewater Tonic, then to finish either a face oil or Cosmetics a la Carte Hydra Smooth which is packed with Peptides and stimulates collagen production.

I would finish by rolling on a little Sofia Latif Eye Oil to under eyes and either perform some lymph drainage sweeps under eyes or press gently around the orbital bones.

What changes would you like to see and the beauty industry over the next year or so?

I think we are headed into a good direction with skincare as there is more transparency and better labelling plus I think customers are far savvier in what to invest in as they use forums, social media and reviews to make an informed choice.  I do think we will begin to see most spatulas and more innovative solutions to hygiene and cross-contamination which is something I have been pushing brands to consider for a long time and now given the pandemic they have more reason to.  The beauty industry as a whole is vast!  I would especially like our industry to be celebrated as a provider of care, not a frivolous habit and seeing as it is a majority female-led industry we continue to be proud and support one another AND take our industry as seriously as we want to be taken.  Now is the time to unite!

Thank you, Nadira

Inspired? Check out our other ‘My Beauty and Wellbeing’ stories…