Catherine Hurley Arbibe Takes Us Inside Her Makeup Bag

There isn’t anyone in the modelling industry quite like Catherine Hurley Arbibe. Kicking off her career in the early 90s, the British national was the face of many a runway, clothing campaign and magazine cover – spending the time between jobs studying for a degree in medicine at Oxford University. Later down the line, Hurley Arbibe switched the catwalk for the lab, fuelling her growing interest in the gut microbiome and the role it plays in our overall health. The result? NEWROAD, the wellness brand renowned for its gut supplements.

It’s this new chapter of her career that has shaped her view of today’s beauty scene. ‘I take a very holistic approach to beauty and value enormously taking care of what I eat, quality of sleep, exercise and managing stress for a beauty glow, along with the other important benefits of managing these factors,’ the former model tells C&TH. ‘I make sure to eat a diverse array of plant foods to look after my gut microbiome, and I take our NEWROAD 30 blend daily. It contains a variety of 30 plant foods, including six types of polyphenol rich berries, which has had a significant impact on my skin.’

But when it comes to makeup, she takes a much more playful approach: ‘I love experimenting with makeup way more now than as a younger adult or teenager – I especially love how it can make you feel to be looking your best.’

Below, Catherine Hurley Arbibe takes us through her makeup bag, daily routine and the hero products she goes back to time and again.

What’s Inside My Beauty Bag? With Catherine Hurley Arbibe

Catherine Hurley Arbibe

Let’s start with the bag itself – describe it for us.

My make up bag is probably bigger than it needs to be, but I love it so much. It’s from Fragonard, and has some fun and colourful images of St Paul de Vence in the South of France. It always makes me smile.

What’s your pre-makeup beauty ritual?

I pull my hair back with a gorgeous little headband – handmade by my friend who sells them in our local market – and then I wash my face with La Roche Posay Toleriane. I always dry with a large cotton wool pad, so I know it’s completely clean.

I moisturise with Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré Nourishing Moisturiser and make sure to give my face a good massage in the process. Getting the blood flowing makes such a difference to the over all complection. I first encountered this cream like 25 years ago when I started working in Paris, and practically all the makeup artists were using it. I’ve recently rediscovered it, and have a new appreciation for just how soothing it is on my sometimes sensitive skin.

I’ve been trying to find a great daily mineral sunscreen for ages, knowing how important it is to protect my skin from the sun, but not wanting to be exposed to unnecessary chemicals daily. I’ve literally just found a great untinted one at Jones Road, so that now goes on after my moisturiser.

Perhaps unusually, I always carry a tooth brush, toothpaste and floss in my make up bag. Would feel so odd to be made up and not have clean and fresh teeth. One of my core routines.

Let’s break down your makeup routine – face?

I like skin to look as natural as possible so mostly I just use a small amount of concealer from Clé de Peau Beauté, mixing Ivory and Beige. If I want a more complete tone I’ll sometimes use Laura Mercier tinted moisturiser in Porcelain.

Eyes?

I usually keep it quite simple on the eyes – mostly because I’m really not good at applying eye makeup. I do wear mascara most days though, and I like e.l.f Lash ‘N Roll because it gives good definition but keeps it looking natural. Every now and again I give them a lift with an eyelash curler, and I’m always surprised at the difference it makes. I also really like to add a little black liquid eyeliner; I’m currently using one from Pat McGrath. In the evening I sometimes add a shimmery transparant eyeshadow like Charlotte Tilbury’s Champagne.

Eyebrows?

I’ve always had thick bushy eyebrows, but happily they work really well for the ‘untamed’ look of the moment. Tweezerman and my brow setter help keep these lively brows in place.

Lips?

My everyday go-tos are Naturium Phyto-Glow Lip Balm in Jam or Trinny London’s Flush Blush in Schmoogie. For a stronger look it’s Rodial XXL Lip Liner in Street Style, Mac’s Lip Liner Pencil in Plum, or Chanel Le Crayon Lèvres Longwear Lip Pencil in Rouge Tendre for a real pop.

Finishing touches?

Possibly one of the most important additions to my make up bag is Weleda’s Skin Food. I rub it between my fingers and pat over my make-up for a really hydrated settting that lasts.

Tools?

Mostly I use my fingers, though I do sometimes use a Shu Uemura blush brush that I’ve had forever and it’s still in great condition. On the topic of brushes, I also carry my Mason Pearson hairbrush that I’ve had for 30 years!

What’s the one beauty item you always carry in your handbag?

Perfume – it always helps me feel made up. I alternate depending on my mood or time of day, but I’m currently loving Olène by Diptyque.

What about the hero product you can’t live without, and have used for years?

One hundred percent blush! There’s very little that a splash of blush won’t fix. I love cream, rather than powder – Mac’s Glow Play Blush in Grand is perfect.

Tell us about a beauty trend you love.

I’m loving the ‘baby brow’ look; it’s soft and natural, but still frames the face beautifully

And one you can’t wait to see fall out of fashion?

I’m not a big fan of heavy contouring. I think it can look staged and mask natural features.

What’s something you did beauty-wise in your youth that you’d never do again?

I used to be so lazy with my skincare and would hardly every remove my make up or cleanse my face. While I don’t believe in over-cleansing, my approach was a bit extreme. Even after fashion shows I would only use a quick babywipe to remove the bare minimum. Not a good strategy and I’m trying to make up for it now.

The best piece of beauty advice you’ve been given?

Drink lots of water. (It’s the following of the advice that’s less easy!)

What’s your beauty philosophy?

Being happy and energised and kind will give you a fundamental glow – the makeup adds just a little extra magic and sparkle.

What item do you think should be in every beauty bag?

Moisturiser. It’s the worst feeling when your skin is dry and tight.

Makeup: for touch-up or self-expression?

Generally, for touch-up, but sometimes it’s a nice way to announce your mood!

More From Catherine

Keep up with Catherine Hurley on Instagram (@catherinehurleyarbibe) or over at newroad.life