Rhian Stephenson Takes Us Inside Her Beauty Bag

By this point, we’re well aware that keeping our body in tip top condition takes a holistic approach – from the food we eat and the way we move our bodies to the creams, serums and formulas we put on our skin. It’s also an approach that drives Rhian Stephenson both personally and professionally. A leading figure in London’s health and fitness scene, Stephenson wears many hats: a trained nutritional therapist, naturpath, ex-athelete and, in recent years, the founder of whole-body wellness company ARTAH. It’s with her B Corp-certified brand that Stephenson has found a passion for vitality – and a goal to improve others’ physical and emotional health.

And when it comes to her beauty philosophy, the brand founder takes a skin-first approach. ‘I don’t really do heavy makeup – I just like looking clean and fresh, so I really work on the underlying quality of my skin,’ she tells C&TH. ‘Taking care of this is the most important thing for me, which I do through supplements, great quality skincare, and targeted treatments. When you work on foundational skin quality it makes a huge difference.’

Below, Rhian Stephenson takes us through her beauty bag, daily routine and the hero products she goes back to time and again.

What’s Inside My Beauty Bag? With Rhian Stephenson

Rhian Stephenson

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

A blue and white canvas bag I bought years ago at a market. Nothing fancy!

Do you have any non-negotiable beauty rituals?

I have a few things that I absolutely love, as much for the ritual as for the results. First is my Boost LED Face Mask by The Light Salon; I use it a few times a week while doing yoga (specifcally legs up the wall), and it’s just a lovely ritual for the nervous system.

Another non-negotiable for me is lymphatic drainage. I don’t actually do face drainage, but I love using ARTAH’s Body Sculpting Gua Sha as it helps with water retention – especially around the stomach – and it’s super relaxing.

Let’s break down your beauty routine. Skin?

I love using Alumier MD, it’s the most incredible brand. In the morning I apply the Ultimate Boost Serum and the Hydrarich Moisturiser, and in the evening I alternate between the Bright & Clear Solution and the Retinol Resurfacing Serum 5.0.

I also use Sisley Paris’ Black Rose Precious Facial Oil in the evening.

Makeup?

I like to keep my makeup super simple, especially during the week:

• Face: Dior Forever Skin Glow foundation, followed by the Westman Atelier Contour Stick and the Baby Cheeks Blush Stick.
• Eyes: Super simple. I use Refy brow products and Kevyn Aucoin Mascara.
• Lips: The classics – Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk and Nars Afterglow
• Finish: Caudalie Facial Mist. It brings everything together and smells lovely.

Any extras?

For an added glow, I use our Skin Glow Duo. I see people spending a ton of money on topical skincare and collagen, but so many are missing the foundational micronutrients and omega 3 fats (only one in five of us are getting enough from diet) that you really need to support glowing skin.

The supplements duo is made up of our Skin Clinic blend (amino acids, micronutrients, antioxidants, ingestible retinol, lycopene and hyaluronic acid) and our Essential Omegas blend (which boasts a high potency omega 3), and this makes a huge difference in supporting collagen production, cell turnover, skin barrier health, and overall hydration.

What beauty products instantly make you feel ready to tackle the day?

 Mascara and a good brow. I have naturally light brows and lashes but dark hair, so these are the things that make me feel ready quickly.

What’s the most expensive thing in your beauty bag?

Sisley Paris’ Black Rose Precious Facial Oil. I first got it as a gift about five years ago, and I notice such a difference when I use it. It’s just divine.

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

Sisley again! But if you want something different, then the Kevyn Aucoin Mascara. So many mascaras leave smudge marks on me, and this is one of the only ones that stays looking clean and is incredibly easy to take off.

Tell us about a beauty trend you love.

Facial boosters and laser: I’ve done polynucleotides and Lutronic MD this year and they have been transformational to my skin. I’m honestly amazed.

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

Sun beds!

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

I was on a panel talk with Sarah Chapman once and she gave me some great advice about how much time to spend on the cleansing step, including simple massage techiniques to support blood flow. When I do this, it always makes a difference.

More From Rhian

Keep up with Rhian Stephenson on Instagram (@rhianstephenson and @artahhealth) or over at artah.co