Interview with Janet Hayward, founder of Ipsum Skincare
Ipsum beauty was created by former beauty journalist and author Janet Hayward, as the culmination of 25 years of learning, understanding and writing about the best in beauty in the UK and Australia.
Ipsum formulations are delicately-balanced organic blends of nutrient-rich, potent, pure plant oils to ensure skin is smooth, supple, even-toned and positively glowing with health.
Ipsum uses only the highest quality, sustainably sourced, pure and organic oils which are carefully extracted from plants grown in their natural habitat, including sunshine-soaked Australia, to ensure the integrity of the benefits to your skin. Our oils are blended and bottled in the clean, verdant and very beautiful hinterland of Byron Bay in Australia under strict COSMOS regulations and the preservation of the environment.
Dear Janet, Thank you so much for sharing your time and knowledge with us. How would you define “clean beauty”?
For me clean beauty is uncomplicated, 100% pure and natural and 100% respectful of the biodiversity of the environment and therefore humans.
What inspired you to start your own brand?
I have spent the past two decades learning, understanding and writing about ingredients and beauty (I am a former beauty journalist and also an author focusing on the topic of natural beauty). I am also passionate about natural, seasonal and organic living for optimum health and using organic plant oil blends in my skincare routine has always been natural for me. In creating Ipsum I wanted to share my belief and passion, together with this acquired knowledge, in the power of plant oils and extracts and how they can really rejuvenate, smooth, soothe, brighten and nourish skin to it’s very best health without negative impact on humans and the environment.
What is the holy grail product of your line?
This is a tricky question as I alternate the products all the time! However I would have to say the product that I finish most quickly is Ipsum Best Skin Enriching Face Oil. It’s supercharged with plant-derived CoQ10 which provides energy to skin cells helping to boost collagen and improve elastin. If I’m feeling like my skin needs a quick fix, I find the Enriching Face Oil makes even a dull and tired complexion look instantly bright and radiant!
What is your personal skincare routine?
I am very low maintenance! I double cleanse every evening and cleanse again in the morning and always follow cleansing with a face oil – and lip balm. One evening a week I exfoliate with an enzyme powder mixed into my usual cleanser and I follow this with a concentrated face oil for a supercharged overnight treatment. That’s it! I follow the same routine during summer and winter but I select a different face oil depending on what I feel my skin needs at that time. And even though I wear contact lenses during the day, I use face oil around the eye area too.
What are your wellness essentials?
This is easy. Enough sleep, daily exercise (even just morning and evening walks with my dog) and the company of good friends! Any stress just melts away if I have all three in my life.
What is your favorite place in the world? And why?
Much as I love Sydney and chose to live here after growing up in the UK, my favourite place has to be the South of France - and specifically the stretch between Antibes and Juan le Pins. It still has the genteel glamour of the 1920s but also has a fabulous 1960s rock star vibe – as if all the members of the Rolling Stones have now retired there - mixed together with a fabulous injection of North African culture.
What are your healthy habits?
I start each morning with an alkalising glass of fresh lemon juice squeezed into a glass of room temperature water. I also drink a lot of water throughout the day to keep my body and skin hydrated.
How do you practice self-care?
I love practicing Iyengar yoga. However I must admit that my attendance at formal classes has become less regular over the past year – but I try to compensate a little by practicising at home in the morning and in the evening- even if only for 10 minutes at a time. I also love to take a bath every evening! It’s my form of meditation and I always sleep so well afterwards. I always add a scoop of magnesium-rich Epsom salts to give my mind and body a boost too.
When you travel, is there something you always pack in your suitcase?
I always have an olive leaf extract mouth spray to help keep inflight cold and flu bugs at bay and I take my own mini-size toiletries to use in the hotel. I also always take a wide cashmere scarf that can double as a blanket on the aeroplane and also as a wrap for cooler evenings.
What is your personal beauty secret?
I never forget to thoroughly cleanse my face at night – no matter how tired I am or how late at night it might be – and I apply face oil. That’s it. I suppose my secret is that even though I have been writing about beauty for over 20 years, for me, less is more and I like to keep my routine simple and natural.
What are the craziest things you`ve done in the name of beauty?
Not so much crazy but I couldn’t carry it off now! In my 20s in London I cut my hair to 1cm all over and lightened it to white-blonde! I did it on the spur of the moment and the hairdresser was very reluctant to cut my shoulder-length hair so drastically in one go, but she did it and we both loved the result!
What is your favorite workout and how do you train often per week?
My favourite workout is Iyengar yoga and I usually take formal classes twice a week and practice a little daily at home. Lately I have missed the formal classes but I still make sure I practice some poses at home everyday. Handstands are my favourite pose!
Is there a supplement that you swear by?
Olive leaf extract is essential as soon as the colder months set in. I take a little of it every day to keep colds and flu at bay and it really works for me. It’s a great booster for the immune system and consequently I haven’t caught a cold or even a sore throat for the past five years!
What is your preferred time to go to bed and to wake up?
I love to get up and enjoy the early hours of the day which is great as this also suits my dog too! It’s hard to beat the lovely temperature and sunshine of Sydney at 6am. Ideally I like to hop into bed at 9pm and read until I fall asleep.
What is your favorite hotel? Restaurant? Dish?
My favourite is Hotel Belles Rives in Juan les Pins – although Soho House in Berlin is a very close second. Both faded glamour and luxury with a quirky and eco-conscious twist! My favourite restaurant is Wolgan Dining Room at One&Only Wolgan Valley in the Blue Mountains in Sydney for memorable fine dining using local seasonal and organic produce. I have so many favourite dishes from simple grilled fish with lemon to subtly spiced Indian dahl but if I have to pick one it would be a Moroccan tagine.
Your favorite Instagram blog to follow?
Besides Muse & Heroine?! I have to say the Instagram blog I most look forward to is British journalist Sali Hughes. She is smart, honest and witty – the best inspirational combination.
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