You have been living with the consequences of the acid attack since 2008, how do you now feel about your scars?
I would definitely say that discovering products like Remescar have really helped with my confidence, both physically and psychologically. When you have an injury you look to the medical and beauty market to help. However, quite often you can try loads of different products and procedures that don’t actually work. This can be a massive anti-climax and I think can cause more harm psychologically. When you find something that works, something that has an active ingredient, and you see visible differences, it helps you progress. And with progress comes confidence, helping you to break free from your shell and feel better about yourself. I feel far more comfortable in the skin that I am in now.
**
You have turned a negative situation in your life into a positive story (had a baby, getting married, own TV show) what advice would you give to others to help them do the same?**
It is important to remember that I didn’t feel confident right away, it took a long time. I would say to others don’t concentrate on the times you fell down, concentrate on the times that you felt on top. It doesn’t just come overnight, you have to really persevere and hang in there. Don’t be afraid to reach out for support and rely on other people. Sometimes if you let people in the days you can’t do it for yourself, you can do it for them instead, because you don’t want to let them down. For me, I found using a psychologist really helpful, it helped unburden some of the pressure.
What is your usual skin care regime?
I never sleep in my make-up, I always wash it all off and use a special eye cleanser to remove heavy eye make up. I make sure my skin is cleansed before I apply the scar stick, not just on the scars from my burns, but also on newer scars from operations I’ve had since (including the scar from my C section). Then I use a good night cream and I always tie my hair back before I go to bed to keep it from getting tangled.
In the morning I have a quick shower and apply the scar stick in the same places. The stick is really great as it dries so quickly and isn’t sticky unlike other products on the market. This really helps when I’m rushing around with my baby or need to put make up on, especially if I am filming and I need to put television make-up on! Also, as it’s a small stick I can take it out with me in the day and reapply whenever I need to.
What are your favourite beauty products?
Moisturiser is a massive product for me. I always use a good night cream as I suffer from dehydrated skin. Again the scar stick is so important for me, and even if I didn’t have my scars and burns I would still be using it on my C section scar and other areas on my body. I use eye drops every day as my eyes were damaged so can get quite dry. I have also invested in a really good old fashioned Mason Pearson hair brush, which I carry everywhere in my bag.
Your hair always looks glossy and shiny, what are your favourite hair products?
I don’t like to wash my hair too often as it dries it out, so I use the Batiste dry shampoo on the roots in between washes. I also try not to style my hair with tongs or straighteners every day. Instead, I leave it to every other day to protect it from breakage.
Do you ever leave the house without make-up on?
All the time! I often get my daughter ready and put her into a nice outfit and then her nappy leaks or she throws up on my outfit. So at the moment, I would say I leave the house without any make-up almost every day.
What are your top beauty tips?
Always wash your make-up off! Your skin can become really tired and dehydrated if you don’t clean and moisturise properly at night. Always floss your teeth. I think teeth are really important as when you smile you are communicating with people and your smile is one of those things that people look at straight away.
I don’t think you have to spend lots of money on expensive products. Experiment and try different products, and once you find your key products keep using those and invest where you need to.
How would you describe your fashion style? Any favourite clothes you like to wear at home?
I really like the high street. I don’t buy anything designer at all, probably because I like to change trends according to the different seasons. I shop a lot at Miss Selfridge and River Island; they are my two favourite shops. Sometimes I get more expensive pieces from Coast and a lot of my summer stuff has come from Oasis. I am a big fan of Oasis.
Who is your style icon?
I really like the way that Millie Mackintosh dresses. I think she always looks sexy but stylish and elegant as well and young.