From the moment we met Ruby Raut recently, we were captivated by her story. An Environmental Scientist, Ruby is founder of WUKA, an environmentally friendly brand offering a really stylish, leak-proof alternative to pads and tampons, and has been helping to break down barriers about menstruation.

Ruby knows all about those: growing up in Nepal, she was shamed for having periods, experiencing something called Chapaudi – now illegeal – whereby she was sent to her aunt’s house, not allowed to go out in the sun, look at men or touch plants (in case she killed them!), just because she was having her period. Hard-working and driven – and just lovely, with it – we invited Ruby to share her secrets for staying balanced and beautiful. (Meanwhile, find out more about WUKA – and enter the prize draw to win a wardrobe of ‘life-changing’ pants whatever your age and stage in life – here.)

I’ve learned to show my skin some love. OK, so I'll admit it, I wasn't always big on skincare. Growing up in Nepal, access to beauty products was a rarity – we used simple talcum powder to manage heat-induced sweat and oily complexions and our beauty routines were crafted with raw, natural ingredients like concocting charcoal eyeliner and ripened papaya face masks. I was more of a tomboy anyway, so looking after myself was the last thing on my mind. But hey, better late than never, right? Once I hit 30 and stepped into my role as a CEO, I realised it was time to start showing my skin some love. Now, my routine is simple yet effective: cleanse, moisturise, and a little love with a facial oil. Discovering Mauli and Sarah Chapman was like finding a hidden gem for me!

From a young age, I’ve always believed water is like your best friend. Seriously, even now when I get a phone call from my mom, the first thing she will ask is if I had a glass of water before I left for a dog walk. It's like a magic potion that keeps my skin looking all fresh and radiant. Plus, it's super easy to keep up with, just drink up, and voila, you're glowing! Growing up, cucumber juice was our elixir, promising a hydrated, radiant glow from within.”

A good night's sleep is an absolute game-changer. I cannot stress this enough. When I’ve not had a good night’s sleep, you can clearly see it – the bags under my eyes look big enough to carry two sacks of potatoes. I always aim for a good 8-hour sleep. I try to go to bed around 11pm and I’m always up around 7am. I don’t sleep in during the weekends, though; they are all the same for me. Catching those zzzz's is not helps me look my best, but it’s even more important for my mental wellbeing so I can feel my best, too.  

I like to get moving every day. I'm not talking about hitting the gym for hours. For me, it's all about taking my furry friend for a walk. No phones, no podcasts, just me, my pup, and the great outdoors. I’ve always found solace in nature, it's like my therapy. Plus, I get to catch up on some real-life stories from the people I meet along the way.

I rely on foundation for a flawless finish. Somehow, I’d always assumed foundation and make-up are only used when you are getting married – and honestly when I saw some of the brides applying a cake of makeup, I was terrified I might look the same. But when I discovered that foundation to cover the pores and just smooth the face, I was like, wow! As a darker skinned girl, there are underlying societal pressures to lighten your complexion and finding the right foundation when you’ve got a brown skin tone can be a struggle! I started with MAC and when I found the right match, I was hooked. I still have to get two shades, one for summer and one for winter as my skin changes quite rapidly, but blends in like a dream, leaving me with that flawless finish I crave.

Rituals are important to me, especially when it comes to what I wear. I'm all about those printed, colourful clothes that make me feel alive. Materials matter – give me some linen, cotton or Tencel, then I’m good to go! This of course translates to WUKA where we only use the highest quality, eco-friendly fabrics for our leak-proof apparel. From Tencel Modal, which is made from sustainable beech trees, to BCI Cotton, every pair of WUKA is mindfully designed to be kind to your skin and kind the planet!

I love my plant babies! Last – but definitely not least. There's something so therapeutic about surrounding yourself with greenery, indoors and outdoors. I am definitely more of a mountain and forest person than a seaside lover. So, when I have time I try and make a mini plant oasis in the house or you will find me talking to trees and birds outside.

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