7 Secrets of Beauty & Wellbeing: Kirsti Shuba, Co-founder of Katherine Daniels skincare
We like to think of British brand Katherine Daniels as ‘real skincare for real women.’ Their philosophy is: ‘We want you to have #betterskinforlife’ – thanks to salon-strength products, designed to ‘enhance the way your skin works and get you results.’
Kirsti Shuba (above) is Co-founder of Katherine Daniels, and has poured her own skin wisdom into the range, gleaned first-hand during years working in skincare – along with Co-founder Donna Tait, the pair have over 70 years of experience between them. But as so often with female founders, Kirsti has built her brand alongside raising a family. So we thought she’d be a fantastic interviewee to share her thoughts on staying balanced and beautiful, for the latest in this always-popular ‘7 Secrets of Beauty & Wellbeing’ series.
Here, then, is what works for Kirsti…
One of my favourite sayings is ‘It works if you work it.’ I keep this in mind with everything I’m involved in. It’s one of my favourite sayings. When you’re busy its easy to start something without 100% commitment and then think, ‘this isn’t working’. The saying is true for many things in life, from skincare, to exercise, to healthy relationships (mostly) and even technology, the list goes on. I try only to start what I have the time and energy to commit to. This keeps my mindset positive.’
Pilates is my ‘bag’. It’s no secret I am not a fan of exercise which makes me sweat or get massively out of breath. But Pilates, along with walking my two dogs, keeps me in shape. I have recently also committed to facial exercise and I love the results. I also love the ritual of doing them in the evening and believe me some nights I’m so tired I just want to fall into bed, but nine times out of 10 I do it (and it works).’
I don’t put off today what makes tomorrow easier. It keeps pre-work mornings less stressful. At this point my husband and two children roll their eyes. A good example is to get tomorrow’s outfit out the night before – again, it’s a bit of a ‘ritual thing’ but it does save multiple changes and a pile of discarded clothes to re-hang. NB I rarely deviate from my prechosen outfit choice!
I think it’s important to laugh out loud, often. Apparently it makes you live longer!? I am lucky that my home is full of laughter and fun (with a teenage daughter there’s also hormonal tears and a few tantrums too). There is nothing better for feeding the soul and lifting the spirits than a good old belly laugh.
We like to eat together, whenever we can. If as a family you can do that, it’s a gift, take it. For everyone who is busy with work, travelling, being a mum, this is the time where we reconnect as a family, sharing stories from our days, enjoying our meal and each other’s company and usually a laugh or two. I don’t like eating alone and tend not to bother with a proper meal if I’m without company.
I always tell people: ‘Don’t go to bed in your make-up. EVER!’ You will regret it, sooner than you think. Part of our Katherine Daniels brand philosophy is that skincare should take a few minutes in the morning and the same in the evening, with a little extra TLC once or twice a week. Even if I’m exhausted, my makeup comes off. I’m a double cleanse and tone girl, so our Essential Cleansing Milk (£28 for 200ml) and Toning Lotion (£28 for 200ml), both pictured below, give a deep yet gentle cleanse. Our kitten soft Micro Cloths (£7 per pair), quickly remove every trace of make-up and product, it feels like a treat and not a chore. Following this up with our Nurturing Night Balm (£57 for 30ml), gives my skin a dose of skin-perfecting antioxidants and the hydration and nourishment it needs. I sleep, it works! Perfect!
Being organised is a mindset. It reduces the feeling of stress and anxiety associated with being busy. I love lists. Oh my GOSH, I love lists! I love the feeling of organisation lists bring me. I love the feeling of achievement at the end of the day/week when I have less on my list. I start a fresh one each week. There are always carry overs from last week’s list, but I know what I’ve got to do!