She’s worked with all the top fashion and beauty photographers, and painted some of the most famous and beautiful faces in the world from Gisele Bundchen and Miranda Kerr to Cindy Sherman and Tilda Swinton. Name a glossy magazine and make up artist Rose-Marie Swift will have a credit on it. From Vogue (French, Italian, US, Japan, China…) to W, Harpers Bazaar, Allure, Glamour… You get the picture.

But then, several years ago, Rose-Marie developed serious health issues including hair loss, panic attacks, weakness, insomnia, memory loss and candida. Researching what was happening to her body and brain, Rose-Marie discovered that some of the toxic chemicals and heavy metals in her system were in the beauty products she used liberally every day on herself and her clients. (And, of course, the ones we all use too, though likely in lesser quantities.)

Traditional doctors could not help. Finally Rose-Marie paid for ‘some very extensive (‘and expensive!’) lab work. ‘My tests showed that I had toxic levels of the heavy metals lead, cadmium, aluminium, barium and mercury. I also had high levels of pesticides and many other chemicals in my system.’ When the results came through, the lab technician had one question: ‘Do you work in the cosmetic industry?’

After she recovered and rebuilt her health, Rose-Marie created her own RMS Beauty range - truly organic colour cosmetics that give everyone access to clean, healthy beauty.

Rose-Marie also set up her website, beautytruth.com, to reveal what’s really in products and dispel beauty myths. Do have a browse; it’s very revealing.

Now for the latest in this occasional series, Beauty Bible asked Rose-Marie to share how she keeps well.

1. I listen to my subconscious mind and body. Part of becoming a well person is learning to listen to yourself. When I suffered mysterious health issues in my thirties, so many conventional doctors gave me misinformation, or suggested that it was all in my head. My gut told me they were wrong and I was correct — my system was full of heavy metals and toxins that were making me sick. I believe you need to calm your mind to really listen and feel what your body is telling you. That first intuitive hit is often the right one. We’re often told there’s someone who knows more than we do, but that’s not always true. When it comes to your body - and your life - you often know in your gut when something is wrong or right.

2. I like to fast from time to time. Because of the way food is produced, the abundant chemicals and toxins in our environment, and the prevalence of chronic stress, our bodies have often been polluted from an early age. I have long believed that fasting is one of the best healing modalities. It creates a much-needed break for every organ in the body allows everything in the body to basically reprogramme itself.  Just as we cleanse and tend the outside of our bodies, so we need to do the same for the inside.

3. It’s important to detoxify your life. We live in a polluted world that subjects us to a burden of environmental stress.   Our beds and furniture are covered in fire retardants, office carpeting and upholstery may feature formaldehyde, non-organic food is covered in pesticides and insecticides (including glyphosate), and the air we breathe is becoming an abomination with chemical trails, heavy metals and EMF’s. Even drinking water is becoming undrinkable in so many places.

But please know that a lot of this is within your control to alter. The best way to detoxify your life is to educate yourself. Read ingredients lists, question the beauty and personal care products you use daily. Find out where your food is grown and what has been done to it. Buy hand-made furniture when you can, instead of factory-made, mass-produced items. Turn off devices and limit the EMF exposure in your home.

Every little bit counts, and your choices as a consumer really can make a difference. Every time you buy something, you’re voting with your wallet.

Also, don’t forget that getting rid of toxic things in your life includes getting rid of toxic relationships and/or setting boundaries with toxic people and energy. You know when a situation isn’t good for you, and getting out of it can be so much better for your overall wellness.

4. A pet is one of the most healing pathways to opening your heart. It is pure, instinctual love with no boundaries. Looking into the eyes of an adoring pet is probably the strongest connection to unconditional love I’ve ever received. This love of animals also comes back to our environment and our choice of beauty products, food and other things. Make sure your choices are kind to all animals— including human ones.

5. It’s important to get outside into nature.  Mother Nature is the most powerful source of healing, from the beautiful blue oceans to mountain air and the winds of change. Nature removes negativity from the soul. I take every chance to get outside. I like the concept of Forest Bathing— taking a walk in the woods or any natural environment. When you walk on a beach, the feeling of the sand beneath your feet changes your whole body. Hearing and seeing the ocean or a gorgeous sunset over a mountain can really reset your mood and psyche. 

6. I respect my body. This comes in many forms: exercise, eating good wholesome food, getting enough sleep as well as spending time in nature. Many foods create an acidic environment, which can be detrimental to the body. Consume fresh food; farm-to-table produce nourishes your body and replenishes necessary enzymes, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. 

It’s important to move your body - just walking can slow your heart rate and make you healthier and happier. 

Your body needs sleep in order to do absolutely everything else. If you’re feeling extra tired or run-down, it’s often your body’s way of telling you to take a break – for an afternoon, a day, or more.

7. I have witnessed the benefits of meditation both in myself and in many other people. It doesn’t have to take long— just ten minutes a day will make a difference (although more is even better). Repeating a mantra balances the left and right sides of the brain, reducing stress and chaos and also supporting better sleeping patterns.  Meditation takes your soul to a place of connection to the universe. It resonates and balances your mind, helping you find inner peace and solitude.

rmsbeauty.com