Roksanda Ilinčić’s Everyday Beauty, Health And Wellness Hacks
The designer who founded her eponymous fashion brand shares her day-to-night skin essentials, go-to jet-lag trick, and the secret to recreating her signature red lip
My mornings include precious time with my daughter
I try to be as kind to my skin as possible
After a gentle cleanse, I apply Noble Panacea’s The Exceptional Vitamin C Booster Serum and The Brilliant Prime Radiance Serum, which I massage into my skin with a gua sha or face roller. I don’t tend to apply any makeup during the day – my priority is to focus on giving my skin the best hydration boost. I live in London and, even though it’s often cloudy, I never leave the house without a layer of SPF protection by La Roche-Posay.
In the shower…
…I use a longstanding favorite, Aesop’s Geranium Leaf Body Scrub, and, if I can stand it, I finish off with a few seconds of cold water to boost circulation and release stress. Afterwards, I love using The Body Cream by Augustinus Bader, which provides the perfect combination of hydration and freshness.
To avoid jet lag…
…I time my meals to the same time as my destination. If you do this, your body and all your systems will work with you and settle in more easily with your new surroundings. I always aim for an evening flight, too, so that I can optimize sleep during my flight.
I practice gua sha religiously…
…in the morning and the evening. I find it such a wonderful tool for self-soothing – and it works wonders to stimulate blood circulation, depuff and release any tension in your facial muscles. Because I spend most of my work days with my head deep in designs, it's a lovely release and feels like a real treat. Next on my list to try are some cooling derma-globes.
I dedicate time to reset and wind down at the end of each day…
…and a good evening routine is such a lovely way to do this. I start by cleansing my skin – usually with MZ Skin’s Cleanse & Clarify Dual Action AHA Cleanser & Mask – then I apply the same vitamin C booster serum I use in the morning, plus a renewing serum, followed by Noble Panacea’s The Brilliant Overnight Recharge Cream. Once or twice a week, I will treat myself to the brand’s The Exceptional Chronobiology Sleep Mask, too, which always leaves my skin looking wonderfully recharged and hydrated. To wind down for sleep, I spend a few moments with my daughter and listen to the Headspace app. I also love lighting candles before I go to bed – the scents by Vyrao never fail to bring that special calmness to a room.
I regularly practice Pilates
As a fashion designer, my working days are very long and the run-ups to shows are extremely demanding, but regular Pilates really helps – and I also love stretching sessions, which I try to do daily.
I try to eat a clean, varied and healthy diet
My grandmother strongly believed in fasting once a week – a ritual that I now practice, depending on my schedule. It is something that allows my system to reset and regenerate. I usually do it on Fridays. When I’m not fasting, I try to focus on plant-based options whenever I can. I always love colorful fruits and vegetables, as I have cherished memories of seeing them at the local food markets back home in Belgrade.
If I have a shoot or big event the next day…
…I swear by 111Skin’s eye and face masks. They truly are a facial in a sheet, and leave your skin feeling ready for anything. I also love to treat my hair and body with Frédéric Malle’s Portrait of a Lady Hair and Body Oil, and I use La Mer’s Genaissance de la Mer The Concentrated Night Balm on my face, too.
A red lip is my favorite tool to add a pop of color
I don’t wear much makeup, but my go-to is Mac’s Lady Danger Matte Lipstick mixed with a little bit of Powder Kiss Liquid Lipcolour in a bright orange/red shade. In addition to the red lip, I love using a little eyeliner and mascara to really elevate the look. On an everyday basis, I wear Byredo’s Liquid Lipstick Vinyl as a natural, hydrating option with a glossy finish.
My mother taught me to keep my body in balance…
…and give it the space to breathe, sleep and recharge. Earlier this year, I visited the incredible One & Only Portonovi in Montenegro for one of its Chenot Espace wellness programs. It was such a fascinating and educating experience, as I’m always curious to learn more about the mind and body. The program included diagnostic tests, bespoke treatments, and culinary plans to stimulate and activate energy channels to rebalance the body’s physiology. I brought back one of the Chenot detox teas, too, which I’m enjoying every day.