The Woman Behind the Business: Antonia Burrell

You might remember a blog post I did a little while ago on my facial experience with Antonia Burrell. Check out the post here

Well todays the woman behind the business is the one and only Antonia Burrell. Facialist to the stars, the lady with the magic hands and someone who inspires me with her drive and determination to succeed.

I met Antonia for lunch and asked her some questions about her business, beauty tips and favourite things.

1) How did you get into the business of beauty?

I started at the age of 19 and as a career it’s all I have ever done. I used to work as a therapist at the Sanctuary spa earning £28 a day! I was then promoted to a senior therapist and I realised I really needed to supplement my income so I also started selling the retail products. I got to know the products inside and out and was promoted to head of retail.

I was then headhunted and went to work with Aveda for 6 years where I won a number of awards for being the best in sales. Following that I decided to launch my own business. I opened up 3 salons and also started teaching aromatherapy at the London College of Arts.

2) Tell us about your skincare range. What prompted you to create your own range and what makes it unique?

Skin has always been my passion, and I had a lifelong dream to own my own range of products so I decided to let go of my salons at the end of 2010. I was pushed by my clients and their needs to develop a range of products that would target the skin concerns of may women today.

Sourcing my packaging was really important. My bottles are violet, which stops UV light getting into the product and also helps to preserve the ingredients.

I believe that skin is highly receptive to nature because as people we are part of nature. I sourced and use high levels of active natural ingredients, which means that you get results faster. For example my Forest Dew toner contains an ingredient that is a polysaccharide, which is a water-binding agent and has been proven to be 8 times more hydrating than hyaluronic acid.  So it is great for plumping the skin and for dry dehydrated skin.

My cleanser is the first plant based water soluble oil that has been produced

3)  So many women in the 20’s and 30’s are suffering with adult acne and breakouts, can you offer any advice on how to treat this?

When women hit their late 20’s and 30’s their body starts going through strong hormonal changes which can cause an increase in sebum, loss of moisture and skin changes.

Things I would recommend include:

• Diet – Keep your diet as green as possible including a high percentage of fresh, raw and alkaline forming foods

• Stress - Try to reduce the amount of stress in your life and try to include activities that help you release tension e.g. exercise, meditation, some downtime etc.,  find something that works for you 

• Cleansing – It’s important to cleanse properly and to look for products that won’t strip your skin of all its moisture.

Also look at investing in really good skincare and going to see someone who understands skin and can offer you a set of treatments.

4)  You are well known for your facial massage and lifting techniques. Are there any tips you can offer us to incorporate into our routine at home?

When you cleanse, imagine elongating your face, cheeks and neck. Use sweeping movements and gently push your skin upwards towards the ceiling

Use your two middle fingers on both hands and spend time massaging and tapping your face. This will help to stimulate and improve the circulation to your skin and rejuvenate your face

5) We all want to know, what is your skincare routine?

I keep it very simple

In the morning

• I use my Natural Glow Cleansing Oil to cleanse my face
• I then saturate my skin with my Forest Dew Skin Conditioner
• Followed by my Cream Supreme Facial Moisturiser

In the evening

• I double cleanse (which means washing my face twice) using the Natural Glow Cleansing Oil.
• I also tend to use my Luminous Light Polishing Powder (which is an exfoliator) at night because I have more time to really spend on working it into my skin.
• I then follow this with my Radiant Light Facial Serum, which helps to brighten the skin

The double cleanse and exfoliation really cleanses my face, thoroughly removing all the gunk and pollution from the day and allowing any products applied afterwards to penetrate properly

6) Antonia’s Favourite things

• Favourite makeup: Dior Black OutMascara, Laura Mercier Lip Glace in Blush. Mac Raizin Blush, Mac Lipstick in Lady Danger and Nars Vesuvio Lipstick. I keep all these items in my handbag and use them to switch up my look from day to night. 

I don’t wear foundation or powder and just contour my face with my Raizin blush. I am never without my mascara or lip-gloss.

• Desert Island Must haves: My Ipad for reading and music, my mascara and my bible

• Favourite Book: The Road less Travelled by Scott Peck.  I love it because it educates you on life, people and love and it causes you to stop and reevaluate.  I also love it because it teaches you that although life is fundamentally difficult, it isn’t about you but rather is about you enabling the spiritual growth of some else.

• Favouite Music: I adore all music but am particularly drawn to classical music and used to play in an Orchestra. I also find that classical music helps me focus when I’m working

• Favourite Things in life: Walking, being out in the beauty of nature such as the middle of the Alps during the summer, and travelling

• Word to live by: Never say never, it’s not over till it’s over and let food be our medicine and let medicine be our food.

Thank you so, so much for sharing your story with us Antonia. 

If you haven’t already make sure you check out Antonia’s website, facial treatments and products. You can find the range in Harrods Urban Retreat , Harvey Nichols Beauty Mart and on her website