Meet Iain Jeffery. When they're not serving up glowing skincare and makeup inspo on the gram, Iain is working on their PhD in Criminology.
Multifaceted. We love that.
Iain's here to run us though their morning, share a few beauty tips and dispel some SPF myths.
So, what’s the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning?
It’s so cliché, but I organise myself a coffee. There is something about sitting down, opening up the paper and catching up with the day slowly that I find so relaxing. It helps put me into a good headspace to actually tackle my work.
How much time do you spend on skincare and what does your AM skincare routine look like?
Some people would say too long, I would say not long enough. My morning routine probably takes me 10 to 15 minutes and my evening routine, if I’m masking, can take up to an hour. I’m obsessed with it though.
My morning routine is ever changing but it has two continuous goals: hydration and protection. I tend to just splash with tepid water rather than cleanse in the morning because I normally don’t feel like I need it.
I then like to layer a couple of water-thing products, so I’ll normally start with a mist. I like the NIOD Superoxide Dismutase Saccharide Mist followed by an essence, right now I’m loving the Fresh Kombucha Essence.
I then will use a Vitamin C serum, to boost antioxidant protection throughout the day, Mecca recently released a new one and it’s delightful and very affordable, too!
Finally I’ll moisturise, despite being normal-to-combination, I’m obsessed with glow and hydration so I like a thicker moisturiser, Sulwhasoo’s Bloomstay Vitalising Cream is lovely and smells like plum blossoms. Finally, the most important step is sunscreen! I actually alternate between all four SKINSCREEN™, but right now I’m back in love with Supreme Screen.
If you’re running late what are your non-negotiables? (skincare/hair and makeup)
One of the perks of cutting your own mullet is that messy is kind of the name of the game. So I’ll just run my hands through my hair to make it look like… Olsen twin chic, lived in messy. I’ll then rinse my face and slap on Supreme Screen. I love that I don’t technically neeed to layer it with anything else because it’s my hydration, SPF and antixoidants in one.
What’s your go-to breakfast at the moment?
I’m one of those people who don’t eat breakfast. Whilst I’d like to say its intermittent fasting, it’s really not, I’m just never hungry in the morning. If I absolutely have to eat breakfast, it’s normally a ham and cheese croissant.
How do you remember to reapply throughout the day?
I have two main ways, keeping my sunscreen visible to myself throughout the day, so normally keeping it on my desk. I also use the SunSmart app and that allows you to set reapplication reminders which is so handy.
Any great SPF hacks?
I think people are always on the quest for the “best” sunscreen, but they need to remember the best sunscreen is the one you’re actually going to wear, so choose one and commit and your skin will thank you in the long term.
What are your earliest memories of using/not using sunscreen?
Thankfully for my skin, I’ve always been on the pale side and my mother is Irish, so she knew the importance of always covering up. She used to the lather the sunscreen on me whenever we were out in public and it was particularly sunny. I don’t think I’ve ever had a particular bad sunburn ever.
How would you describe your approach to sun safety now?
Diligent. I just don’t see the point in investing in your skin in any way, shape or form if you’re not also going to protect it. Sunscreen is literally the easiest thing to do daily, and it wields the best results.
What’s the biggest myth you’ve heard about sunscreen?
I think fearmongering surrounding organic (chemical) filters is definitely the worst. They’re excellent ingredients that are safe, cosmetically elegant and don’t harm coral reefs. I think so many people think of sunscreens as the old school zinc lotions that were so unappealing, but modern filters and formulas feel like luxurious skincare – exactly why I love UV!
Best beauty tip you’ve ever heard—go.
If you want to wear it – just do! We spend so much time concerned that other people aren’t going to vibe our aesthetic, so we dull it down. Life’s too short! Lockdown taught me to just embrace myself, and my forever stuck in 2009 emo culture aesthetic and that’s exactly what I’m doing.
How would you describe your feelings about Ultra Violette in 3 words?
She’s that bitch.
What three things were you grateful for this morning?
That it’s Friday, that pubs exist and that I’m surrounded by wonderful people that genuinely bring out the best in me.
Shope Iain's fave, Supreme Screen HERE.
OR meet take the SKINSCREEN™ Quiz HERE.
