Like so many of us, EVH founder Emma van Haandel has learnt much from 2020's period of isolation. "Now we are coming out of the pandemic, I plan to maximise what we have learnt during this time and shift things for the better," she tells. From her WFH beauty routine and her methods for maintaining self-care when life picks up pace. To the beauty experts to follow on Instagram and why she prioritises sunshine over ageing concerns. Here, industry insider Van Haandel shares her health and beauty philosophies and the best advice she's ever received.

What is your morning beauty routine?

To be honest I don’t have a regular morning ritual, especially at the moment as I have been working from home much more than usual. On weekends, I shower or bathe in the afternoon after errands and exercise so if I head outside before this I just spritz my face with SPF, I love Cosmedix Reflect, its only SPF 15 so will do for early mornings in winter. It’s also great over the top of SPF50 in summer as a moisture spray.

On weekdays I shower, cleanse with Cosmedix Purity Clean, spritz with Sisley Eau Florale, apply a serum (at the moment I am using Biologique Reccherche Serum 3R), and apply SPF50, I love Dr Babor protecting balm as a daily moisturiser.

I try to start the day with warm water with lemon, then a glass of cold water with a scoop of original Vida Glow marine collagen then a cup of black coffee. Hydrate then dehydrate!

I started incorporating marine collagen into my daily routine six months ago, and after about a month my skin was visibility healthier, my nails stronger and I had a lot less hair loss each time I washed my hair. Skin health is a real focus for me and taking one to two serves of Vida Glow each day is such a quick and easy way to maintain a healthy glow. I am addicted.

I am usually makeup free apart from my eyebrows that need some filling in. I use a pencil by Hourglass, from Mecca. If I need a bit more I will apply some RMS Beauty Lip2Cheek cream on my eyelids, they do a great little compact that also has a luminiser and a lip balm;

If I remember I always spray myself with Map of the Heart Clear Heart - which is very Australian, its subtle and reminds me of salty grass.

What is your night beauty routine?

I always take magnesium powder (Bioceuticals Ultra Muscleze Night) an hour of so before bed. I use an oil cleanser at night, it's more nourishing - I love the Cosmedix Purity Solution.

I will double cleanse sometimes if I have been wearing make up, and especially in summer.

My all time favourite product is the Biologique Recherche P50 (I swap between P50W and the original P50) - it exfoliates, balances any redness and boosts hydration.

I then spritz and more recently I have been using Medik8 R-Retinoate Intense, which is an all-in-one night cream Melanie Grant introduced me to. I will then add a thin layer of night cream, I am not loyal to any one product and tend to mix it up. At the moment I am using Biologique Recherche Creme VIP O2. I also like the Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream. Then I apply an eye cream.

Once a week I do a mask – either the Equal Beauty Moisture Veil Hydralift + Hydrafirm sheet mask or Sisley Black Rose Cream mask smells so good! The Cosmedix Rescue Intense Balm & Mask is great for long haul travel, its very thick and nourishing.

I wash my hair every four or five days and I do it at night in the bath and let it dry naturally. My hairdresser Dianna Gorgievski from Koda Cutters recently introduced me to OLAPLEX. I put the Number 3 Treatment on generously and leave it in for an hour or so before my bath. I then wash my hair with Number 4 then 5 and let it dry naturally.

In the morning I spritz the hair with Balmain Silk Perfume (which is like a light oil spray), put it in a twisted bun for a bit, then take it out and it’s good to go.

What does a typical day look like for you?

Every day has always been different in my line of work and that's why I love it. Now we are coming out of the pandemic, I plan to maximise what we have learnt during this time and shift things for the better.

My team have been strong and steady with the changes, and in a generation where the millennials are desperate for flexibility and free-spirited thought, I’ve noticed with the autonomy, there has been increased ownership, efficiency and creativity. All the new technologies has kept us connected and focused.

So what will a typical day look like coming out of the pandemic? I hope I will wake after an eight hour deep sleep, morning exercise, nutritious breakfast, a balance of WFH and office in person time, and to arrive home in time to cook family dinner or spend quality time with family or friends. And then an early night!

 

What is the supermarket / chemist beauty product(s) that you use and love?

Lucas Pawpaw for lips and nail cuticles. I also love cuticle oil as I always have my nails short and natural so cuticles need to be in good condition. I also love White Glo activated charcoal whitening toothpaste and in summer I love the smell of the Le Tan SPF coconut range.

What is your main form of beauty body maintenance? What products do you use on your body?

I am obsessed with all the Geranium Leaf body range by Aesop. The body scrub is really satisfying, especially if you can get someone else to do your back.I regularly use the Geranium Leaf Body Cleanser, Geranium Leaf Body scrub, Geranium Leaf Hydrating Body Treatment that is a concentrated body oil, a fresh citrusy blend of botanicals boosted with Vitamin E. It smells amazing. I also really love the SPF 50 Protective Body Lotion, it's lightweight with a minty aroma.When I have a bath I burn essential oils (Aesop's Béatrice blend is a favourite).

How do you keep fit / healthy? Does exercise form a large part of your routine?

I aim for a good balance. If life is a little manic I opt for low impact exercise like yoga and Pilates. I cannot wait for my favourite studio to open back up - One Hot Yoga & Pilates. I didn't get into the online classes during isolation as much as I should have. I do love going to a class, I mix it up and love trying something new. Barry's is really fun but can only manage it on a weekend as its super high energy.

We have recently set up an exercise station a home, we have Technogym Skill bike, Technogym wellness rack, which is a beautiful designed compact weight kit so doesn't look out of place in a living room. I get down there two or three times a week at the moment. We also have a puppy so lots of family dog walks.

Nutrition is important to me, I love food and never miss a meal. I try to eat predominately whole food and plant based where possible but I definitely treat myself, and a little too much!

 

What cosmetic procedures / professional treatments do you have as part of your beauty routine?

Omnilux light therapy treatment is my all time favourite! I have seen results in my skins texture, its brighter and smoother. I love that its pain free and non invasive and the bonus is that it’s like forced meditation under that warm light. It actually enhances my mood too!

 

What do you do when your body needs to recover?

Magnesium salt bath, early nights, a nap, and eat lots of plant-based food!

 

You’re tired / hungover / rundown: what is your beauty hack?

Sunshine. I love the feeling of the sun on my body, I know it’s ageing and I could regret it in the future but it's good for my soul and my mood. I never regret a swim in the ocean either. A spritz of the Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin mist is a good quick fix too.

 

What is the one non-negotiable in your beauty routine?

SPF every day. I use Dr Barbor - and in summer it’s all I need as a daily moisturiser. In winter I sometimes need another moisture layer if I am feeling dehydrated. I also use the Mecca Cosmetica SPF50+ sunscreen, heavier than the Dr Barbor so ideal for the Australian sun and the beach.

 

Do you have a beauty icon? Who are they and why?

French women in general. I love the fact that they don't worry too much about perfection or ageing, they are natural and focus on healthy skin, they don’t try too hard and do things in moderation.

Also my friend and facialist Melanie Grant, she is so knowledgeable, and generous with advice (follow her on Instagram as she gives plenty of free advice on there). I literally get a pen and paper out when she does her Q&As on Instagram. I also admire Linda Rodin's approach to ageing and beauty. Remarkable for nearly 70 years old!

 

What is the best advice on beauty you’ve received?

Double cleansing. I didn't wash my face enough when I was younger and I was prone to breaking out quite a bit.

The first cleanse gets rid of impurities, pollution, and makeup; I usually use an oil cleanser. The second cleanse gets to the topmost layer of skin which helps night time skin regeneration while I sleep.

 

What is the best advice on health you’ve received?

Take the time to create space for you, and to nurture yourself. Be in nature, have baths, put on your favourite music, dance, sing, sleep, nap and laugh. Running a business and having a family – you can tend to put yourself last but it will be the detriment of your health if you do. And it’s a cliché but important to drink plenty of water.

What is the one product you can’t live without?

NARS Cruising lipstick. It’s a nothing colour really but it's moisturising and looks natural. It’s all I ever wear on my lips. I don't feel myself if I wear a strong lip  colour.