As renowned figures in the skincare and beauty industries, Michaella Bolder and Bryony Blake share decades of experience treating the complexions and painting the faces of thousands of women, including high profile figures from the worlds of TV, film and music.
Masterminding the makeup for some of the nation’s most beloved shows, Bryony has worked backstage at the likes of Britain’s Got Talent and Strictly Come Dancing, and is a Beauty Expert on This Morning where she gives live demos, masterclasses and makeovers.
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As one of the UK’s leading master facialists, Michaella is known for her holistic approach that delivers real results. She aims to inspire skin confidence through her treatments and teachings, with her fan-favourite signature massage technique The Bolder Method known and loved by her ever-growing client list.
Seeking their expertise, HELLO!’s Beauty Director Charlotte Jolly interviewed the pair to discover their expert tips and at-home hacks for healthy and hydrated skin.
Charlotte: “What would you say are the first signs of skin ageing?”
Michaella: “It tends to be around your early thirties that we start to see those fine lines creeping in – dehydration, depletion of skin laxity. We start talking about the jowl area, dullness and how your skin just doesn't feel like it did yesterday. The key changes from your skin being lovely and bouncy aged 20.”
Charlotte: “When you start noticing the first signs of ageing, what can you do to minimise those?”
Michaella: “There is quite a lot that you can do, especially at that age. I’d advise trying to enhance your routine and get to know your face as well. There are so many of my clients that will not look at and stare at themselves in the mirror – you need to get to know your concerns and feel what changes are bothering you. Then you can have a look at your lifestyle: your food, water intake and gut health.
“Make sure that you're internalising that goodness inside as well as on the outside as the skin is our biggest, most incredible organ and will be showing what's going on from within."
WATCH: HELLO! Beauty Director Charlotte Jolly speaks to Bryony Blake and Michaella Bolder about skincare routines, wellness tips and their favourite affordable products
“I would suggest you visit a facialist or an aesthetician, get them to take you through a consultation and make some suggestions. We need to incorporate key elements such as hyaluronic acid and niacinamide: those simple ingredients that are going to put the goodness onto the surface of the skin.
“We need to drench the skin in hydration, vitamin C, peptides and collagen enhancers. Having a facial will bolster it, then go home and use your skincare products to keep up that maintenance. As much as I'm an in-clinic facialist, the products you're using at home form the main bulk of caring for your skin.
“I also suggest facial massage to get that fresh blood flow to the surface – use your hands as they are your best tools, they’re free. You can also try a gua sha or LED at-home lasers.”
Bryony: “It’s easy these days to get distracted by social media when you see someone using a serum or a moisturiser and think ‘Oh, I need to have that.’ But I see skincare like fashion. Perhaps I’d love to be able to wear that dress, but realistically, that's just not my shape. People need to remember that about their skin – I wouldn't use the same foundation on all of us.
“It's really understanding your own skin and taking that time to change your routine a little, whether that’s summer to winter or as you age – I'm not using the same products I did when I was 20.
“You have to evolve and progress and try not to get too distracted by what's around you and what's trendy. Concentrate on what's best for you and for your skin, and I think that will really help.”
Charlotte: “If dewy skin is our goal, what specific ingredients should we be looking for on skincare labels?”
Michaella: “For healthy and hydrated skin you can start with cleansing your face and doing some facial massage to get the blood flowing. Using the Super Hydrator Lotion from Hada Labo Tokyo will give you a glass of water drench on the skin, and it easily absorbs. It’s effortless and feels great. Then you can lock in the hyaluronic acid properties with the Anti-Ageing Wrinkle Reducer Day Cream or Intense Hydrating Skin-Plumping Gel followed by the Light Hydrator Sun Face Cream SPF50.”
Bryony: “Just using those three products you are going to get that bouncy texture. I always say to people once you've done your moisturiser, I want your skin to feel quite bouncy and tacky. That’s the ideal kind of texture that you want before you put your foundation on.
“That's why I love the Super Hydrator Lotion, because it's very quick and it doesn't pill under makeup. The Hada Labo labels really spell out what the product does – hydration, dewiness, plumping.”
Michaella: “Hyaluronic acid and niacinamide are those base ingredients that are like the building blocks or scaffolding of your skin. Apply a water-based serum onto damp skin, press it in, then lock it in with a moisturiser. The Day Cream has hyaluronic acid to get a really juicy effect.”
Shop Bryony and Michaella's favourite products by Hada Labo Tokyo
Super Hydrator Lotion
With its water-like texture, this collagen-boosting lotion absorbs instantly into the skin for smoother, younger-looking skin with all-day hydration.
Intense Hydrating Skin-Plumping Gel
Infused with skin-plumping and anti-acne properties, this cooling gel will soothe and rejuvenate the skin. It is enriched with Super Hyaluronic Acid and antioxidants to combat signs of ageing for soft and supple skin.
Anti-Ageing Wrinkle Reducer Day Cream
Get smoother, firmer, and more youthful skin with this hydrating anti-ageing moisturiser containing collagen and retinol. Apply after the lotion and before SPF during the day.
Light Hydrator Sun Face Cream SPF50
Enriched with Super Hyaluronic Acid, this suncream provides effective SPF50 protection from harmful UV and UVB rays whilst keeping skin moisturised and hydrated with a flattering matte look.
Anti-Ageing Deep Wrinkle Corrector Eye & Mouth Area Cream
Try this effective collagen-infused cream to soften fine lines around the eyes and mouth with added hydrating and brightening properties. Containing Super Hyaluronic Acid, collagen and retinol, tap gently under the eyes and around the mouth day or night to repair and rejuvenate.
Anti-Ageing Special Repair Treatment Night Cream
Wake up to smooth, hydrated skin with this repairing moisturiser packed with Super Hyaluronic Acid, collagen and squalane to tackle fine lines and encourage healthy cell turnover.
Charlotte: “How would you recommend evening out and brightening your skin?”
Michaella: “I would say that brightening comes from consistency. You need to make sure you're gently buffing the skin and getting rid of dead and dull cells that are laying on the surface.”
Bryony: “I often say to clients ‘When you put your foundation on, do you feel that it just sits there in creases, and it's not sitting flawlessly?’ That is the indication that you need to buff those dead skin cells off to give it that clean, beautiful canvas.”
Michaella: “If you're applying makeup onto a very uneven surface that’s dry and dehydrated, it's never going to look great.”
Bryony: “Your skin will drink your foundation because it’s so thirsty. So you need to up your skincare routine in terms of hydration and layering as well.”
Michaella: “Layering is a great tip. Introducing your vitamin A and retinols into your routine. That will help with cell turnover, because as we get older, our cell turnover slows down, so we hold on to dead skin cells, and unless we're stimulating that cell turnover with a gentle exfoliant and a retinol ingredient, you're not going to get the efficacy of products such as hyaluronic acid.
“They all play an element in the brightening of the skin. And then what you can create with makeup is just incredible – it fascinates me. If you have a really great base what you can create is amazing.”
Bryony: “But you have to have a good base to start with. As makeup artists we always say ‘These are hands not wands!’. The texture of the Hada Labo products work really well together, they’re very easy to use and wearable particularly during the day.”
Charlotte: "Talking of SPF, when do you apply it, and how often?"
Michaella: “It’s always the final product before makeup.”
Byrony: “Yes, and it can be used like a primer. I love Hada Labo’s SPF as it has a matte finish which is also great for guys. SPF can be a bit shiny, so a lot of men can be put off by that. This one adjusts to your skin tone, has no white cast and is water resistant with SPF50 so you are protected for longer.
“I try to stay out of direct sunlight, and most people are really good about wearing hats and protecting themselves from the sun these days.”
Charlotte: “In terms of self-care, what are your non negotiables?”
Bryony: “My partner brings me a cup of tea every morning. When I’m working very early I’ve got to be quite chipper – no one wants a miserable makeup artist! I also love a bath – oil, bubbles, or milky to feel like Cleopatra. I like to feel very hydrated and moisturised when I get out. Salts are great if you’re achy.
“If I don’t use an eye cream for a while I really notice it. I’m very aware of my age and getting older with visible fine lines, plus you need a good skincare base under the eye for concealer. I really like Hada Labo’s Anti-Ageing Deep Wrinkle Corrector Eye & Mouth Area Cream.”
Michaella: “For me it’s having an AM and PM skin routine. I just had a two week break and couldn’t wait to get home to my room of products! A routine keeps my skin maintained and stable. I look for changes in my skin and can put them right with my routine.
“I have a chamomile tea at the end of the day then massage my face in bed. I rest it on the back of the bed so I'm able to get strength and movement, and take a few minutes at night to massage in the Super Hydrator Lotion.”
Charlotte: “I love doing a stretch. Even if that’s in the middle of the day – 10-15 minutes, some sort of yoga flow. When you sit at a desk all day you have to. And always drinking water!”
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