Nicola Elliott, NEOM founder, shares her beauty and wellness secrets.
NEOM's founder talks de-stressing, wellbeing and her first book.
I’m so happy to welcome Nicola Elliott, founder of NEOM Wellbeing, to The Midlife Beauty Edit.
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I’ve been a fan of NEOM since it first hit UK beauty counters 18 years ago. Founded by former UK journalist Nicola Elliott, the ahead-of-its-time range of 100% naturally fragranced goodies for the body and home is loved by beauty insiders and a spa treatment favourite.
Nicola trained as an aromatherapist, before blending, first, Tranquillity (for her sister), Real Luxury (to help alleviate her own anxiety and stress), and Feel Refreshed (for her sports-loving husband). The candles are legendary, and body treats gorgeous. Right now, I have the Calming Pen (£20) rollerball in my tote bag, for on-the-go stress-busting.
Nicola just got back from Los Angeles, where her first book, The Four Ways To Wellbeing, was released in the U.S. last week. (I can’t think of anyone more well equipped to deal with the effects of jet lag and hitting the ground running.)
Nicola’s background as a journalist shows, as she not only shares her own insights as creator of one of the most successful British wellbeing brands, but those of other industry experts, too. As the title suggests, Four Ways To Wellbeing tackles four wellbeing-boosting goals in turn— Better Sleep, Less Stress, More Energy and Mood Boost—with research, tips and practical ideas designed to be incorporated into everyday life.
I found it super-interesting that, in the section Women And Stress, Nicola shares that the term “me time” has been banned in the NEOM office. “There’s still this outdated view from the nineties that wellbeing is about taking a whole day or weekend to go to a spa and spend a fortune on yourself,” she writes. “But that’s exactly what we want to get away from : the notion that having time to ourselves as this big one-off occasion that takes a lot of planning, time and money … I want to make wellbeing more practical and interwoven into our everyday. It’s a necessity, not a luxury.”
The Midlife Beauty Edit Interview, With Nicola Elliott
1. What are the must-haves in your makeup bag right now, and what do you love about them?
The Merit Flush Balm Cheek Color (£34) in Cheeky is a lovely colour.
(See all the Merit Flush Balm shades swatched here.)
I suffer from headaches so 4head (£4.79) is a must for a natural headache solution.
The Neom Calming Pen (£20) for if I'm feeling anxious - a life saver.
2. What are your daily skin care essentials?
I like Ole Henriksen Vitamin C Serum (£58), then then Tata Harper Water-Lock Moisturiser (£61) cream, followed by Trinny’s SPF 50 at night—Trinny London See The Light (£45).
At night, I use Neom Perfect Night’s Sleep Cleansing Balm (£29, including cloth), Face Oil (£46) and Overnight Facial Cream (£45, or £13 for a travel-sized tube).
3. Do you use any beauty tools, to boost your skin or wellbeing?
Body brushing. I always do it, and defo see an improvement in skin tone.
4. Any fitness loves?
I do a class when I'm in Yorkshire which is kind of a mix of weights and cardio. I think weights are so important over 40.
Then I do a lot of walking in London.
5. Favourite way to rev-up in the mornings?
See sunlight! Kick starting your circadian rhythm is crucial first thing, so I like my cup of tea by an open window or better outside.
6. Best way to ensure a better night’s sleep—especially if nights are disrupted?
So many things, starting with light in the morning. But on an evening, I keep to a strict routine (unless I don't and then I defo won't sleep well). No eating 3 hours before bed, and I always have a bath with Neom Perfect Night’s Sleep Magnesium Bath Milk (£40) and Foam (£26) together. I light a candle and do some breathing exercises in the bath. I always slather on Magnesium Body Butter (£38) and take 2 capsule supplements, then I read a paper book in bed and it’s light off at 10.30.
7. Any other wellness habits or tips?
Create your own wellness toolkit – that works for YOU. This will change over time and that's ok! It won't be the same for you as your friends and that's ok, but keep trying until you find what works for you. It should be pleasant! It should fit your lifestyle.
Nicola’s new book. Find the Neom range at Neom Wellbeing stores, departments stores, Space NK, M&S, spas and online.
What fun! Thanks for sharing this interview. Merit Flush Balm is my daily go-to and I wear Stockholm. I’m going to check out her book now 🥰