Eve Lom's simple, stripped-down range revolves around her iconic cleanser, writes Phyl Clarke
IF CLEANLINESS IS next to godliness, Eve Lom must surely have a place at her table. Her iconic cleanser runs away with awards and has been called "probably the best cleanser in the world" by no less than Vogue. Few would disagree, for the white container with its elegant typeface and minimalist presentation contains a product so superlative that it doesn't need any bells or whistles.
On my way to meet her, the words "career highlight" went through my head. I'm not sure what I expected - my worst fears being someone clinical in a white coat perhaps, who would give my skin a silent once-over with pursed lips and hand me a skincare prescription at the end of the interview. I was greeted warmly by a bubbly and energetic woman who possesses that certain je ne sais quoi of effortless elegance in the true European style.
Born in Czechoslovakia, Eve Lom settled in London after a spell in Hollywood as a facialist, and her range was developed in conjunction with studies in anatomy, nutrition, acupuncture and massage. From humble beginnings, working in her own bedroom, her range and treatments are now available worldwide, yet she still maintains a simple approach and stripped-down range of products. She doesn't feel the need to add new items periodically, and this is one of the secrets of her success. She still gives her legendary facials at her London salon and follows her own skincare advice, which she is happy to share.
"Skin is a reflection of who you are," she says. Bombarded with chemical ingredients in deodorants, creams, and household cleansers, our poor bodies have a lot to deal with on a daily basis. "No wonder people end up with sensitive skin - can they be surprised? Our nutrition and physiological state is reflected on the texture of the skin from the inside."
She gets cross at the serious advice being given to customers at the beauty counters - for example, when she hears consultants handing over creams for dehydrated skin. "Go home and drink some water instead," she advises.
Being in touch with your body is an essential in Eve's book, and the ritual of cleansing is a perfect example of this. She has her own morning ritual which starts at 6am with application of the cleanser, strong coffee and practising the Five Tibetan Rites, a yoga and breathing programme (people don't breathe properly, she believes, automatic shallow breaths don't count - particularly if you sit at a computer). By the time Eve gets into the shower, the cleanser must be on her face for 20 minutes or so.
She is not an advocate of slathering on moisturiser - and to be honest, your skin already feels moisturised after the cleanser. Her day cream feels light and contains the all-important SPF 15. Judicious use of cream in selected areas is her secret: the aptly named TLC cream comes into its own here, and you can apply freely on the neck and décolleté. She believes that we are often too busy applying serums and heavy creams willy nilly, which clog pores and don't give the skin a chance to just "be".
"Nature should be improved, but not changed," is her final piece of advice, and with Ms Lom as an example, I'm setting my alarm for 6am tomorrow.
Eve Lom products are available at Therapie, Molesworth Street, Dublin 2 (01-4721222); Harvey Nichols, Dundrum (01-22910488); Revive Spa, Dublin (01-2604781); Killarney Park Hotel, Co Kerry (064-35555).