A day in the Life & Style of Charlotte Connoley

We speak to former supermodel, blogger and A-list facialist Charlotte Connoley ahead of her appearance at this year's Life & Style Edinburgh....

Where do you live and why?

I live in East Sussex, not far from Rye, a beautiful medieval town on the coast. Camber Sands is just up the road from me, as is Old Town Hastings, a beautiful part of the country. We live here as we have two little girls, Delphina and Cicely, who I didn’t want to bring up in London. East Sussex is commutable, and also near my family, who help with childcare.

When does your alarm go off and what’s the first thing you do on waking? 

My alarm goes off at 7am. The first thing I do is make myself a cup of Earl Grey; I don’t drink coffee.

What’s your routine before leaving the house? 

I have to get myself and the children ready for work and school. I do their hair while they eat breakfast, and then do my makeup while they’re still eating. We aim to be out of the door by 8am, dropping the girls at school at 8.15am and I’m on the train by 8.40am!

How do you interact with others in the house in the morning?

My husband always leaves for work earlier than us, so it’s usually just the girls and I. we talk about hairstyles they’d like for the day, they feed our cats, and sometimes they read to me while they eat breakfast, if we haven’t done so the night before.

What’s your usual breakfast? 

I usually have muesli with almond milk, honey and banana, and a mug of Earl Grey tea, and I’ll eat at the kitchen island with the girls. 

What do you usually wear to work?

Black skinny jeans, and a crisp white shirt. I like to look smart but be comfortable. 

When you arrive at work, what’s your first priority? 

I turn the towel heater on and get the face mitts in; they need to be warm when I start. I make the bed with fresh sheets, and I make a handmade bespoke mask to tackle dehydrated skins, as most of my clients need a boost of hydration before a facial massage. I make the room warm, cosy and relaxing by lighting candles, and I put on some calming meditation music to add to the atmosphere to the room. 

Tell us a bit about your role?

I see private clients every Wednesday and Thursday, delivering a bespoke routine using an eclectic range of beautiful high-end products, and always massaging the face and décolletage throughout the whole treatment.

This is to get rid of stress and tension from the muscles of the face, detox the skin, and get rid of any puffiness.

I work with the lymphatic system to drain any fluids away, which always has fantastic results.

My routines always include a double cleanse, exfoliation or a peel, and a mask – either a bespoke, handmade mask for parched skins, or a thermal clay mask for congested skins. I massage the masks into the skin constantly and finish the treatment with a 25-minute facial massage.

A small part of the facial treatment is our renowned ‘Inner Facial’, where I don gloves and go inside the mouth to sculpt, tone and de-stress the massater muscle, which has unbelievable results. 

How did you get the job?

Nichola Joss was a friend of mine when I was modelling. One day I approached her to ask if I could do some work experience, as I had no idea what I wanted to do after my modelling career had finished. She asked me to assist her, and I ended up painting Thandi Newton’s toenails that day on a photoshoot!

I took myself to beauty college in central London, and got all the qualifications I needed, and then I became Nichola’s apprentice within a salon environment, as well as working on sets and backstage at fashion shows. 

Talk us through a typical day...

I see around six or seven clients a day, with a half hour break in between each one. I snack throughout the day, as if I have a big meal I feel tired, and I need to keep my energy up to make sure my clients all get the same level of treatment. I drink peppermint tea, and lots of water too, to keep me hydrated. 

Best part of your job?

Meeting new people, and spending time with clients – some of my clients are incredible inspirational. One lady takes holidays to the North Pole and climbs mountains, another is an ambassador for a charity helping Syrian refugees, and another is recovering from cancer. They are incredible. 

Worst part of your job?

Lateness and rudeness, although it very rarely happens. My clients are like my friends and I love seeing them. 

Career highlight?

Natalie Dormer is a client who has also become a great friend of mine. She asked me to come and see her in a show she was in, in the West End.

The show was fantastic and we ended up drinking champagne with her backstage afterwards. She’s such a lovely person, and a fantastic actress. 

When do you finish work and what do you do afterwards?

I finish work around 7.30, and I meet friends, Nichola or my husband for a drink or dinner before I head home. If I work two consecutive days, then I stay up in London. 

What’s a typical dinner?

Oh anything! I like to eat lots of vegetables, and chicken and fish.

What's your bedtime ritual? 

I wind down with a bit of Netflix. I’ve just finished watching ‘The Crown’ so now I’m on the lookout for something new to watch.

What would you like to be doing in 10 years’ time?

I would love to own a beautiful space in London with Nichola.