Inside Model and Sustainability Advocate Isabella Charlotta Poppius’ Beauty Routine

“I think when you’re younger, beauty can feel very visual and performative. There were definitely things I didn’t like about myself growing up, especially comparing myself to these flawlessly filtered faces online and on TV - which I think many people can relate to. But interestingly, a lot of those things became the features I grew to like most about myself over time. Now I think of beauty much more as coherence - when someone seems really aligned with themselves.

The most beautiful people I know aren’t necessarily the most ‘perfect’ or conventionally attractive; they just have a kind of ease and confidence about them. I just spent a month living in Paris and noticed that the French often embody this really well - there’s less obsession with perfection and more appreciation for personality and individuality.

I’ve become much more interested in beauty that feels lived-in and human rather than overly manufactured. Although I do think modern beauty culture - especially online and within celebrity culture - can make maintaining that perspective quite difficult sometimes.”

“Yes, definitely. Modelling teaches you very quickly that appearance can become transactional, which is psychologically strange when you’re young. But in a way it also pushed me toward a healthier perspective, because you realise chasing perfection is completely endless (and pointless!). The people who seem most magnetic are usually the ones with a strong sense of self rather than the ones with the most flawless features.”

"I'll admit I'm quite thorough with my routine - my skin responds best to consistency.In the morning I start with a gentle cleanse; I'm currently using the Oh My Cream Skincare Cleansing Foam, followed by a micellar water. Then I'll use a face mist; the Hyaluronic Ceramide Mist Lotion from Dermalogica and i's Hydrating Floral Essence are both fab. Then I follow up with an eye cream - I love the light-reflecting properties of Tata Harper's Brightening Eye Gel - and finally I go in with a serum and moisturiser. I change those up quite often as I like trying new products, but right now I've been using the Peptide Serum from Dr. Barbara Sturm and the Superkind Fortifying Moisturiser from Tata Harper, which is perfect for changeable weather.

At night I switch things up slightly - double cleansing with an oil cleanser to melt away dirt and makeup (I love the Cleansing Oil from Oh My Cream Skincare), followed by barrier repair and usually some form of retinol or active depending on how my skin feels. Oskia's Super R Retinoid Sleep Serum Capsules 0.5% is a favourite, and you can never go wrong with Augustinus Bader's The Cream.

I also love a good mask - depending on how much sleep I've had, I might pop on Tata Harper's Superkind Radiance Mask for 20 minutes. And if I have a little extra time, I might do a quick manicure with a clean, natural shade - I'm obsessed with the new nail polish range from Birkenstock Care Essentials."

“I still can’t quite believe she said that! I wish I had some incredibly glamorous answer, but honestly my skin behaves best when my life behaves best - which usually means plenty of sleep. Hydration, good gut health and managing stress make the biggest difference. I know they are clichés, but they are clichés for a very good reason. 

In terms of skincare, I do think cleansing properly is hugely underrated. My 'secret' is a gentle but effective micellar water before applying serums and moisturiser - this makes such a difference because your skin can actually absorb and benefit from the products you’re using afterwards.”

“Walking in nature or going to a museum alone. And then on the complete flip side - going out to party. I actually find socialising and dancing really relaxing, especially when I’m abroad and don’t bump into anyone I know. There’s something freeing about anonymity. I also try to protect slowness where I can - long, drawn-out mornings spent eating, reading and scrolling. But honestly, one of the things that makes me feel most balanced is physical closeness and affection. Cuddles, hugs, lying next to someone you feel close to, feeling emotionally safe… In this hyper-digital world we sometimes underestimate how regulating and healing simple human closeness can be, I mean it has been scientifically proven that this offers huge health benefits! I immediately notice a huge shift in my mood and nervous system after some cuddles."

Follow Isabella Charlotta Poppius on Instagram @isabella_charlotta, for more on beauty, fashion and conscious living.