7 Secrets of Beauty & Wellbeing: Margaret Dabbs OBE
We’ve watched Margaret Dabbs expand her empire from a single podiatry clinic in London to a global empire – and we’ve been cheering from the sidelines, on every step of her journey, as she created a new wellness category within the beauty world for feet, hands, nails and legs.
She is recipient of a mantelpiece of awards, including – quite recently, the everywoman Entrepreneur Award in their International Expansion category (Margaret Dabbs London products are now available in 38 countries, and counting).–
Margaret is also the recipient of an OBE, for services in business and podiatry – we’d put podiatry right at the top as, for us, she is the undisputed ‘Queen of Feet’ whose expertise we’ve relied on both professionally and personally for many years. Legs too, with some wonderfully uplifting products, and then, thank goodness, she looked upwards to our hardworking hands.
So now the Margaret Dabbs Wellness Empire covers the hardworking trinity of feet, legs and hands with products that are never less than fabulous , some at real Beauty Steal prices. Right now, you have a fabulous chance to win a set, in our Beauty Bible prize draw, here…
We also love Margaret’s gorgeous smile and her generous heart – and now, we’re delighted to bring you her seven secrets of beauty and wellbeing.
1. My inspiration is Katie Piper [TV presenter, model and activist whose ex-boyfriend threw acid in her face causing major damage]. She is a real role model to me as I am very critical of my own appearance. She has had to overcome so much in her life but she has remained positive and been relentless and selfless in her pursuit of helping others. Katie has shown women how to be strong when life is tough and knocks you back, and continues to overcome her daily battles with determination, positivity and focus.
2. Exercise helps me with the issue I struggle most with - how to relax. I am relentless in my pursuit of success in the workplace and I find it very difficult to relax. When I was a little girl, about nine years old, my father told me I needed to learn to relax. I never did learn how but I find doing lots of exercise is the optimum way for me to keep well and positive.
3. Vigorous exercise always works wonders before I get ready to go out somewhere special but isn’t always possible. I have very sensitive fine dry skin and I’m very aware of ageing. So I am careful with both the products I use and how much make-up I wear because of how it sits on my skin. I always need a primer under my foundation to help smooth it onto my skin. I make sure I use a good, light foundation (I like a Dior one) that matches my skin’s natural tone.
4. Choosing one hero product from my own brand is very difficult! I’ve got at least four key products that I wouldn’t be without. Definitely the Foot Hygiene Cream is a desert island must-have. Intensive Hydrating Foot Lotion is my gorgeous daily foot cream. My Repairing Hand Cream is a recent launch and has already won two major awards – it’s brilliant and has trade mark ingredients to minimise moisture loss from the skin of the hands for 72 hours, and then I can’t forget my Firming Leg Serum – another desert island must-have. This transforms the legs, reduces puffiness and water retention, makes them look slimmer, more toned and slender and eases restless legs and cramping.
5. The three products I always have in my make-up bag are ones I rely on daily. YSL Touche Éclat, which I use as both a concealer and highlighter, gives an instant brightness to the skin. Guerlain Terracotta Bronzer adds a healthy, natural-looking warmth, and the Blink Brow Bar Eyebrow Pen (with its tri-tip) helps me achieve perfectly defined brows in seconds.
6. The qualities I aspire to reach myself and admire in others are loyalty, honesty, determination, dedication, hard work and the ability to change one’s mind when the circumstances change, are all qualities I aspire to reach for myself and admire in others.
7. My best tips for beauty and wellbeing are all about balance and consistency. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day keeps my skin hydrated and energised. I make time for daily exercise and conscious breathing, both of which help to keep me grounded and clear-headed. I avoid alcohol where I can and prioritise getting eight hours of quality sleep each night – it really does make all the difference.
