7 Secrets of Beauty & Wellbeing: Val Garland. (Well, 9, actually.)
We’re long-term massive fangirls of make-up artist Val Garland. In the past, this fearless and tirelessly creative professional mostly worked her magic behind the scenes, creating unforgettable looks for catwalk shows like McQueen and Galliano and for many of the world’s most influential photographers, as well as getting megastars like Lady Gaga camera-slash-red-carpet-ready. Always inventive, sometimes subversive, she is gloriously anti-beige!
These days, Val has become familiar to millions as one of the judges on the must-watch BBC show Glow Up. A long-term fan of Weleda Skin Food, an essential in her kit, she just collaborated on some capsule Weleda x Val Garland editions of Skin Food, and has put together some truly fab get-your-glow-on kits, which we featured as our Beauty Bible Weekend Steal, last week, here (with some great discounts, too)
Val with some of her Weleda Skin Food faves
As someone who wears many hats (never mind those incredible cat’s eye signature specs), we were fascinated to hear how Val balances it all. We normally ask our interviewees to share seven secrets of beauty and wellbeing – but Val’s were so good, we've let her have nine!
The song ‘Keep on Movin’ by Soul II Soul is on repeat in my head. I have rheumatoid arthritis, and that lyric is my mantra for life. It gets me through the day which helps with RA.
My biggest beauty concern, as I have matured, is my combination dry skin. I deal with this with a morning and night routine. My favorite products to combat this are Weleda Skin Food Super Serum and the iconic Skin Food, which I use religiously. I have regular facials to help with lymphatic drainage. And I NEVER leave the house without SPF!
The quality I rate most in others is empathy and kindness. Treat people the way you want to be treated. It's important to see someone and listen to what they have to say. To be seen and heard that is the quality I look for in others, and what I try to convey myself.
My role model is my mother. Whatever life threw at herm she always built a bridge and got over it. Beyond that, in my late twenties I read a book by Shakti Gawain called Creative Visualisation, and a penny dropped. I still think about that book today and how it has positively shaped my life.
I take Elevate multi collagen and magnesium complex. I take these for my hair, skin and nails and to sleep better and it gives me vitality and less brain fog.
I find inspiration everywhere. You just have to open your eyes and look at nature. For the Celia K Haute Couture show 2026, the designer wanted her models to feel like frozen goddesses. I embellished white eye lashes with crystals and used crystal and metal on the face to emulate the feeling of icicles and fros, but it still looked beautiful and serene. The inspiration came from nature. But I also love the arts, cinema and music. People-watching is a favourite pastime and very inspirational.
I switch off by listening to classical music. Also... gardening, cooking and generally playing with my home decor – furniture is there to be moved!
My best tip for quality sleep is no phones and reading at least a chapter of a book. Sliced lemon on a dish by the bed helps me relax and breathe easier. It lowers stress and anxiety.
The product/s I can’t live without… are Weleda Skin Food, This Works Deep Sleep Bath Oil and my signature scent, Portrait of A Lady.
Do follow Val on Instagram – @thevalgarland
