7 Secrets of Beauty & Wellbeing: Made of More founder Jackie Lamyman
Made of More skincare founder Jackie Lamyman founded her brand to be ‘Optimistic, strong and rallying. Our mission is to inspire a brighter, more vibrant outlook for women impacted by hormonal changes, typically from 40 onwards.’
Having been caught off guard when perimenopausal symptoms hit her in her early 40s, among the myriad of disruptive symptoms, troublesome skin became her worst nightmare, with sensitivity, rosacea, breakouts, and dryness wreaking havoc simultaneously. Feeling overwhelmed, Jackie says she yearned to retreat from the world, seeking solace under the covers. But we’re so glad she didn’t! Made of More’s results-driven products are straightforward – but born out of deep research. (Something which Jackie understands the importance of, having already founded a CBD company.')
She juggles her demanding business life with being a mum of three – and, in awe of her energy, drive and outlook on life, asked her to share the secrets of how she stays balanced (and gorgeous).
I’ve never had anxiety before but post 40 it hit me hard. It’s a hard one to deal with because it can pop up at any time and is symptom number 4,789 of random menopausal symptoms. I decided not to go down the medication route so I manage it through supplementation and practices: box breathing, tidying up a drawer (completely weird but really works and has double benefits), dog walks with no ‘phone. I supplement with L-Theanine, magnesium, adaptogens and CBD oil. In a way it’s been a blessing as it’s my brain’s way of telling me to step back and sort myself out.
I’m not concerned about wrinkles. I think they are a fact of life and trying to stop them is a pretty futile endeavour. Why bother? I’m more concerned about my skins’ texture: lack of glow, dryness, redness. My skin became really sensitive when I hit my 40s which is something I’d never experienced and it was not fun. I steer away from any form of exfoliant, I don’t use retinol and I make sure my skin has plenty of the right kind of moisture: peptides, ceramides. I steer away from complicated routines and single ingredient serums. Made Of More’s products are stuffed with ingredients to help deliver great, glowing skin so you can tick that one off your list!
It’s important to have great role models. We have so many inspirational women in the midlife space, which is brilliant. The notion of midlife is being completely rewritten by these women. I’ve met some truly incredible women whilst creating Made Of More. I think Mae Musk is amazing; a true grafter who has overcome adversity and looks so elegant and happy. Her face radiates sunbeams. I think Carol Vorderman is incredible as she isn’t afraid to speak her mind and stands up for what she believes in. She always looks smokin’ hot too. My friend Heather Jackson, co-founder of the Gen M menopause collective, is fearless and unstoppable. Plus I want her whole wardrobe. Women who know what they want and work relentlessly to get it for themselves and others are the best.
You know you’re getting older when your supplements bag is bigger than your make up bag! I take collagen, vitamin C and MCT oil every day as non-negotiables. My morning magic potion is a combination of lemon juice, aloe vera, Celtic sea salt and apple cider vinegar. And I love adaptogens! I use mushroom coffee and take ashwaganda, resihi and Lions Mane mushroom. I really notice a difference if I stop taking them which I think is always a good sign that they are doing good.
As a business owner and mother of 3, switching off is a tricky one. I’ve been working really hard recently on putting boundaries in place but it is really hard. I try to keep off my ‘phone at the weekends as much as possible. I recently started reading again and it has been such a joy to rediscover. When you’re reading a book it requires all your attention, there is no room for anything else, which is super. I’ve given all my friends a copy of the new Jilly Cooper novel!
Clearly I love all of the products we’ve created as they are my babies! However, Salvation Rescue Balm is such a brilliant multi tasker. An extra hit of moisture when you need it; it can be used anywhere on face or body and has light reflecting particles to lift and brighten. I use it as a highlighter in the morning, I apply extra when I go outside for dog walks, or I use it as mid afternoon pep-up – the skin equivalent of a 3pm cup of tea and biscuit! The tube is super slim and fits easily into my jeans. No handbag or coat pocket should be without it!
Everyone needs a few key make-up products. When Bobbi Brown started her first make up brand she stated that she wanted to create products ‘you can use in a back of a taxi’. I’m sure she meant Carrie Bradshaw in Manolos in a yellow NYC cab, but it still worked for me on a packed Piccadilly line tube in manky Reeboks. I focus on skin and eyebrows for everyday.
• Merit Bronze Balm is easy to blend, portable, has a lightweight texture and just lifts your face.
• Refy Brow Pencil is razor precise and has a wee spoolie contained in the pencil. Clever and useful.
• Gucci Lip Balm. Let’s be honest; no one needs a Gucci lip balm. It’s a complete indulgence. But even when I look like cr*p, teenagers are moaning at me, I haven’t got any food in the fridge and there’s a pile of ironing to be done I look at that gorgeous turquoise tube and it makes me smile. I could look 17 shades of you know what but I’d still feel glam applying it.
PS The Made of More website has a fab, informative blog section which you might like to bookmark – check it out here.
