7 Secrets of Beauty & Wellbeing: Lara Morgan, founder of Scentered
Some of you will already have entered our prize draw to win Scentered’s fabulous mood-shifting balms. (And if not, click here immediately!). They’re the latest venture from one of the hardest-working and dynamic women we know, Lara Morgan. If you’ve ever used a posh hotel’s in-room (equally posh) toiletries, you probably have Lara to thank: her previous venture, Pacific Direct, grew into a global mega-business from the humblest of beginnings: Lara began by selling miniature sewing kits and and shower caps to hotels—a strategy suggested by her grandmother. Shower caps off to her!
A few years ago, Lara founded the most beautiful aromatherapeutic range, Scentered. Frustrated by having pretty much to take a bath or shower to tap into the power of essential oils, she launched beautiful, skin-friendly balms which glide onto skin. Simply breathe - and reset.
But in the introduction to her tips, Lara shared with us her rather different thoughts on beauty care, some of which took us slightly by surprise. ‘As I write this, I am reminded about my somewhat different and certainly minimalist approach to beauty care. I do not have time for make-up, not putting it on nor taking it off. I have long believed that being healthy and fit is the first and foremost important piece of any happy approach to life. I strongly believe that beauty comes from inside-out, mindful practice, you are what you eat … almost!’
Much (but not all) of that philosophy chimes with our own (we LOVE make-up, and the taking it off!) – but we know you’ll be fascinated to hear what works for Lara.
Sleep is my skincare. I have not always been able to prioritise getting enough rest – but I know it’s my most essential beauty ritual. A good night’s sleep resets everything, from my mood to my intentions. I’m rigorous about a digital switch off each evening.
I listen to my body (and say ‘no’, when needed). Tuning in to how I feel is my secret to vitality. Whether it’s stepping back from overcommitting or taking a walk to a meeting instead of a workout, there is huge value in stepping away from a desk and getting some fresh air… This inner dialogue helps me stay grounded; there are days when the delicious ‘stretch’ in my morning routine is a game-changing injection of support for the day ahead.
I believe food is fuel for radiance. I don’t follow food trends – I eat to nourish. I think we’re living in a world where there’s far too encouragement to buy something to replace what’s actually in a decent diet. A balanced diet, plenty of water (I start with 750ml of water everyday, the first thing I consume just after I wake up) and real, whole foods help keep my energy stable and my skin naturally clear. I’ve never used toner, I’ve never used cleanser. From time to time I will put a 100% oil on my face for moisturiser. And I cycle to stay fit.
There’s a power in pausing. I regularly build in quick moments of quiet deep breathing enhanced with our Scentered Love and Happy balms – stopping, inhaling, and resetting helps me stay calm and avoid the stress that shows up on our faces, given away in our communication and in our bodies. Not sure I should share this but the best prep for a big meeting is to go to the loo and take time out. Take a moment to stop, take a breath in and out a few times and reset yourself. I can then rethink where am I at and what I should be concentrating on.
I love the ritual of a professioal hair wash and blow-dry. I don’t indulge in beauty treatments often, but having my hair washed and dried professionally gives me a boost of confidence – particularly if I am doing a paid public speech, feeling well turned out lifts my whole presence. I used to get my hair done before all the big bank meetings in my first business and through the sale process it help me endlessly build layers of confidence.
Habit stacking works for everyday wellness. Rather than complex routines, I link simple actions – like applying a Scentered balm when I make put my phone in my bag, or standing alternatively on one foot whilst brushing my teeth – to build daily practices that support my mindset and body. These days I’m fanatical about balancing in the shower, which I am sure is having positive impact on my core.
It’s important to consume the right stuff. No doubt there will be massive naysayers to my disregard for beauty products but scientifically we were born with a body that repurposes and regenerates if you feed it the right stuff. I’ve always believed that we have one engine, and it’s one that we should take care of ourselves and be responsible for. I don’t have a rigorous regime. I just try and find balance and enjoy treats from time to time but I’m realistic about how my body changes as I get older and sugar is an almost no and wine is a nightmare.
I have a perception that my skin appreciates being left alone, and I think natural beauty shines brightest when we stop trying too hard. Sometimes I add a little eyeliner if I feel like it.
Plus, the time gain and the amount of money I must’ve saved pleases me no end and makes me smile as I write! When I look in the mirror, I think I’m not doing too badly for a 57-year-old.
