What does a day in the life of Paula Joye look like?
There is nothing very typical about my days. How they play out comes down to the jigsaw of three key elements: family, work and the weather. However…in a perfect world: I’m up and out the door for a run by 6.30am. I love to exercise, it’s really important for my mental health as well as my body. It’s also my music time. If you see me running you just may also see me dancing in the street. Literally.
Post workout, it's coffee (I make my own – this is a new thing – but I love saving $10 a day!) and then a shower. I take a product called ArmaForce (brilliant for immunity), powdered magnesium and collagen every day.
My beauty routine is very simple. I use a serum – my current favourite is Jurlique Nutri-Define Supreme Rejuvenating Serum, which is action-packed with antioxidants, a great way to start any day. I mix a shimmer highlighter in with my sunscreen and a little foundation, one coat of mascara, lip balm and I’m out the door.
Then truly anything could happen. I could be MCing an event, styling a shoot, in a shoot, creating video, filming a television segment, at the supermarket, picking a child up from school, interviewing a celebrity, walking the dog, washing the clothes, flying to Paris…it’s the mix of my life that makes things so interesting.
In the evening I like to be with my family. My favourite people. Eating, reading, sleeping – home is my haven. At night, I always, always, always take my makeup off and clean my skin with a gentle cleanser, then it’s a delicious hydration moisturiser like Nutri-Define Supreme Restorative Rich Cream. A couple of nights a week, I use nothing at all because I think it’s important to keep the skin regulated with natural oils.
Paula Joye applying Jurlique Nutri-Define Supreme Eye Contour Balm
You’re a busy woman and wear lots of different hats. How do you find balance in your life? Do you have a go-to activity for winding down?
I don’t believe in balance. I think the notion places too much pressure on women. Just like happiness. Balance and joy should come as a by-product of living a life full of ups and downs.
But when I need to relax I play the piano and sing. Magnesium salts in a very hot bath. Yoga. Red wine. Reality TV. And I take a huge amount of comfort from baking. Making a cake is like Sudoku. Methodical, rhythmical, mathematical – deeply satisfying.
What have you learnt (good and bad) about beauty/skin care throughout your adult life?
My mother was definitely ahead of her time when it came to sun protection. She never put her skin in the sun, and I have much to thank her for. She also taught me that simple was best when it comes to makeup and skin care. To be respectful of your genetics and let the body do its job.
I guess the biggest change has been in the ingredients I look for when choosing products. Ageing skin needs more than just hydration, so I’ve gravitated toward brands that deliver noticeable results.
I’ve learnt that not every product will suit everyone. I don’t do well with glycolic or vitamin C. You need to be honest about what works for your skin and stay in that lane. Too much shopping around and you’ll never reach your skin goals.
I’ve learned to be consistent. Take off my makeup before bed. Everyday. Wear sunscreen. Everyday. Those two acts are fundamental to good skin.
I also have fallen in love with face rollers. They are great for puffiness and bringing that critical blood flow to the skin. I keep mine in the fridge. And roll away while I read the newspaper and have my cup of coffee. Essential on long haul flights.
What does natural beauty mean to you?
Unworked hair, clear polished skin, shiny eyes. Well-worn denim jeans, white linen shirts, Jurlique Rose Body Oil, sunshine, salt water on your skin; flowers in a vase, a fresh mango…natural beauty is about making good choices, simplifying and being content with the hand you’ve drawn.
What do you wish you’d learnt/ been told about the importance of using good skin care many years ago?
The French are brilliant at teaching young women to care for their skin from a young age. Watch mothers and daughters on the streets of Paris and they're always talking. Skin care is cultural and handed down from generation to generation. It’s so smart because the earlier good habits are formed the better. The big thing I wish I’d known from a young age is that your face stops at the top of your boobs. And don’t forget the back of your hands. You must look after ALL of your skin.
Paula Joye wearing black swimsuit and gold necklace next to wall
At Jurlique we believe in pairing our customers with both a moisturiser and a serum to obtain optimal results. There can be some stigmas around what exactly a serum is, how do you use a serum, do you even need a serum? Based on your extensive experience as an Editor and Blogger, can you share some words with us around your thoughts on including a serum in your beauty/ skin care regime?
I measure the health of my skin by how I look with no makeup in the morning light. The three things that help it stand up to this harsh test are hydration, sleep and an active serum. As you get older an active serum goes a long way in improving texture, tone and radiance.
Made up of smaller molecules than a moisturiser or oil, serums penetrate the skin with a high concentration of active ingredients which target specific concerns like fine lines, hydration and pigmentation.
Don’t confuse your favourite moisturiser with a serum. For optimum skin health you need regular application of each. Although both are great hydrators the key difference between the products is texture. Moisturisers are richer and work as barriers to keep hydration in and pollution out. While serums treat on a deeper level working actively rather than just protecting.
What's your stand out product from the Jurlique Nutri-Define Supreme range and why?
For women who really care about natural ingredients and prefer botanical skin solutions the Jurlique Nutri-Define Supreme range is truly world class. The hero, Spilanthes Flower Extract which has been scientifically proven to increase skin’s collagen production, combines with antioxidants to minimise loss of elasticity, uneven skin tone and wrinkles. The result is brighter more even skin with improved texture and tone.
My favourites: Nutri-Define Supreme Rejuvenating Serum because it’s so damn effective and I love the Nutri-Define Supreme Eye Contour Balm for an indulgent but non-irritating eye cream.
Care to share a beauty/skin care hack with us?
Apply perfume to your pulse points - don’t spray it all over you like room freshener. It’s the base of the neck, base of the throat, inner elbow, behind the knees and then your circulatory system will do the rest.
Discover more from Paula on her website, The Joye, or follow her on Instagram here.