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December 28 | 3 minute read
Words by Samantha Brigden
Ilona Hamer is one of those people who somehow manages to make everything look effortless. From her oversized black sunglasses to her slicked-back bun, the Matteau Co-Founder and New York-based stylist (who’s worked with the likes of CHANEL, Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar) has her particular brand of minimalist chic down to a science.
And the same goes for her beauty bag! While she might be busy jetsetting between work trips and dreamy Greek island holidays, she keeps her routine simple and consistent – the key to lasting beauty, she says. Here, as the newest member of our MECCA Collectiva, she’s opening up about her inspirations and the products she can’t live without. If they’ve earnt a spot in her expertly curated carry-on, you know they must be good…
1. My ultimate beauty muse is…
“My mother! She is a classic beauty who keeps things simple but is always put together. She has washed her face with water and used rosewater and glycerin as her only face product for more than 50 years and she looks unbelievable for her age.
“I think keeping things consistent and simple is the key to lasting beauty!”
2. The one beauty product I always come back to is…
“The RMS Beauty UnCoverup Concealer. This is definitely my desert island pick.”
3. My last great trip was to…
“Baja, Mexico, for a surf trip. I have been travelling non stop for the last two months, both for work and play. I also had two wonderful trips to Hydra, an island in Greece, over the summer with friends that were magical experiences. Xeri Elia Douskos is a must-visit – it’s the famous restaurant in Hydra port that Leonard Cohen would go to and play under the big fig tree in the courtyard. Simple and delicious!”
4. In my carry-on bag, you’ll always find…
“Noise-cancelling headphones! They are the absolute number one on my list. On average, I travel two weeks out of every month – so I have my carry-on bag very dialled in. I always travel with my black glossy Rimowa carry-on and a vintage LV duffle. Inside, I make sure I have a rich hand cream, a face oil and plenty of water to keep me and my skin hydrated.”
5. The one scent you’ll always smell in my home is…
“Palo Santo.” [Editor’s note: we recommend lighting Le Labo’s Palo Santo 14 Candle.]
6. My ultimate indulgence is…
“Nude sunbathing (with plenty of sunscreen, of course!).”
7. My latest beauty discovery is…
“Everything Yasmin Sewell is doing with Vyrao. I love a fresh green scent, and I Am Verdant ticks all the boxes with the perfect mix of vetiver, bergamot and frankincense."
8. The one song I always play when getting ready is…
“This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody) by Talking Heads.”
9. The last great book I read was…
“The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin.”
10. My 5 favourite MECCA products are…
