She's the Danish stylist-turned-designer who always makes headlines for her chic street style. Here Thora Valdimars, co-founder and creative director of Rotate Birger Christensen, reveals the positive influence of social media on beauty ideals, how stress impacts her hair and her ultimate mascara hack
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What does beauty mean to you?
I think beauty is super individual and it’s more of a feeling. Of course there are beauty ideals that many of us have compared ourselves to, but they're finally a thing of the past. Today, largely thanks to social media, those ideals have changed dramatically and the fashion, movie and music industries have been forced to be more inclusive.
When you feel comfortable in your own skin, it just radiates out to the people around you and then beauty becomes you.
Talk us through your morning beauty routine...
All my skincare products are from Biologique Recherche. I have had other routines in the past, but I find that my skin remains clear and feels moisturised when I stick to a routine by this brand.
I have my skin guru Fjola from Curelab, in Hellerup, help me with selecting the products that work best for my skin at any given period. I had an outbreak of spots a couple of months back and the products she advised me to use cleared my skin within a month.
In the morning I cleanse with Lait VIP O2, then I dab on Lotion P50W, which I let sit for a bit before using the Extraits Tissulaires Serum. If I have a spot I use the Complex Iribiol serum on it and then finish with my moisturizer Crème Iso-Placenta.
What is your biggest skin concern?
I just want my skin to look as healthy and young as possible. I’ve had problems with sun damage so I swear by laser treatments with my favourite practitioner Mads at the Retouch Clinic. He is so skilled when it comes to finding the treatments that will actually work on the problem areas you might have. I have had various laser treatments for skin renewal and for clearing my dark spots and I really feel I can see a huge difference in my skin. These treatments, combined with the active ingredients in my skincare products, make a huge difference to the appearance of my skin.
Which three products are always in your makeup bag and why have they earned a place there?
My Chanel Les Beiges Foundation, Fenty Beauty Match Stix Glow Skinstick highlighter and Dior Diorshow Waterproof Mascara. The combination of these three products makes my skin glow and I look super healthy.
How do you look after your hair?
I do as much for my hair as for my skin. I have gone through many years with my father who was terminally ill; I've been a single mum almost since I gave birth to my son and have a very busy lifestyle when it comes to my career. Just before Covid came I was completely done. I didn’t have any more in me and my body including my hair was really suffering.
Being home, not travelling and being able to revisit what is most important, gave me another way to focus on me. I’m still learning, but taking care of me and my heart was number one. I started using vitamins called Priorin that have worked so well for my hair. I also use a special shampoo and scalp treatment from Nioxin. It is made especially for hair in critical condition and it’s just amazing.
I also stopped having highlights, and my hairdresser Kasper at the Ofia Salon creates the best formula to lighten my hair, without damaging it. I also swear by the Dyson Airwrap multi-styler – it gives you exactly the same blowdry you always get from the hairdresser.
I think the combination of these things have helped me get my hair back to being healthy.
What is your favourite fragrance?
Some years ago my friend introduced me to Palo Santo and I became instantly obsessed with the scent and the way the ritual of cleansing made me feel. Then I went to Paris and noticed that Byredo had launched a new perfume based on the same scent, called De Los Santos. Of course, I had to try it and wow it’s absolutely amazing. I’m so obsessed with it.
What is the best beauty advice you've ever been given?
I read somewhere that waterproof mascara makes your lashes look longer and helps them stay that way all day. It’s actually true.
What are the beauty practices you've learned from the women in your family?
My mum told me to use a tinted moisturiser, a bit of shine for the lips and a mascara when I was in my teens and I think I’ve always kept that in mind. I use more products now because I love playing around with make-up, but those three items are what I really swear by.
What was your greatest beauty discovery?
I love the Foreo UFO and the masks you can buy for it. If I need an extra boost I use the Make My Day or Glow Addict masks and my skin instantly looks glowing and beautiful.
What beauty advice would you give your younger self?
I'd tell myself: "Your hair is super straight but it’s really beautiful, stop trying to change it."
Do you have a beauty or wellness secret?
I find that exercise is my main source of wellness. I feel at ease when I find time to go to the gym. I don’t put any pressure on my self to stay for a certain amount of time or do specific things. Sometimes I just go on the treadmill for 20-30 minutes if thats all I have the time or energy for that day. However, just the feeling of having made an effort does something to my mood and wellbeing.
