Alicia KeysPA
What is your skincare routine before and during a flight?
'I always cleanse and moisturise, then put on eye cream. I love trying different under-eye creams, one of the best is Valmont Prime Contour. And SK-II Facial Treatment Masks are ideal for a flight as they instantly hydrate skin, but I usually forget to use one and fall asleep.'
Do you have a favourite hotel spa anywhere in the world?
'I always go to the Mandarin Oriental, New York when I want to spoil myself. They do the most incredible couples' massage.'
What fragrance do you wear?
'I love Givenchy's Dahlia Divin because it's so versatile: it's great for a meeting, the studio or a night out. As a working mom, sometimes I'm too busy to remember to make time for myself, but perfume can be a reminder to take a minute, breathe and face the day. I'm a bit of a fragrance nut and always burn candles too. Cochine's Agarwood and Amber is beautiful.'
Do you ever detox?
'I don't eat meat, so I stick mainly to fish, vegetables and grains, but I think everyone should have a treat once in a while. My favourite is pound cake; it's really rich and so much butter is used to make it. So, no, I am not strict to the point where it's not fun, it should always be fun.'
Do you get a manicure before a trip?
'I am not good with manicures as I find polish chips off my nails really quickly. So I go for a good-quality clear coat such as Givenchy's Le Vernis Base and Top Coat.'
Do you have any tips for keeping up appearances on long-haul journeys?
'I always think a bit of highlighter on top of the cheeks and around the eyes gives skin a nice glow. Kiehl's do lovely natural lip balms and a strong eyeliner always helps.'
What do you like to do to relax?
'Massages are my favourite indulgence, and acupuncture helps me to balance energy in my body and unwind.'
How do you stay fit?
'I exercise three or four times a week. I do different things each time: boxing, kick boxing, yoga, weight training, running, swimming. I keep it varied so I don't get bored.'
Which hair products do you use?
'I like oils and deep conditioners that you can wash out in the shower. I use them to keep my hair soft: Moroccanoil Treatment is the best.'
Did your mother or grandmother pass on any beauty advice to you?
'I think every girl has that memory of her mother or grandmother wearing perfume and how certain scents evoke comfort and familiarity. My grandmother's fragrance was the flower gardenia and my mother's was white musk. Both women are tremendous inspirations to me.'
This feature was published in Condé Nast Traveller December 2014
