We love a bit of self-care and all this time at home has really given us an excuse to look after ourselves inside and out. Each week, we'll be asking the celeb lot to share their Sunday self-care routines, because taking care of yourself is more important than ever.
This week it's all about Abi Clarke, who is best known for starring on TOWIE and being BFFs with co-star Jasmine Walia. The 31-year-old has since swapped reality stardom for real estate and shares her glam adventures with her 74k followers.
Passionate about all things wellness, the star has recently started a YouTube channel called'Thoughts With Abi'where she plans to showcase "wellness, fitness and different spiritual and holistic practices you can do."
Abi chats to heat exclusively about indulgent self-care days, hard-working skincare and the best advice she's ever been given...
On self-care
Sundays are the perfect chance to reset for the week ahead and Abi wholehearted agrees.
"Self-care is really important to me, I have quite a low immune system and I have suffered from allergies and health issues my whole life. So on a Sunday, I will clean the whole house and make sure I have a clean and fresh space. I will then go to the gym to do a lovely yoga session. I'm really big on meditation and breath work, I love YouTube for a bit of meditation and I love to either do it at the start or the end of the day.
"I'll also buy some healthy foods for the week so I can do my meal prepping. I also love making green shakes using things like spinach and avocado and I'll get those ready for the week.
"Then I like going for a nice walk with my friends and just having some girly time in nature. I think that's really important. Then I'll a nice long bath with candles and spa music and get girly and geeky with my beauty regime!"
On skincare
"You know how some people will spend their money on designer labels or fashion? What I spend my money on is treatments, skincare and make-up. Beauty is my thing, I have so many products that I use. I am literally in love with Dr Sebagh, especially the New Supreme day cream, Night Secret Cream and the Supreme Eye Serum. It's a little more expensive, but I've noticed such a difference in my skin in the last six months, it is amazing.
"I do suffer a bit from rosacea and have some redness on my cheeks and I find that using a rose water toner really helps. I also swear by the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Supercharged Serum, it's literally amazing and perfect for my combination skin type. It's my go-to for the daytime."
On make-up favourites
Abs was a make-up artist years ago and is forever serving glam beauty looks on the 'gram, so what are her favourite products that she always recommends to friends?
"My go-to foundation since I was 16 until this year was the [Mac Studio Fix {href='https://www.lookfantastic.com/mac-studio-fix-fluid-spf-15-foundation-various-shades/11471613.html?' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener nofollow'}), but as I've got a little older now I have actually changed it to the Light Shifter Dewy Tint by Becca Cosmetics and I'm so devastated it's being discontinued. I love mixing it with the Chanel Bronzing Cream, especially if I'm a little bit lighter and it gives me such a lovely tan, without being too heavy. I can't live without the Tarte Shape Tape Concealer and I love the MAC Lip Liner in shade Soar ."
What are Abi's top tips for camera-ready make-up?
"I'd say when you are on camera or going to red carpet events, you definitely have to go for a more matte, heavy finish. A lot of powder and not much glow, compared to what I'd put on my face for a normal day. So if you're going out and taking lots of pictures, I'd say go for a matte finish. Always use powder, always use a primer and always use a setting spray. I'll tend to darken my eyes more to really define them."
On mental health
"I think through me being on the show [TOWIE] and kind of going into the limelight at a young age, I'm 30 now and it was quite a long time ago, but it kind of puts you in situations, around certain people and press articles or social media where you start to question yourself and your self-worth.
"In my 20s I was so in the party scene and was able to go out Wednesday to Saturday and not feel it, but as you grow older, your priorities change.
"I have suffered with my mental health and I still do to this day. I think it's so important to be an advocate to help other people. That's why I love self-care as it gets me back into the zone of looking after myself. I think when you're feeling down, depressed or anxious, just taking some time out to put some candles on, run a bath, work out or do a yoga session can really help you feel good."
On crystals
"I am really into crystals, I literally love my crystals! Different crystals represent different things. There's a company called cleanse & co and they have candles that have crystals in them, but they have intentions on the candles. For example, a candle might be a Tourmaline candle, which says, 'In this light, I am protected and purified'. I think putting your intentions out there really makes you feel great.'
On really good advice
"Just because life might put you in one direction and it might be bad at one point, that doesn't mean it'll feel like that forever. So really enjoy the moments that you have in the present and be grateful for those. When you go through hard times, know that it's not forever."
Quickfire round:
What show are you currently watching? I actually love watching styling or motivational videos on YouTube.
How do you like your cuppa? I cannot start my day without a coffee. My coffee order is either a caramel latte or a mocha.
Go-to loungewear brand? Bo+Tee. I'm constantly in gym wear.
Favourite face mask? The Garnier Moisture Bomb sheet mask.
Go-to takeaway order? A Turkish or a Thai.
Favourite candle? Anything fromcleanse & co.