GET THE GLOW . . . WITH KIRSTY GALLACHER

I have known this wonderful women for many years and have always been inspired by her. Kirsty is hardworking, independent, a great mum and dedicated gym bunny,  pumping weights and even throwing the odd tyre. Don’t believe me, check out her Instagram gallacherkirsty,  I sat down with Kirsty to get an insight into her life, her head and her beauty rituals. 

Who is your beauty idol?

I hope this isn’t too much of a cliché, but Audrey Hepburn. I’ve always loved her. I love her style. She’s classy, she’s delicate. I’ve read so much about her and love all her films. She’s my idol for her sheer beauty and class.

How do you motivate yourself?

By getting up and getting the children motivated! Also, training and fitness and going to the gym. I work out three times a week. I love it and come out of the gym bouncing with energy. There’s nothing better than feeling tight and a little bit sore!

What do you do to cheer yourself up?

Always a massage! I book in to the spa at Coworth Park – it’s gorgeous and really relaxing. I go for a deep tissue – which can be a bit sore after training – aromatherapy, or Swedish massage. It makes me feel relaxed and cheers me up.

What makes you happy?

Lots of things – my children. We’re a really sporty family and I love going to watch them play football and rugby. I get such a kick out of seeing them do well. I also love my pets – we have a tortoise and a bulldog. Being at home with my family makes me feel happy.

What makes you angry?

Rude people, injustice, and people not being kind to children and animals. I get really wound up and sometimes can’t look at the news. I don’t like nastiness in the world, but who does!

Spray tan or real tan? 

I’ve only had a spray tan once and I hated it! Even during Strictly I would just put my own St Tropez on. A natural tan is always good, though I am very careful and use an SPF in my moisturiser.

Which beauty trend do you wish would go away?

Oh, loads of them! I’m low maintenance purely because I don’t have much time. I don’t think the contouring trend is very good. I see girls with too much contouring, too much blusher, and I just think – you don’t need it!

How do you make an entrance at a party?

I’m usually running late, so just slink in under the radar!

Which three beauty items could you not live without?

Mascara is the key thing for me. I like a really thick wand, though something that’s not too gooey. L’Oréal’s false lash effect is great. I also use a lot of water spray – Evian does a good one. I use it after I’ve cleansed or been to the gym, and it’s also great for flying. I drink a lot of water, so I think it’s great to stay hydrated both inside and out. I suffer from dry lips, so I also can’t live without lip balm. I’m using a Diptyque one at the moment, which also exfoliates.

What is your skincare regime, and does this differ morning to night?

Because I wear heavy make-up most days for work, I do need to cleanse and moisturise really well. My skin can suffer otherwise, especially in the winter. I use a La Roche-Posay gel cleanser. It’s really thorough and gets all my make-up off without stripping my skin of oils. I use a muslin to gently get rid of any residue and stubborn make-up. I don’t like cotton wool as it pulls my face around. I try to look after my skin, especially around my eyes. I use a collagen spray from Carol Joy, and the cleanser from this range is also great. Their moisturiser is to die for – it’s so rich and gorgeous, but not at all greasy. I cleanse, moisture, and then spritz on some water spray. I don’t use toners because they’re too astringent and make me break out. Sometimes in the evening I’ll switch my moisturiser out for Aromatherapy Associates Night Oil. I try to keep my face as clean as possible.

What’s been your most extravagant beauty splurge?

It’s probably the Carol Joy range. The serum has gold in it! It’s wonderful now and again, though expensive.

When was your last beauty treatment?

Every few months I have the IPL Skin Rejuvenation Pulse Light Treatment, which restores the condition of my skin and reduces fine lines. It’s one of the best facials and I really do notice a difference. I’m going again in March.

What is your best beauty tip or trick to share with the readers of You Glow Girl?

One of them is to drinks tonnes of water! I don’t really drink anything else. I put lemon and ginger in my water quite a lot. It’s tastes great and is good for detoxing and cleansing, and also alkalises your system. And a tip I wish my mum had told me – don’t over pluck your eyebrows! I gave myself skinny brows back in the day and now have micro-blading as they grew back sparse. If I have a daughter one day, I’ll tell her not to over pluck!