#arkitaipmuse Frances Phillips

In our 'Muse of the Month'-series, we're introducing you to the inspiring women that surround us. In this edition, we talk with #arkitaipmuse Frances Phillips, a former model and registered nutritional therapist about her journey, her skincare secrets and her favourite arkitaip-pieces.

Hi Frances, can you give us a little intro to your universe?

Hi! I’m a model & registered nutritional therapist. I started modelling when I was a teenager and having problem skin led me to studying nutrition. I’m passionate about how diet and lifestyle can improve overall health.

Where is home for you?

I call London home now. I grew up in the English countryside but I moved here when I started modelling. I’ve been lucky enough to live in lots of different countries so for a long time I didn’t really have a sense of “home”. It’s funny now because when I go back to places I’ve lived before, I can instantly feel at home there too.

What inspired you to become a nutritionist?

Growing up I struggled with my skin (I had eczema and acne) and for me, the conventional approach to treating these conditions only provided a temporary solution. I’ve always thought about health more holistically - like what is the root cause of this problem? So it was my own skin journey that initially inspired me to study nutrition.

What's your approach when it comes to diet & lifestyle?

I actually have a very relaxed approach. I don’t have strict rules around diet, I feel like that in itself is not helpful. I eat mostly organic food where possible, plenty of fruits & vegetables. There’s nothing that I won’t eat (apart from the fact I’m now pescatarian) but I stay away from highly processed foods as much as I can. I’d say that’s my only “rule” - to eat real food. So if I’m having a dessert, I’m having one made with good quality ingredients, not one full of preservatives.

You're specializing in skin and beauty-related issues, what are your go-to foods for healthy skin?

My top ones are berries (all varieties but my favourites are blueberries, acai and cherries) & green tea or matcha as they are great sources of antioxidants. Even in the winter I add frozen berries to my smoothies or porridge. Then also things like avocados, nuts & seeds, and wild salmon for the good fats. And water!

What's the first thing you do when you wake up?

Check my phone, drink a glass of water and then a coffee.

What's your daily beauty routine?

I cleanse then use a serum, eye cream and moisturiser morning and night. I also use a mineral SPF. In the evening I double cleanse using an oil first then either a cream or gel. I tend to prefer more natural and sustainable brands. I’m quite low key with make-up but I usually use an eyebrow gel, concealer, bronzer and a lip to cheek or lipstick. I always curl my eyelashes but I don’t use mascara very often. In fact, I don’t use too much eye make-up as I don’t like the way it looks on me. I’m mostly into no make-up make-up, apart from lipstick.

Do you have any eco-friendly life hacks that you could share with us?
I always try to make very considered purchases - with fashion but also food and beauty products. I look at fabrics and ingredients and how they were sourced. I love buying from smaller brands or vintage. I also try to buy season-less clothes - ones I will love and wear forever. I have a uniform that I wear most days and don’t really deviate from that too much. With food shopping, I get an organic delivery box and get the majority of the rest from a refill shop. I’m lucky because this amazing refill store just opened near to me - it has everything. It’s cut my household waste down so much.

What's the most treasured item in your wardrobe?

It would have to be my engagement ring - it’s an antique and I regularly think about who it belonged to in a past life. Or a gold pendant necklace that belonged to my grandma. It has tiny pictures of her and my grandad inside the locket.

What’s your mantra?

I don’t really have one but I like “this too shall pass” - a reminder that all situations, both good and bad, are temporary.

Finally, what are your three favourite arkitaip-pieces?

I love the Anna blouse! It’s the perfect throw on and is so versatile - it’s great on the beach or dressed up with jeans or trousers for dinner. I also love both the Clara and the Wabi pants. I have lots of linen in my wardrobe, it’s so comfortable and perfect for looking put together but not like you’ve tried too hard.