Beauty box: Ruth Minoletti

Published on Friday 11 September 2009 18:18

RUTH MINOLETTI is one of London's leading facialists. She has been in the business for more than 40 years, and shares her knowledge on skincare in her DVD Skin Solutions (£19.50, www.skincareinternational.co.uk).

What's your top beauty product?

Skinesis Overnight Facial.

Do you have a beauty tip?

Always be diligent with your cleansing routine. If you think your skin is not as good as it usually is, it is often simply because you are not cleaning it properly.

What are your best and worst features?

I love the energy that comes from my enthusiasm, but I dislike the fact that I am a terrible procrastinator.

Biggest beauty disaster?

I had a facial with a therapist who was really terrible. It was unbearably frustrating to lie there for an hour and a half wishing I was not there.

Would you ever consider having cosmetic surgery?

No. But that is only a very personal choice.

What's in your bathroom cabinet?

Numerous lotions and potions, as I am always testing things. An electric toothbrush and various things for cleaning my teeth. Cotton wool and tissues. SPF creams.

Quick wipes or a three-step regime?

Definitely a very thorough clean.

How long do you take to get ready in the morning?

Half an hour to shower, dress and do my face, but I get up two hours before I have to leave as I always have a long "to do" list.

Do you prefer real or bottled tan?

Neither. I prefer pale and interesting. I lived my whole young life in the tropics, and so did all the sun damage that I ever want to do. Now, if I do go into the sun, my colour is uneven and unattractive.

Are you brand-loyal?

Not really, because I am so easily seduced by "new" and "improved" – but I do stick with things I discover that really work.

Who is your fashion/beauty idol?

There are too many amazing women out there to choose just one.

What is your fantasy beauty treatment?

A four-handed massage in a tropical setting.

If there was one thing you could change about your face/body, what would it be? My breast-size.

Is there anything you'd be too frightened to have done? Obviously, breast argumentation!