Fashionista, writer, commentator, public speaker, trend-watcher and homemaker, Catherine Bowen curates for and styles not only people, but spaces and places too. It’s a role that draws directly on her background in psychology, extensive fashion experience and greatest loves in life: people and beautiful things. We asked her to give us the lowdown on her beauty basics…

1. WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY IN YOUR LIFE CURRENTLY LOOK LIKE?

The short answer is that there is no such thing as a typical day as I have three different careers and move between Cape Town and Johannesburg every month. Generally, mornings are spent writing for Plascon Trends (http://plascontrends.co.za/), and then mid-morning to early evening I do private client wardrobe and shopping consultations, or range showings for my boutique-from-home business. I love to squeeze in a yoga class in the evening or a walk/run on the Sea Point promenade if I’m in Cape Town, or a catch-up with friends.

2. WHAT ARE THREE ESSENTIAL COMPONENTS OF YOUR DAILY BEAUTY REGIME?

I have temperamental, stress-prone skin so lately I’ve been having monthly Dermaceutic peels, which have made a big difference to the quality and texture of my skin. I also use Dermaceutic C25 (from R600, selected salons) – a vitamin C packed day cream rich in anti-oxidants that fight free-radicals; and Dermaceutic Turn Over cream (from R530, selected salons) which contains glycolic acid that encourages skin renewal and sloughs off dead surface skin cells. I love that the range is dermatologist-tested; against animal testing, and contains only active ingredients.

3. WHAT BEAUTY PRODUCT/S DO YOU NEVER LEAVE HOME WITHOUT?

Bloom lip-gloss in Gypsy (currently not available in SA), and my favourite cheap-and-cheerful scent is Indian Night Jasmine by The Body Shop (from R130), which is now available in little handbag-sized bottles. The only other items in my make-up pouch are mascara and an eyebrow comb.

4. WHAT’S THE BEST BEAUTY ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?

Six months ago I didn’t have a clue what a paraben or a sulphate was, and how potentially irritation-causing to problem skins and damaging to one’s health they can be. Nowadays I only buy and use paraben- and sulphate-free beauty products.

5. HOW DO YOU MANAGE TO ALWAYS LOOKING YOUR GLAMOROUS BEST BETWEEN CATCHING PLANES, SHOPPING AND SOURCING CLOTHING FOR CLIENTS, ATTENDING LAUNCHES, ETC?

There are days when I feel anything but glamorous, but to make the most of myself, I always try to ensure that I’m wearing the colours that flatter my complexion. I also always opt for clothing in natural fabrications – particularly printed silk chiffons – as they have a way of making any woman look and feel like a superstar; they don’t crease, and they’re easy to dress up our down.

Catherine Bowen www.catherinebowen.com / www.dress-sense.co.za.

BB’s, what are your no-fail winter glamour-to-go strategies? Let us know below…