We are always excited to connect with practitioners taking a modern approach & bringing renewed contemporary relevance to ancient healing rituals. Enter Simmone Aziz, joining us as in-house makeup artist and holistic facialist, specialising in natural beauty, facial yoga and Ayurveda. "Ayurveda (Ayu - science, Veda - Life = Science of Life) in its purest form it is a natural medical system originating from India over 5,000 years ago. It is based on the belief that health and wellness can be sustained through the art of herbalism, nutrition, massage, yoga & meditation", explains Simmone.
As an expansion of our therapy room services, Simmone will be offering Ayurvedic Face Mapping, in depth holistic skin consultations, facials, face massage and bespoke makeup services. After spending time with her grandparents over lockdown, she was able to join the dots between her training and experience in beauty & skincare and some of the pillars of her South Asian heritage; "My personal journey has now become the driving force behind my commitment to helping others discover the transformative potential of beauty as self-care. We as a collective are evolving and are seeking more conscious beauty practices that not only treat our skin but our spirit too."
Treatments with Simmone consider a gentle and non-invasive approach to skin health and explores root causes and preventative measures, enabling you to discover sustainable skincare habits and beauty that is true to your unique mind & body archetype and lifestyle. Her signature makeup style works in synergy with a skin first perspective, elevating effortless, radiant looks that allow your skin to breathe.
We sat down with Simmone to find out more about her path to reconnecting with her heritage, healing and herbalism.
Can you tell us a bit about your background and what lead you to your work today?
My journey began in makeup artistry in 2011, working within the fashion and advertising industry. My passion has always been unwaveringly focused on serving, empowering, and connecting with others through my creative expression. However, it was during the lockdown, amidst personal life experiences, that I found the inspiration to pause, reflect, and expand my services into wellness too.
What made you move from beauty and make up to studying more wellbeing based practices such as Ayurvedic Holistic Nutrition and Health and Anatomy & Physiology?
The connection between beauty and wellbeing has always been close to my heart and an integral part of my practice. But what truly encouraged me to have that real 'ah-ha' moment was my own personal healing journey.
During lockdown, I had the beautiful opportunity to reconnect with my roots and my South Asian heritage, having precious time with my beloved grandparents. In this time, I discovered the power of Ayurveda, simple self-care, and the depth of self-healing, which led me to study as well as practice.
Shadowing their daily mind, body and heart rituals, I deepened my practice of breathwork and meditation. I also learned the art of using food as medicine by growing and harvesting herbs and vegetables. Together, we created recipes and cherished family traditions passed down through generations. I crafted tonics, ointments, and DIY massage techniques.
It was my own healing experiences in using beauty and Ayurveda that led me to realise there was a unique space for shaping a service that sees it as a profound form of self-care. I discovered the incredible power of nurturing daily self-care rituals and the connection to fostering both mental and physical health.
How do principles of Ayurveda factor into the way you work with beauty and skincare?
If this is the first time you are discovering Ayurveda, welcome! The connection between Ayurveda and skincare lies in Ayurveda's holistic approach to wellbeing. Ayurveda considers skincare not just topically but also as an integral part of healthcare. Within my approach, I determine individual skin types through your unique mind and body archetype; I assess by face mapping, taking a thorough exploration and understanding of your emotional, and physical state of being whilst addressing root causes as well as symptomatic. In essence, I put emphasis on guiding you to find what sustainable skincare and wellbeing habits could mean to you.
My mission is to bridge the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda with our contemporary world. I aim to make these time-tested practices accessible in our modern environment.
How would you describe the benefit of Ayurvedic and holistic facials, and how do they differ from 'traditional' facials?
Holistic facials take into account an individual's unique skin type and mind and body constitution. This personalised approach ensures that the treatment aligns with the person's specific needs. They also prioritise the use of plant based ingredients; these ingredients are selected for their therapeutic properties and are gentle on the skin. Ayurvedic facials often include techniques like lymphatic drainage to aid in detoxification, helping to remove impurities from the skin and improve circulation. Holistic facials recognise the interconnectedness of inner health and outer beauty. They often involve dietary and lifestyle recommendations to support skin health from within. Rather than providing quick fixes, Ayurvedic and holistic facials aim for long-term results by addressing the root causes of skin issues. They promote sustainable, healthy skin. They are ideal for those seeking a deeper connection between their skin and inner health.
Can you tell us more about face yoga and how you incorporate it into your facial treatments?
Face Yoga is a natural, non-invasive approach to facial rejuvenation. It involves a series of exercises and massage techniques designed to tone and strengthen the facial muscles, increase blood circulation, and promote healthier, more youthful-looking skin.
One of the key advantages of face yoga is that it is non-invasive. It doesn't involve needles, surgery, or chemicals, making it a natural and cost-effective alternative to other anti-aging treatments. It also improves circulation which can help deliver oxygen and essential nutrients to the skin, contributing to a healthier complexion. Incorporating relaxation and mindfulness techniques help to reduce stress and tension in the facial muscles, and relaxed muscles can lead to a more youthful appearance. These massage techniques aim to stimulate lymphatic drainage, helping to remove toxins and reduce puffiness in the face. Similar to traditional yoga for the body, face yoga involves specific movements and poses that engage and strengthen the muscles of the face and neck. These exercises target different muscle groups, such as the cheeks, forehead, eyes, and neck.
Being based in London, how do you balance such a nature and meditative based practice and lifestyle with living in one of the busiest cities?
I laugh as I write this, because it truly can be challenging in one of the most stimulating environments in the country! To me, it’s not about perfection but more about honouring yourself with at least 1 simple promise everyday, and trying to keep to that promise you’ve made to yourself. I choose to meditate every morning for 20 minutes and write my intentions for the day, and I am also a big foodie so I love cooking and nourishing myself and others. It gives me a sense of grounding and clarity no matter the pace or environment. I also split my time between London and Dorset, so being by the sea is my medicine too.
Do you have any daily routines or rituals that keep you feeling happy and at your best?
A very simple cleanse and hydrate routine everyday, and I love to dedicate once a week to a self directed detox and facial massage with a delicious face oil and Gua Sha Tool.
Photography credits: Mariana dos Santos Pires, Katie Silvester
Simmone is offering the following services every Thursday and bimonthly Saturdays; bookings can be made online by clicking here.
Rebalancing Ayurvedic Facial Mapping & Face Yoga Massage (60 minutes) £85
A 60 minute meditative experience designed to help you slow down and recover from stressors in your life, guiding you to move into a deeper state of relaxation within your mind and body. Includes a thorough holistic consultation dedicated to your skin to explore a deep understanding of your innate radiance through your DNA and your nature. As you sip a herbal tea and Frequency Elixir blend, Simmone will take the time to understand your lifestyle, diet, digestion, sleep hygiene & overall wellbeing and the impact this is having on your skin and state of mind. Enjoy an Ayurvedic facial massage including acupressure, lymphatic drainage, heat therapy and personalised herbal oils based on your mind & body constitution (dosha) and skin type. Your skin will be rebalanced and energised through skincare and Facial Yoga massage, working with the autonomic nervous system to regulate heartbeat, breathing and digestion.
Leave with a deeper understanding of your skin and how to treat it. You will receive a topical skincare therapy plan to follow until the next skin cycle.
Restorative Ayurvedic Facial Mapping, Massage & Reflexology (90 minutes) £120
An extended 90 minute meditative experience including in-depth consultation advice, facial massage plus an additional indulgent hand and foot reflexology dedicated to exploring a deep understanding of your innate radiance through your DNA and your nature. As you sip a herbal tea and Frequency Elixir blend, Simmone will take the time to understand your lifestyle, diet, digestion, sleep hygiene & overall wellbeing and the impact this is having on your skin and state of mind. Enjoy an Ayurvedic facial massage including acupressure, lymphatic drainage, heat therapy and personalised herbal oils based on your mind & body constitution (dosha) and skin type. Your skin will be restored through skincare and Facial Yoga, working with the autonomic nervous system to regulate heartbeat, breathing, digestion and blood flow.
Leave with an enhanced self awareness and deeper understanding of your skin and how to treat it. You will receive a follow up topical skincare therapy plan and supplement suggestions alongside self massage and facial yoga techniques to follow until the next skin cycle.
Bespoke Make-Up Consultation
Indulge in a truly distinctive experience—a bespoke makeup service prioritising radiant beauty and skin health. Our person centered approach ensures each look is meticulously tailored for any occasion. We've handpicked industry-leading, sustainable products such as Ilia and RMS Beauty that cater to all skin types and tones, reflecting our commitment to inclusivity. Whether you're looking for guidance with make up for an event or an overhaul of your beauty bag, book in a discovery call with Simmone to find out more.
