Ultra Violette co-founder Ava Matthews’ AM/PM routine
The entrepreneur and co-founder of cult sunscreen brand Ultra Violette shares her passion for perfume, her jet-lag hack and why less is more when it comes to skincare
IN THE MORNING
As soon as I wake up…
…I take my temperature, as I’m trying to get pregnant. Then I write in my gratitude journal – to be honest, I’ve only been doing it for 10 days, but I want to see if it makes me less grumpy.
My skin regimen is getting shorter…
…as I’m not sure how many steps we actually need. I splash my face with water, and then use either a vitamin C or hyaluronic acid serum, depending on how my skin is, followed by Augustinus Bader’s The Rich Cream. Finally, on top of my skincare, I use my Ultra Violette Supreme Screen SPF 50 sunscreen. People are still so confused, but sun care is always your last step of skincare. I’m not a big makeup girl, but I do use Charlotte Tilbury’s Hollywood Flawless Filter and Kevyn Aucoin’s The Volume Mascara. And I always wear Hourglass blush – it’s my non-negotiable – plus, Ultra Violette Sheen Screen Hydrating Lip Balm SPF 50 in Rose.
I take two minutes to shower…
I’ve started seeing a nutritionist…
…because I was taking so many supplements but never really saw a difference. So, I had my bloods done and now I take prenatal, probiotics, omega oils, vitamin D, iron, magnesium and broccoli tablets. Or, let’s be real, I probably do this about 40 percent of the time.
Last year I had Bell’s palsy…
…a type of facial paralysis. I woke up one day and couldn’t close my eye, so, for about six weeks I had pretty bad face days. But now things are better, my advice on a bad face day is to curl your lashes and put on some blush. I really believe in blush to pick up a face.
My ultimate jet-leg tip is…
…not eating on the plane – or at least not eating plane food; it has made the biggest difference for me. I take nuts and snacks and eat in the airport lounge during a stopover instead. Australians are pretty good with jet lag as almost everywhere is long haul for us.
People exercise to be skinny but…
…as I get older, I train to be stronger. I work out three times a week with Leo, who owns a boxing gym. I also do Megan Roup’s The Sculpt Society classes at home – I love dancing. I’m not good at it, but I love it.
Food is one of my favorite things…
…and I have so many great memories around socializing and eating. I dieted a lot in my earlier years, and now I’m really trying to find moderation. It’s difficult – all the things you’re not meant to eat, I love. Now, I try to have the best quality and to eat in moderation. But it’s hard to find moderation in something you really enjoy.
My mom gave me the best advice…
“Always follow through. If you say you are going to do it, then do it! You’re only as good as your word.” And my grandmother told me to “never stand under downlighting”, so I’m the person looking for the light at a party.
IN THE EVENING
I love a sheet mask…
…especially the 111Skin masks – they are all so good. I also use my NuFace device – I did it religiously every day before my wedding and it helped with the asymmetry caused by Bell’s palsy. For my skincare I use Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 Stable Retinal Night Serum once a week, Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel pads a few times a week, and Augustinus Bader’s The Rich Cream every night.
Before a big event…
…I like to outsource: I wash my own hair (unless the salon uses Oribe) and then book in for a blow-out. I’ll use a 111Skin sheet mask and, for makeup, I keep any foundation to a minimum. I stopped using black eye makeup or liner, and now only use warm browns – it’s much more flattering on me. I love the eye palettes from Charlotte Tilbury with those bronze and copper shades. I’m obsessed with fragrance, too, and very generously apply Le Labo or Frederic Malle scents. I once met Malle and he told me to only use one spritz, as I was too young to be wearing so much.
I’m very precious about my hair…
My go-to self-tan is…
I’m not a good sleeper…
On my nightstand…
…I have melatonin, CBD, Lano – Lips Hands All Over balm, and a Diptyque Feu de Bois candle.