Much loved TV presenter, radio host and activist Vick Hope has joined Perfectil, the UK’s number 1 beauty supplement brand as our new ambassador. Known for her infectious energy, genuine warmth and vibrant personality, Vick embodies the very essence of beauty from within.
Q&A
1. What does beauty from within mean to you?
Beauty from within to me means feeling content. It’s health, happiness, balance and a sense of peace, which brings with it a quiet confidence in how we carry ourselves. It’s knowing our worth and what brings us joy, so that we notice the little bits of everyday beauty around us - nature, music, art - truly take them in and reflect that beauty back out into the world around us.
2. Has your perception of beauty changed over the years? Would you say you view beauty more holistically? Eg beauty being more about overall wellness rather than just aesthetics
As I’ve grown up I’ve definitely come to value how I feel over how I look. I see the aesthetic side of beauty as something to have fun with, rather than feeling pressure to look a certain way, and am far more concerned with overall wellness. Beauty has become first and foremost about feeling good.
3. Who has been your biggest inspiration over the years when it comes to beauty from within?
I spent a week with a yogi named Kim in the north of Ibiza a few years ago, after I’d been through quite a difficult time. It was a one-on-one intensive retreat of healing when I needed it the most, practicing kundalini yoga, meditation, chanting, hikes, time in nature and eating really clean. She helped me find the spark that I’d felt I’d lost, a sense of calm, contentment and self-acceptance, and a reminder that my inner beauty comes in the form of my lightness, brightness, strength and kindness. She left me with affirmations that I repeat to myself whenever I need to find that beauty within again.
4. If you could meet one iconic woman from past history, who would it be?
Maya Angelou. Every word she wrote was so golden, loaded and wise. I’ve found solace in her work throughout my life, learned so much through her novels and navigated my feelings through her poetry. Plus as a woman she was just so formidable, resilient and philosophical, I’d have loved to have been able to have a conversation with her, and to thank her for everything she gave the world and for inspiring us.
5. What’s been your proudest moment over the years?
In terms of work, landing the job at BBC Radio 1 to host Life Hacks is up there. It’s a weekly advice show dealing with issues affecting young people, and a really special resource; I listened religiously growing up (back when it used to be called the Sunday Surgery) and I remember the support network and openness of the presenters helped immensely, and made me feel much less alone. The opportunity to take over that show and give back in a way was a real honour.
Outside of work though, I’d say my proudest achievement is my relationship with my three brothers: to have nurtured such an important and unconditional friendship as we’ve grown and moved around the world is really special and means the most to me.
6. What frustrates you the most about current beauty standards? Do you think the industry still has a way to go?
The idea of certain body types or facial features being ‘in’ is frustrating. Our bodies aren’t trends! They exist and function so that we can live our lives, and that deserves to be celebrated! I have no issue with people wanting to change things about the way they look for themselves, but it’s such a shame when these procedures or modifications are to fit into a narrow (and often short-lived) perception of what others have decided is beautiful, particularly if they carry risks. The fact that we are all different and unique is so beautiful, so I’m not a fan of the tendency to homogenise.
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7. What are your essentials for wellness & self-care? Any wellness hacks you couldn’t live without?
As much as I don’t always practice what I preach, sleep is everything. 8 hours sleep, a decent breakfast with a good source of protein, and enough water and I can take on the world! The body and mind are very much one, so making sure I get enough exercise (particularly classes as I find them sociable and fun), stretching (I love yoga and pilates) and time outdoors in nature (at least one brisk walk a day) keeps me feeling good mentally and physically.
8. You have such a busy schedule – talk us through your daily beauty & wellness routine?
I try to stay off my phone for at least the first hour after I wake, for a healthy headspace to start the morning. Front-loading the day with loads of water is a good idea, to avoid trying to catch up too late and risk needing the loo through the night, so I keep a big bottle by my bed (in the morning, a large lemon water is a great way to kick off the day). Then it’s a quick dry brush for lymphatic drainage (and also because it feels good), shower and deep moisturising natural body oil, followed by my morning facial routine: Cleanse, serum (vitamin C and peptides), moisturise (I have quite dry skin, particularly in winter, so I apply a nice rich cream), brow serum, brush brows and lashes, lip balm. I tend not to wear make-up on a daily basis, and generally can’t be bothered doing much with my hair other than spritzing with curl moisturiser or brushing it back into a bun. For breakfast I tend to go for an omelette with some spinach or mushrooms, smoked salmon, tomatoes and fermented beets for digestion, green juice if we’ve got any, my morning Perfectil supplements and then coffee once I’ve eaten (or at least an hour after waking) so I don’t spike my cortisol.
9. Lets talk nutrition – how do you manage to keep up with a healthy diet in between events and recordings?
I meal prep each week and bring little packed lunches and snacks into radio with me. This way I know what’s going in there and where the ingredients come from. I’ve never really been into super processed or fast food so it’s not too hard to avoid unless I’m on the go and there are no other options at whatever job I’m on. Crucially though, I try not to worry, don’t count calories, or really think about it too much, as actually health for me is not being neurotically hung up on what I’m eating, but rather trying my best to put good stuff in my body, but cutting myself some slack if I don’t here and there. Take-aways here and there are not the end of the world, they’re delicious!
10. What are your best beauty tips?
To protect my curls, I find sleeping on a silk pillowcase really effective (particularly when I’m too lazy to wrap my hair, as I should every night). Taking a bit of time each day for a quick facial massage is great for lymphatic drainage and to reduce puffiness, plus it’s a little DIY spa treatment as part of your self-care routine. If you’re feeling brave, dunking your face in ice or icy water is good for tightening, brightening, refreshing and sculpting before event prep or filming. For my skin day to day, i generally take a ‘less is more’ approach to my skin, as when I overload my face with lotions and potions my skin barrier can get quite angry and I break out, so a simple three steps in the morning, two at night, and I don’t change up my products. I also highly recommend red light masks as often as you can for soothing and smoothing the skin, I thought they were a gimmick at first but it really works and has helped even my skin tone.
My number 1 tip though, above all else, is to do a little dance each morning to start the day. Get those endorphins going, belt your favourite tune, no matter what you’re going through no one can take those moments of pure, unadulterated euphoria away from you. You feel good, you look good.
11. What does Perfectil mean to you?
Perfectil is all about looking after ourselves and making sure we’re getting what we need to give our bodies the best tools to function at our best. The Perfectil supplements work alongside mindful nutrition and my self-care to help me feel great from the inside out.
12. How long have you been taking Perfectil? Which is your favourite Perfectil supplement?
I’ve been taking the Perfectil Collagen drinks every day after my lunch (the largest meal of the day) for quite a while now and have really felt the difference in my skin which is clearer, plumper and brighter. Alongside the daily gummy supplements I have the vitamins and minerals I need well supported, and my nails have been growing so fast and strong, as has my hair.
