Guest Feature: Estée Lalonde
Founder of MIRROR WATER & content creator based in London
I am so excited to have Estée Lalonde on the newsletter today! Based in London, she's not only an amazing content creator but also the founder of the stunning brand MIRROR WATER (I can't resist smelling the oil every time I visit Space NK). Plus, her latest jewelry collection with Daisy just launched, and it's absolutely gorgeous. Having followed Estée on YouTube and Instagram for quite some time, I can say she had a major impact on sparking my passion for skincare. I have loved following her journey, especially since I dreamed of relocating to London as she did from Canada.
She is also a fellow Substack-er! Read below for a peak into all of her favorite things!
Hi Estée! Please give us a little run down on what you are currently working on and what you are most excited about going into Fall.
It’s a really busy time at the moment, working on so many projects is exhausting, but exciting! I pour a lot of energy into my brand MIRROR WATER and things are really starting to take off. New retailers, new products, new collaborations… we’re two years old and only just getting started.
I’m super proud of my sixth collection that just launched with Daisy! It’s our first fine jewellery collection, made up of 14ct gold, lab grown diamonds and sapphires. I think it's going to be a huge hit in the run up to Christmas. I’ve been mixing and matching the new pieces with my previous collections and I think the hint of sparkle is beautiful. Who doesn’t love diamonds?
I also recently launched my own Substack, someday someday. Come and say hi! Within the someday someday space I share monthly recommendations across fashion, beauty, wellness and everything in between.
Heading into Autumn - I’m looking forward to long forest walks with my rescue dog Effie, hot chai lattes with extra cinnamon on top, cosy slippers and wearing all of my favourite knitwear!
Self care rituals. Your bodycare brand MIRROR WATER is beautiful and intentional. Were there any particular essential oils that you felt were must-haves in the scent blend? What makes those oils special to you?
Absolutely! We use a bespoke essential oil blend in all of our products - we call it our DOWNTIME ACTIV-Essence. The blend is made up of Vetiver, Bergamot, Canadian Black Spruce and Cedarwood - when combined, you get the most incredible grounding, yet uplifting aroma. There's a good proportion of earthy, woody notes, but there’s a warmth and brightness that follows from the citrus of the bergamot, Like walking through a forest on a summer's day.
Vetiver was always going to be the first note in the blend because it’s my favourite essential oil. It's a particularly poignant note in our best selling SMOOTH Body Oil. If you don’t know… get to know!
I discovered your Instagram account many years ago via your amazing skin and recommendations, so let’s get into it. Favourite top-shelf products, including repeat buys or staples in your routine? Additionally, have there been any facials, devices, or treatments that have made a notable difference for you?
I have put so many products on my face over the years and if anything I’m becoming even more obsessed with skincare. Some of my must haves include the Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser, Summer Fridays Jet Lag Serum, Medik 8 Vitamin C every single day, Glossier Retinol Eye Cream and of course Ultra Violette SPF. MV Skintherapy Rose Plus Booster, which is truly the world’s greatest rosehip oil. I apply this every single night to lock in all of my other skincare.
I love face masks and recommend Susanne Kauffman’s Enzyme mask for a gentle, yet tingly exfoliation. My go-to clay mask is Fresh Umbrian Clay and I’m obsessed with the Medik8 Sheet Masks.
In terms of devices, I really swear by my LED mask. I make sure to take 10-15 minutes a day before bed after cleansing to absorb the LED goodness.
There are so many more things I could mention, but I will leave it here!
Continuing on with the subject of beauty & skincare, what are your top 3 favourite makeup products right now?
I’ve been in the beauty industry for 15 years and I always find it SO hard to narrow down my favourites! However, 3 products I’m loving right now include the 1999 Brow Pencil (perfect shades) and the Victoria Beckham Beauty Mascara.
Let's talk basics. What is your go-to favourite white tee, belt and jeans? Any other favorite pieces (or brands) right now?
When it comes to basics, I love the heavy-weight tees from Arket. The white tees from Skims and Adanola are also great!
Jeans wise, I’m actually a big fan of high street denim - especially Mango and Zara. Brands I love that are a bit more spenny (but worth it IMO) are Agolde and Reformation.
I recently bought two gorgeous belts! A stunning gold chain belt by Black and Brown (Emma Hoareau was my inspo!) and a classic black belt with silver hardware from Déhance.
Anything specific you are adding to your Fall wishlist?
Always! I’ve got my eye on the new Great Skin moisturiser by MERIT - I love their serum that’s under the same name. I really don’t need any more handbags - however, this gorgeous green suede tote has my name on it. It’s no secret that Acne Studios make amazing boots - I can’t stop thinking about this patent-trimmed pair - so chic!
In this newsletter, I share my latest screenshots and invite others to share theirs. What are some things you've recently screenshotted on your phone that you're excited to try or have been eyeing lately?
Lexxola travel case in chocolate.
Which artists are you currently inspired by? Is there a particular piece of art in your home or one you’re hoping to add to your collection?
I am lucky enough to call Alessandra Williams a friend and I’m truly in love with her work. I have a gorgeous print in my office that she made. I’m also always browsing Partnership Editions and Blue Shop Cottage, ready to pounce if I find something I love.
What are you currently reading? Or a book you would recommend to your friends.
I’m currently reading All Fours by Miranda July on my Kindle! All Fours is all about going on a journey of discovery and getting to know yourself when you're a fully grown adult - I’m really enjoying it.
Current favourite snacks + supplements in the fridge or pantry?
Is there a better snack than a toasted crumpet with a wedge of cheddar cheese on top? I’m also a big fan of custard creams… can you tell I’ve lived in the UK for 10+ years?! If I’m trying to be a bit healthier, I love a sliced apple with peanut butter and cinnamon!
Big thank you to Estee for her time, you can follow her here, here and here! Follow MIRROR WATER and Daisy London here. Also on YouTube.
Thanks for reading x
Love her sweet jewelry collection! And those Acne boots are stunners!
It’s a MUST that I get every mask she suggested 😯