We recently caught up with Ole Henriksen, founder of his own-name brand Ole Henriksen and probably the happiest cosmetician we’ve ever met, to discuss skincare, the latest products the brand has to offer and where he gets his energy and zest for life from at the age of 62 (and yet doesn’t look a day over 45)…
- So Ole, tell us about your latest products…
The new Perfect Truth CC Crème (CC stands for complexion correction, and are the new BB creams) are created for people who want a more even skin tone, but they also contain all the vitamins, oils and intensive ingredients my other products do. It’s great for holidays because it contains SPF30 to protect the skin and the light reflective particles also form a sunscreen barrier, whilst the other ingredients continue to moisturise and heal the skin. You can reapply it easily after you have had a swim as it adjusts to your own skin tone.
- What are your favourite ingredients and why?
Omega oils 3, 6 and 9 are hugely important to me and are the cornerstones of every Ole Henriksen product. AHAs never go out of style and we use them in high concentrations to tighten the pores and the skin structure. I also love the effects of the algae sourced peptides we use in the products.
- What is your number one product all skin types could use and benefit from?
I love the new Pure Truth Youth Activating Oil but not everyone likes an oil, so I’ll have to say the Truth Serum Collagen Booster – it addresses lack of firmness, it brightens, is full of antioxidants, it brings out the vibrancy of the skin and smells delicious. (We couldn’t agree more with this last point!)
- You offer several different exfoliators and peels in your range, such as the Walnut Complexion Scrub & Power Peel – which skin types would benefit from each of these and why?
That’s a great question! The physically exfoliating Walnut Complexion Scrub is a product for clogged, skin – it is great at loosening blocked sebum in pores (blackheads). Everyone loves it! Power Peel, which combines the physical microdermabrasion of Almond Polish which contains tiny fine grains, and the Lemon Strip glycolic and fruit acid peel, which is great for tackling pigmentation issues, wrinkle formation and is also pore tightening.
- Where in the world has most inspired you in terms of your skincare business?
My spa in LA inspires me – talking to my clients there inspires me and finding out which of their concerns have not yet been addressed. The shower, I always have ideas in the shower (Ole refers to these ideas as ‘brain farts’ several times in our conversation!) – The Truth Peel Concentrate was one I had in the shower! And when I dance – I love to dance! I love to dance to Rhianna, Pit-bull and Usher.
- Where is your favourite holiday destination?
Italy – the island of Capri, I love it because of the rock formations. I hike every morning, it feels amazing, and it feels amazing to jump from the rocks into the sea. I love the lifestyle and the people.
- Do you drink alcohol at all? (we are currently sat in Vanilla in London, and the bar and its range of vodkas are in eye range!)
Not really, it was my birthday on Saturday and I had a vodka then – you have to have a vodka on your birthday! Maybe have a vodka on a Saturday, but you don’t need it and if I drink, only one or two, that’s all you need.
- What can’t you live without on a daily basis?
Healthy foods give me all my energy which I couldn’t live without, I eat oatmeal with flaxseeds, raspberries, blueberries and walnuts every morning. I exercise too, I love dancing and also my rings (exercise rings) and push ups – although I can’t take my rings with me everywhere unfortunately.
You have to have joy in your daily life and these things bring me joy.
…We couldn’t agree more!
Ole Henriksen Perfect Truth CC Crème and Perfect Truth CC Eye Crème are available now at Bath & Unwind, with the new Ultimate Lift Firming Serum & Neck Crème launching September 2013.
