Marianne Theodorsen may be best known for her eclectic style and enviable handbag collection, but her beauty routine is just as noteworthy. Vogue Scandinavia's former cover star walks us through her tried-and-true favourites (from the swipe-and-go base that leaves her glowing like she just frolicked (and flirted) in Fangorn, to the one product that takes her look from day to night) and shares why she’s wary of chasing trends
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Could you share your daily beauty routine with us, from morning prep to evening wind-down?
My routine has gotten far less complicated as I’ve gotten older. I stick to simple products that I know work. Too much experimenting doesn’t sit well with my skin – it’s quite sensitive and prone to redness – so I usually reach for no-fuss formulas that focus on hydration and glow.
In the morning, I wash my face with cold water. I actually stopped using cleansers because my skin was getting very dry, and I read that skipping a heavy cleanse in the morning could do wonders for my skin type. And it did. After rinsing, I prep with a toner – usually the Rhode Glazing Milk (which I loooove) or the Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner. I’ll also do a little Gua Sha session to de-puff and get my system going.
I stick to just one serum in the morning so I don’t overdo it. A current favourite is the Klairs Retinol Daily Micro-Dose Serum. It’s a gentle retinol that works both day and night, and it adds a lot of moisture while targeting redness and early signs of aging. Eye cream is essential too. I love the GinZing Brightening Eye Cream from Origins – it de-puffs and brightens those dark circles.
To finish, I lock everything in with a great moisturiser and, of course, sunscreen. My go-tos right now are the Stabilising Repair Cream from Dermalogica and La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios Ultralight SPF 50. When I need an extra moisture boost, I’ll reach for the Care Cream from PLY. It’s so good.
At night, I never skip proper cleansing. I love the Rhode Pineapple Refresh Cleanser and PLY’s Clean Slate Cleanser. Both take off all my makeup and dirt without leaving my skin dry or stripped. Plus, they’re foaming cleansers, which I prefer. If I have the time, I’ll do a session with my Medicube Age-R Booster Pro. It really works. I feel more plumped and snatched afterwards.
Then it’s two layers of toner (same as in the morning), followed by a night serum. Lately I’ve been loving the Skin Therapy Face Serum from Erborian. It’s an oily serum packed with everything in one bottle. For eye cream, I use the Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado from Klairs, and I seal everything in with a thin layer of the Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Overnight Rehydrating Mask. Total moisture bonanza.
How do you transition your look from daytime to evening? Are there specific products or techniques you find indispensable?
My base usually stays the same, and then I usually go for a little heavier eye makeup. I love deep red eyeshadow for nighttime, like the ones in the Future Flame eye shadow palette from Mac Cosmetics. They really make my eyes pop. I also love to do a little extra blush, and I usually reach for the Cheek to Chic Pillow Talk blushes from Charlotte Tilbury – they are so easy to build up and come in the most beautiful shades.
What products do you always have in your handbag – whether headed for a night out or for a red-eye flight?
First of all: tons of lip products! A couple of lip liners, a neutral lip balm, a lip balm with colour, and then probably even more. I also usually carry a moisturising spray, a hand cream and some cuticle oil with me at all times.
What is your holy grail beauty product that you would recommend to anyone, and why?
The Hollywood Flawless Filter from Charlotte Tilbury truly is a game changer. I’ve never received so many compliments on my skin as I have since I started using it. It’s a primer that gives the most amazing, natural-looking glow – that dewy, fresh, ‘I just made out with Legolas in the forest’ kind of glow.
Related: For red-eye flights, Emilie Tømmerberg swears by a travel-sized face mist and hydrating eye patches
If you could give your younger self one piece of beauty advice, what would it be?
Make sure you’re using products that work for your skin, not just what’s trendy. And seriously, don’t skip the sunscreen.
