You’ve been in the public eye for decades—how has your approach to beauty evolved over the years?
When I was younger I had a fast metabolism as most young people do so I was eating rubbish a lot of the time and also piling on lots of heavy make-up. That was the standard of beauty back then, being very slim and dolled up whereas now, the industry is very different. It embraces imperfection way more which is great but as I get older I have had to be very conscious of what I’m eating because I don’t have the luxury as before to eat unhealthy all the time and also I prefer being more natural nowadays anyway.
These days I’m working out often for my mental health as well as fitness and taking care of my skin with regular facials.
Are there any beauty secrets or rituals you’ve carried with you since the early days of the Sugababes?
Keeping my skin moisturised is a must—I truly believe it’s been my secret to defying the years. Plus, washing your face with ice-cold water works wonders!
What’s your relationship with self-care, and are there specific beauty products or practices you swear by?
Self-care has become a necessity. I take long hot baths with essential oils (lavender/Eucalyptus/almond) and jazz music and I tend to focus a lot on my spiritual life and check in with myself daily because I know if that’s off everything else crumbles. For me that’s taking time to journal, pray and read the Bible. It’s given me so much strength this year. Praying and journaling are key for me. Walking is my favourite me-time activity. It is so important for your mental health as well as fitness. I sometimes walk for 3 hours with my favourite playlist on and it’s been a game-changer.
I also love a beauty day! Every Sunday I do deep treatment hair masks, and I have regular facials and a mani-pedi every 10 days.
Can you share a “holy grail” beauty product that’s been a staple for you throughout your career?
Hands down it’s Shea butter! It has so much moisture and it’s great on skin and hair.
I mix it with my favourite body butter from the body shop and I get the softness and fragrance all in one.
What was it like stepping back into the spotlight with the Sugababes, and how does it feel to be back stronger than ever?
Our comeback has been a decade in the making. We faced significant obstacles, including someone from our past trademarking the name and threatening legal action if we used it. It was incredibly hurtful and disheartening. Over the years, I think each of us felt like giving up at some point, but there were always two of us determined to keep going. That perseverance strengthened our bond, and now, after such a long battle, everything feels like a celebration. It’s truly the best feeling!
What’s been the most empowering part of reuniting with the group after all these years?
The fact that we still love what we do and are so supported by our fans and the industry. It’s the best feeling.
How has your personal journey shaped the way you approach fame and artistry today?
I have created boundaries around social media interactions and press stories, I don’t read anything! When I open my apps I swipe and keep it moving. My friends tell me nothing, whether it’s a good comment or bad. I just don’t need to know every thought/opinion of people. Ultimately if I’m doing my best that’s all that matters. Doing this has helped tremendously.
Is there a particular moment during this reunion that has felt especially surreal or emotional for you?
Glastonbury 2022 and 2024. I’ve done Glastonbury 3 times now and every time it still surprises me how we manage to have so many people come to our show. We’ve literally had the field shut down twice and that is surreal.
The music industry can be intense—how do you balance the pressures of fame with prioritising your mental and physical health?
The great thing about being your own boss is you get to create your schedule. We make time to be creative but also time for fun! Whereas previously everything was dictated by the label.
If you could give your younger self one piece of advice about beauty or self-worth, what would it be?
I didn’t have the best relationship with the press in my teens. I was constantly criticised, and my character was often attacked. This had a huge impact on my self-esteem. I decided to mask my pain by acting as if it didn’t bother me and that came across cold which did me no favours. Our work environment was also very toxic, with a lot of microaggressions and divide and conquer. I often had to dim my light just so I wouldn’t offend anyone.
Looking back I would say to myself, don’t be afraid to be vulnerable when it comes to showing your soft side publicly because there’s beauty in it and it’s who you are!
Never dim your light, and don’t read any of the press!
What role has self-confidence played in your career, and how do you nurture it now?
I think the art of self-confidence starts from within. When I created boundaries and became more self-aware of myself and others I began to soar and actually enjoy my job. I nurture that now by not compromising my values. Surrounding myself with like-minded people and being in tune with my core needs and those around me. You are only as happy as the environment you create for yourself.
How do you hope your journey inspires others—whether it’s in beauty, music, or personal growth?
I hope my journey inspires others to see that, even through adversity, my faith in God has always been my source of strength. I want it to encourage people to embrace self-awareness for their personal growth and to know that it’s never too late to make a comeback!
