NEOM Founder Nicola Elliott On The Wellness Rituals She Swears By
September always feels like the ultimate reset, making it the perfect time to rethink our beauty and wellness routines. We asked NEOM founder Nicola Elliott to share the simple rituals and products she relies on for better sleep, calmer days and feeling more like yourself.
September always feels like a fresh start, what does your own reset look like after summer?
I love that feeling… I’m already planning! My autumn reset starts with a new notebook (Papier), a new handbag (Demellier), a new trench (The Frankie Shop) and a new jumper (Navy Grey).
You’re synonymous with scent, what fragrance are you wearing on repeat right now?
Right now, I’m diffusing our Happiness Essential Oil Blend in my Wellbeing Pod on repeat. The neroli, mimosa and lemon instantly transport me back to summer holidays. Our Happiness Scent blend is now also scientifically provento support emotional regulation*. So, for me, it’s a win-win!
What’s the one morning ritual you swear by when life gets busy?
I have a cup of tea in bed. Then I shower with NEOM’s Super Shower Power Body Wash, it’s beyond zingy; it seriously wakes you up! I use lots of vitamin C on my face (there’s one from Paula’s Choice which is my favourite).
One of the best wellbeing tips I’ve learnt on my 20-year journey that really works for me is to get some natural light and fresh air first thing.
What’s the one beauty product you always have in your handbag?
Refy lipstick in Orchid (perfect colour). It pulls you together without looking too done, has a great formula, I love it.
What else would we find in your handbag if we had a rummage?
Yorkshire teabag, NEOM hand balm, dog lead, old-school wired headphones, phone (obvs) and some kind of snack.
What’s your ultimate ‘I’ve had no sleep but need to look alive’ beauty trick?
Gatineau concealer, it’s a total miracle.
What’s the best wellness habit you’ve introduced into your life that genuinely makes a difference?
I walk the dog after the school run, and one of the best wellbeing tips I’ve learnt on my 20-year journey that really works for me is to get some natural light and fresh air first thing. It’s a simple habit that helps me feel more awake in the morning and supports my sleep routine, which, at my age, I have to work on!
The sauna revival is something I’m totally into. The data is not to be ignored.
What’s your go-to evening ritual when you need to switch off from work and family life?
I like to take a bath every night filled with our NEOM Perfect Night’s Sleep Bath Foam & Magnesium Bath Milk (yes… I double up), light a matching Perfect Night’s Sleep Scented Candle and sit there for a good 15 minutes. Then, it’s bed by 10, read a good paperback book (usually fiction at night – I’m currently reading The Correspondent, which is fab), then lights off religiously by 10.30 after dousing my pillow in Perfect Night’s Sleep Mist!
What beauty or wellness product have you discovered recently that has genuinely impressed you?
The sauna revival is something I’m totally into. The data is not to be ignored.
What’s one beauty trend you love, and one you’ll happily leave to Gen Z?
To be honest, most of it. I’m only up for doing things that seriously make a difference and that I enjoy doing. If not, I just don’t buy into them these days.
What’s your ultimate Sunday night ritual to get yourself and the family ready for the week ahead?
I usually arrive in London on a Sunday night, as I spend the beginning of the week working with the NEOM team there, then back to Yorkshire for the weekend. I really love living between the two, the variety works for me, and I don’t know if I could commit to one town anymore!
What’s your secret weapon for surviving the back-to-school chaos?
My kids are older now, but I was always the slummy mummy at school. I think, like most things in life, pick your battles. If you know what day they go back and they have a clean uniform on, you’re winning. That competitive mum thing doesn’t work for anyone, you or them.
If you could steal one beauty or wellness habit from another woman, who would it be and what would you steal?
I’m always looking at mature women for inspiration. My mum is super wise, so naturally I go to her for advice. She never sweats the small stuff, and we can turn any (bad) situation into a laugh, which I think is a northern trait that always helps me.
I think, like most things in life, pick your battles. If you know what day they go back and they have a clean uniform on, you’re winning.
What’s the best beauty advice you’ve ever been given, and who gave it to you?
Again, my mum, she never complicates anything—beauty, routines or fashion.
What does wellness mean to you now compared with when you first launched your brand?
It’s always changing as my life changes. I get older and the challenges keep coming! The products and the way we speak always reflect that, because it’s the heart and soul of what I’m feeling.
If we opened your bathroom cabinet, handbag and bedside table right now, what three things would you be slightly embarrassed or very proud to find?
Lots of fake tan (northern, aren’t I?)
SPF (been good with this all my life, thanks to my mum).
Toothpicks (these are dotted about the house everywhere).
I’m always looking at mature women for inspiration. My mum is super wise, so naturally I go to her for advice. She never sweats the small stuff, and we can turn any (bad) situation into a laugh, which I think is a northern trait that always helps me.
What’s the one thing you’ll never leave the house without?
Mitzi, my miniature dachshund. She’s with me 24/7 – in meetings, on trains, school runs or even dinners out, I’m never without her. She’s my little joy.
Early night, glass of wine or a candle-lit bath, what’s your ultimate reset?
Can I have both?
What’s your most luxurious five-minute ritual?
M&S truffle crisps, a good glass of wine and our Real Luxury Scented Candle.
What’s your ‘back-to-school mum uniform’ beauty edition?
Always jeans. M&S have got some great shapes in, a shirt from WNU, pulled together with a trench from The Frankie Shop. Sometimes even a scarf for detail, I’ve recently bought some cool vintage ones on Vinted! Gold jewellery is a must. I love a mix of more expensive pieces, especially from Astrid & Miyu. All finished off with some statement glasses and a good pair of loafers from Dear Frances.
What’s the one thing you think every woman should do for herself every day?
Check in on a friend. We need the good ones even more as we get older.
*Independent clinical study of 30 people assessing autonomic nervous system responses (heart rate and heart rate variability) via ECG using Happiness Essential Oil Blend, against baseline.
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