How a flight attendant became Jennifer Lopez’s go-to makeup artist
Beauty therapist Nathalie Eleni, who has counted Jennifer Lopez and Natalie Portman among her clients, has some handy tips for stress-free skincare in the air.
Working with Hollywood actresses such as Jennifer Lopez and Natalie Portman, Nathalie Eleni’s career as one of the beauty industry’s most in-demand professionals has taken her from her home in England to glamorous destinations (and clients) across the world. Her passion for makeup and skincare started at a young age.
“When I was seven, my mum was booked for a facial and I went along. It was all so calm, the scents were lovely and even though it’s very old school, the moment the therapist put cucumber over mum’s eyes I knew I wanted to do the same thing,” she says. “ I started experimenting at home using thick cream and the back of a knife to pretend I was shaving mum’s legs.”
But her childhood fascination with beauty did not become her calling straight away, Eleni gained a fashion degree and worked in sales for Vogue before her wanderlust led her to join Virgin Atlantic as a flight attendant before she took on the (now defunct) role of in-flight beauty therapist.
“Virgin Upper Class used to offer neck massages and mini-manicures mid-flight,” she says. “It was a dream job for me.”
Always keen to transition into the world of skincare and makeup artistry, Eleni used pure grit to break in. “I did free photo shoots to build a portfolio,” she says. “One day, a friend referred me to assist on Gok Wan’s Fashion Fix. It was my big break, and I learned so much from working on that set.” From there, Eleni’s reputation grew.
Travel plays a central role in her work, both as a skin and makeup artist and as beauty director of Country and Town House magazine. From visiting San Remo to learn about skincare innovations to prepping celebrities for the red carpet, Eleni’s previous and current clients are a list of household names, including Michael Sheen, Joanne Froggatt, Ben Whishall, Catherine Tate and Natalie Portman. “Sometimes I do makeup or skincare, and other times it’s a massage, tanning or grooming,” she says. “It’s always evolving, but I’m constantly learning and trying new things.”
For Eleni, there’s harmony between wellness and travel, particularly cruising. “On a cruise, you have everything from spa treatments to ocean views, but most of all you have time to truly unwind.”
For frequent flyers, Eleni’s advice is to pack skincare essentials such as hydrating masks and antimicrobial sprays. “Keep it simple but effective,” she says. “Travelling can be tough on the skin, but with the right products, you can arrive looking fresh even after a long-haul flight from Australia.”
Greek goodness
My dad is from Katerini in northern Greece and I have been going there since I was a child. It’s a very friendly town, full of shops, cafes, bars, lovely beaches and most importantly, delicious Greek food. The view of Mount Olympus is quite incredible, so it’s a great place to visit if you like hiking or if you want to take in beautiful scenery at a leisurely pace. I love visiting Greek churches and my favourite one to visit in the area is Agia Triada in a town called Vrontou.
Just cruisin’
Often on holidays we tear around so quickly then we get home and think, “Did I actually enjoy that?” Whereas on a cruise everything is there for you. I did a presentation on Norwegian Cruise Line and loved its wellness offerings. Those immersive spa treatments and the movement of the ocean hit all your senses. The new Norwegian Aqua will be sailing to Bermuda and that’s my dream destination. A perfect day after a relaxing sail would be going snorkelling and scuba diving with my family.
Travelling in style
I was given an ENCOMMUN scarf a couple of years ago and it’s now one of my staple fashion accessories. I wear it all the time. It works for winter, over a coat, or in summer as a cover-up in the evening. ENCOMMUN is a slow-fashion brand that focuses on small-batch production, made-to-order and one-of-a-kind designs, which I love. The scarf is one of my favourite pieces and it’s travelled the world with me.
Work perks
I’ve travelled to so many amazing places with my work. One great trip was to Monaco with actor Joanne Froggatt (from Downton Abbey) for the Monaco Film Festival. We had a few incredible days at decadent pool parties, dinners and screenings. Watching the beautiful sunset from Monte Carlo harbour was a memorable moment. Another great trip was to Trasierra in Spain – a private hotel surrounded by olive groves and flowers. It has the most radiant sunlight that bounces off the white walls, making the whole place twinkle as if covered in fairy dust.
Packing essentials
When I’m travelling, I always downsize my favourite products into small, reusable pots. Not only does this save space, but it keeps my routine intact. Multi-tasking products are a game-changer too – things like tinted moisturisers with SPF or nourishing balms that work for lips and cuticles. Always double-check that the lids are screwed on tightly before packing. There’s nothing worse than opening your bag to find your serum has spilt everywhere. A little preparation goes a long way for stress-free beauty on the go.
Skincare in the sky
Flying often leaves my skin feeling puffy, so here’s a trick I swear by: bring a small face roller in your carry-on, and when the drinks trolley comes around, ask for a cup of ice. Pop the roller in the ice for a few minutes, then gently massage your face. It’s refreshing, helps to reduce puffiness and also gives you an instant lift. It’s such a simple hack, but it makes a huge difference when you step off the plane looking and feeling fresh.
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