Antonia by Lily Bertrand-Webb
Posted by Kay
Thandie and I met Antonia Burrell when she came to listen to a panel that we were on, discussing the beauty industry and how women of colour were being represented. For me, the best thing about the event was not only getting a chance to meet our readers, but the unexpected amount of inspired entrepreneurs such as Antonia, all of whom made Thandie and I feel hugely warm and fuzzy inside, like we were really on the right track with our site.
As well as having her naturally-derived skincare collection, Antonia is a big favourite with beauty editors who love treatments such as her ‘Natural Lift Facial’. Antonia is a BABTAC-accredited practitioner as well as an Associate Lecturer in the Chemistry of Aromatherapy and it’s clear when you meet her that the skincare brand is a true labour of love with Antonia, the inspired, female entrepreneur at the helm.
Both of us enjoy using her uncompromised products not just because they feel, smell and look good, but because they are truly healthy to use on the largest organ of our body-our skin. Her skincare collection is an 100% natural blend of potent, predominantly organic, bio-active plant extracts and clinically proven actives that Antonia believes ‘harness nature’s most potent, nutrient-rich botanicals and bring you results-quick’.
Entirely free from the typical ‘nasties’ like parabens, petrochemicals, synthetic fragrance, SLS, PEGS, glycols and other synthetic chemicals, we’re happy to hear that Antonia’s range is also not tested on animals.
Ethically, ecologically and sustainably sourced, Antonia Burrell Holistic Skincare continues to support organic growers in the UK and throughout the world.
Wearing an Elizabeth Arden lipgloss that came in a round, dark purple/violet case, with a mirror inside when you opened it. The colour was subtle and it smelt lovely.
Usually most of the time…. for me, beauty comes from within and it’s about spirit and giving.
Youth Dew
Ponds Cold Cream next to a crystal cut glass bowl with a lid 
that held coloured cotton wool balls for when she cleansed. She also used Estée Lauder serums in little capsules, Elizabeth Arden moisturiser (it used to smell so nice) and Youth Dew perfume.
I loved the scent, it made me feel comforted and it reminded me of when she used to sit at her white dressing table and get ready. When she wasn’t there I used to sneak into her room and smell it.
Delight. If I’ve got good make-up on I feel confident, sexy and womanly. I feel like I’m highlighting my best features – for example I love emphasising my big bright eyes. 
He didn’t used to say much but he just used to stare at her when she was dressed up if we were going out (which was a lot). I noticed it when we used to go to church, or to my uncle’s for Sunday lunch and often driving in the car on our holiday to Cornwall. He was very proud and made sure she was always dressed in the best clothes.
My Cream Supreme Moisturiser.
I noticed that there had never been anything on the market like it before – a moisturiser that was hard working yet natural. My vision was to create a moisturiser that solved a whole host of common skin issues at the same time, to save women spending time and money on lots of different products that didn’t give the desired results. So I created Cream Supreme, a results-driven moisturiser that starts working from the first application. Ultimately I want women to feel more confident in their own skin and to feel beautiful for who they are, and the best way I can do this is by creating products that really work.
In a helicopter. I used to have a highflying boyfriend who had his own helicopter and he’d often take me out in it. I used to go along to his meetings sometimes, and so I would touch up my make-up on the go.
I’d love to see more chic beauty boutiques that specialise in niche brands and have staff that can really educate the customer.
A couple of weeks ago. I was doing a facial treatment and a client’s skin was very congested and full of blackheads. I needed to steam for a while…
Antonia’s hero product is the Natural Glow Cleansing Oil from her range
Find out more about Antonia and book an appointment with Antonia at Wakeman Road
Follow Antonia on twitter and facebook
Check out photographer Lily Bertrand-Webb’s website
Follow Lily on twitter and instagram
All Photographs by Lily Bertrand-Webb
