For musician Anieszka, beauty starts with a healthy mind. That's why she begins every morning by making her bed and jotting down a new entry into her gratitude journal. Once she's taken the steps to check in with how she's feeling, she'll move on to hydration. You'll always find a bottle of Vaseline or Palmer's Cocoa Butter nearby, which Anieszka slathers on immediately after the shower. And when it comes to exercise, walking is her preferred method of staying fit, switching out Uber rides with longer strides.

Here at RUSSH we caught up with the Choices singer, covering everything from her job, beauty tips and health advice. Below, she shares the best health advice she's ever received and why Alicia Keys is her forever beauty icon.

What is your morning beauty routine?

I always start off with making my bed, writing in my gratitude journal and taking a few moments to be still, I feel like a healthy mind leads to a healthy life and definitely healthy skin. I then usually have a shower and wash my face, then go in with skincare which is the Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel, Kiehls Avocado eye cream and the Ultraviolette Queen Supreme SPF50 sunscreen. Throughout the day if I feel like my skin is feeling a little dehydrated, I’ll spray on some Avene Eau Thermale - makes me feel a little more alive!

What is your night beauty routine?

I usually have makeup on from the day so I like to go in with a cleansing balm to take it all off, then cleanse with my Dermalogica special cleansing gel. When I want my skin to feel extra soft I use the L’Occitane Immortelle Divine Foaming Cleanser. After that I go in with a toner, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and top it off with the Clinique Moisture Surge. I need my skin to feel clean, hydrated and supple when I go to sleep. 

Describe what you do for a living? What does a typical day look like for you?

I’m a singer/songwriter and that’s what I focus on but I do have a part-time job that helps to fund my music. A typical day for me can look anything like a walk in the morning, working, then jumping into a session with another artist/producer or writing in my room with my guitar or keys. I enjoy cooking dinner then I’ll set time aside to get back to any emails/plan things out and end the night with a cup of peppermint or chamomile tea and Netflix. I try to find moments in between the day to meditate and get some sun too.

What is the supermarket/ drug store/ chemist beauty product(s) that you use and love?

I’ve been using the Simple toner since I was about 14 years old, it’s a staple.

What is your main form of beauty body maintenance? What products do you use on your body?

I always use an exfoliating glove on my body then use the L’Occitane Almond Cleansing & Soothing shower oil. My mum kind of ingrained it into me since I was a kid that moisturising my whole body after jumping out of the shower is key, so I use Palmer’s Cocoa Butter or Vaseline Intensive Care.

How do you keep fit/ healthy? Does exercise form a large part of your routine?

Exercise is super important to stay healthy both mentally and physically. I personally love to walk, whether it’s a planned long walk to get my steps in or just walking from place to place when I’m out and about instead of catching an uber or bus. I also enjoy doing Youtube workouts, yoga and jumping on the treadmill when I want a quick workout session.

What procedures or professional treatments do you have as part of your beauty routine?

I haven’t done any procedures or professional treatments, I’ve always kept it really simple. I use homemade masks, do my own eyebrows and grooming and just try to stay as healthy as I can. 

What do you do when your body needs to recover?

Rest. Getting a good night’s sleep, meditating and spending time with myself or loved ones helps my body realign.

You’re tired or rundown: what is your beauty hack?

Hydration - drink water but also use some hyaluronic acid to plump the skin. On these kinds of days, a bit of concealer and blush goes a long way.

What is the one non-negotiable in your beauty routine?

Taking off my makeup at the end of the day. It doesn’t matter how tired or sleepy I am, I always take my makeup off and make sure my skin is cleansed and moisturised before sleeping. 

Do you have a beauty icon? Who are they and why?

Alicia Keys. I’ve watched her over the years go from different makeup looks, to not wearing makeup at all, to bringing out her new skincare line Keys Soulcare and her skincare routine is incredibly in tune with her body and her mind which I admire a lot.

What is the best advice on beauty you’ve received?

That what you put into your body is what will show on the outside. If you have a healthy diet, stay hydrated, and get enough sleep, your skin will reflect that.

What is the best advice on health you’ve received?

That your mind and body are very much connected. Looking after your health involves looking after every part of who you are - what you eat, who you surround yourself with, what you watch, what you listen to, what you read. It all plays its part and it’s important to pay attention to what makes you feel good and what doesn’t.

What is the one product you can’t live without?

Lip balm! These lips need to stay moisturised at all times.

Images: @anieszka