RAW Portraits: Joanna Halpin


After many years of trial and error, Joanna Halpin has finally found what works best for her skin: to keep it minimal, both in terms of the products and the ingredients within the products.Meet the British model-turned-photographer as we chat with her about the many benefits of plant-based beauty, the self-care routines she practices to keep in tune with her body and mind, and the happiness of living close to nature.

RAW Portraits: Joanna Halpin

RAW Portraits: Joanna Halpin


RAW Portraits: Joanna Halpin

After many years of trial and error, Joanna Halpin has finally found what works best for her skin: to keep it minimal, both in terms of the products and the ingredients within the products.Meet the British model-turned-photographer as we chat with her about the many benefits of plant-based beauty, the self-care routines she practices to keep in tune with her body and mind, and the happiness of living close to nature.


ROWSE

1. Tell us a bit about yourself. 

JOANNA
I am from a beautiful part of England called Cornwall; it’s small communities and coastal towns surrounded by nature. I moved to London in my early twenties after graduating from university and fell into modelling; which has given me the most amazing opportunities and experiences, along with the freedom to explore creative ventures. I am now based out of New York, still modelling, but also very much focusing on photography and collaborating with brands that align with my outlooks philosophically and aesthetically.

ROWSE

2. Define your skin.

JOANNA
Generally, I am very fortunate with my skin. I occasionally get hormonal spots, and it tends to feel more sensitive in winter, but other than that it is pretty unproblematic and easy to manage.

ROWSE

3. Which products are there on your beauty shelf? Which ones do you use on a typical day?

JOANNA
After many years of trial and error I keep to a very minimal skincare routine. I have found the less I use the better, both in terms of the products and also regarding the ingredients within the products. I consistently cleanse my face morning and night. Right now I am using the Tangerine Cleansing Balm, which I am loving. It leaves my skin feeling so clean and awake. Then I apply a simple moisturiser with SPF 50 to protect my skin from photo-ageing, and then a few drops of Jojoba Oil over the top. I rarely wear make-up but use a little Weleda Skin Food on my eyelids and cheekbones as a very natural, moisturising highlighter. At night, Then I use ROWSE’s Repair Night Serum and that’s all. My skin is really loving it, it feels hydrated, clear and glowy.
ROWSE

4. What do you most appreciate about plant-based beauty?

JOANNA
For me it’s really important that I know exactly what I put on my body, that everything is completely natural and organic without any hidden surprises along the way. It’s also important in terms of sustainability, which extends out to all aspects of the brand’s journey from the ingredients, sourcing, packaging, shipping and recyclability.
ROWSE

5. And what about the smell. Does it matter to you? 

JOANNA
Absolutely. I love how ROWSE products’ smell. They are so raw and natural and true to the ingredients used in the making of each product –if something smells heavily perfumed or artificial I know it’s not for me and won’t be good for my skin.
ROWSE

6. What makes you feel beautiful? 

JOANNA
For me beauty is so tied to feeling authentically comfortable, happy and confident in myself.
ROWSE

7. Any self-care routines that help you keep grounded? 

JOANNA
I don’t always have the time or self-control to do this daily, but I know I feel much better in myself when I make the time to start the day with a 30 minute Power Yoga class. And then if I’m in a really good routine I will end the day with an hour of Yin Yoga class before I go to bed. I discovered this slow meditative style of yoga about a year and a half ago now and I can’t recommend it enough. It really allows me to switch off and change my mindset. It also really teaches me how to be more present in such a nice, gentle way.
ROWSE

8. Which one of our products has surprised you the most? 

JOANNA
That’s the Summer Body Oil, it's absolutely wonderful. I always use something to hydrate my entire body after showering, but generally lean towards a moisturiser as in the past I have found oils too sticky and sometimes leave my skin feeling a little clogged. However, this blend has completely changed my opinion and I can’t get enough of it. It makes my skin look and feel so smooth and hydrated with this really beautiful, subtle glow. I adore it.
“I adore the Summer Body Oil, it’s absolutely wonderful. It has completely blown my mind and I can’t get enough of it. It’s no sticky at all and makes my skin look and feel so smooth and hydrated with this really beautiful, subtle glow.”
ROWSE

9. Tell us about your hair. How do you take care of it? 

JOANNA
Like with my skin routine, I have a very low maintenance approach. I use shampoo and conditioner every couple of days when I wash my hair. And because of the nature of my job, heat frequently gets applied, so I used a deep conditioning treatment every so often to protect it as much as possible.
ROWSE

10. What's your favourite plant? 

JOANNA
Japanese anemones; they are so resilient and grow well outside in most conditions. The white flowers also look so simple and beautiful when cut and placed inside in vases. We also had them in our garden growing up so maybe they offer me a welcome feeling of nostalgia and familiarity too.
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