Writer, comedian and presenter Ellie Taylor talks Grazia through her new Netflix favourite, go-to scent and beauty routine in this latest edition of The Feelgood Files.
The song I listen to when I need a boost: You Can’t Stop The Beat from Hairspray the musical. Impossible to listen to without feeling sunny.
The book I can’t put down: I've just finished What Have I Done? by Laura Dockrill. It’s a first-hand account of her experience of post-partum psychosis and is equal parts fascinating and terrifying.
My go-to feelgood recipe: Anything involving pasta and served with a mountain of Parmesan on top. I’m also deeply passionate about pastry.
The Instagram account that brings me joy: An account called @Round.Boys which is all videos and photos of round animals. I defy anyone to look at a perfectly spherical seal and not think it’s a wonderful world.
What never fails to make me smile: My kid when she wakes up. She’s got wild hair at the moment and emerges from her cot with these mad flicks that make her look little a tiny Anthea Turner.
My go-to supplement: Nutella.
My favourite at-home workout: I dip in and out of a home workout system for women who’ve had kids called Mutu. It’s specifically designed to re-strengthen your core and pelvic floor. It’s really gentle and targeted, and it’s made me much more aware of my posture and breathing when exercising.
My feel-good at-home beauty routine: I’m a cleanse and moisturiser kind of girl. Occasionally I’ll buy some extra potion, use it for a week, become furious I don’t look 17 and then never use it again.
My failsafe face mask: People have failsafe facemasks?? Bloody hell, I suddenly feel very neglectful of my godforsaken pores.
Another song that makes me smile: Anything by the Spice Girls. Takes me back to be a silly, stupid, glorious teenager.
The smell that lifts my mood: My favourite perfume, Gypsy Water by Byredo. I loved it as soon as I first came across it. Every time I put it on it puts a little pep in my step.
The movie I’ll happily watch again and again: Bridesmaids. Relentlessly brilliant.
The Netflix show I tell everyone to watch: I just finished Unorthodox about an Orthodox Jewish girl from New York who flees her life and starts anew in Germany. Incredible tale based on a true story, and the performances are astounding.
My happy place: At home with my husband and little girl, preferably in the garden on a sunny day. Us drinking margaritas, her slurping milk from a bottle in one hand and digging in the soil with other, looking like a grubby little mole.
A final feelgood note from me: In this time of lockdown I can’t stop thinking about new parents stuck at home with none of the usual access to friends and family for support with a newborn. That’s why I’m so chuffed to be part of theWaterWipes Early Days Club, an online initiative to provide support, guidance and community to new parents. It’s all about being in this together, but apart.
Shop: Ellie Taylor's Favourite Perfume
Byredo Gypsy Water
1 of 1Byredo Gypsy Water Eau de Parfum 50ml, £115
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