In the immortal lyrics of Grease’s 'Beauty School Dropout', we are asked “who wants their hair done by a slob?” Surely the same logic pertains to stationery: if you want a sleek yet functional way to keep your days in check, you don’t look for a diary designed by someone with a haphazard approach to routine (or aesthetics). Instead, you want a diary designed by a woman whose hyper-organised outlook and monochromatic style infuses just about every choice she makes in life, from skincare to wardrobe to interior design, and so Beck Wadworth is your girl. The founder of the aptly-named An Organised Life stationery brand invited us into her soothingly minimalist New Zealand abode and shared her regimented morning beautifying routine, revealed a slightly unusual obsession with spinach (fear not, she also has a healthy interest in Champagne and pizza), and explained how 2020 has taught her to appreciate life’s little details.

“I’m definitely a minimalist in all aspects: in my personal style, interiors, and when it comes to my makeup and skincare.

I just want products that work for me, so tend to stick to those that I really love, and don’t change it up very often at all. In the past I’ve experienced hormonal acne and overall sensitivity, so I went back to really simple, gentle, ‘clean’ products to get it to settle down. It’s funny how we eventually listen to our mother’s advice, isn’t it? Mine always taught me the importance of looking after my skin with a simple routine (and that beauty starts from within, anyway!) This approach, combined with regular facials and LED light therapy, has worked wonders.

Earlier this year my skin started playing up again, so I’ve really concentrated on bringing my skincare back to only what my skin really needs.

I’ve been following my new routine for about six months now and my skin has never been clearer or had more of a glow. I think my routine shows that you don’t always have to splurge on the most expensive products; for example, I’ve become addicted to The Ordinary, and their price point is extremely reasonable. Go for the right ingredients and for what works for you.

Every morning I follow the same five steps. First, I wash my face using Ren Rosa Centifolia Hot Cloth Cleanser, then use The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 to increase hydration and help to reduce fine lines. I add an antioxidant in the form of vitamin C in Emma Lewisham Skin Reset Even Skin Tone Serum, then moisturise with Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Face Cream.

I always double cleanse in the evenings.

I remove makeup with Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micelle Solution and then wash my face using Dr Barbara Sturm Cleanser or Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel. I like The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% to help minimise oil and breakouts, and then add The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 again for hydration, as I do in the morning. Finally I go in with a retinoid, Ultra MD Ultimate A Refining Serum, and seal that in with either Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Face Cream or Emma Lewisham Supernatural Anti-Ageing Peptide 72-Hour Crème.

I exfoliate a couple of times a week and love doing a mask every Sunday; my to-go is the Kat Burki Complete B Repair Vital Hydration Face Mask. And if I have spots I use Mario Badescu Drying Lotion, which is honestly amazing!

I’m all about ageing gracefully. To date I haven’t had any injectables or other work done to prevent wrinkles!

I’m a very realistic and open-minded person, so I never say never, but at the moment my attitude is to concentrate on looking after my skin by staying hydrated, using good skincare products, having light therapy treatments, and by embracing imperfections, including those that come with age – it’s all part of my story.

My beauty look is natural and glowy. I like a defined cheekbone, bold brow, subtle eye, and natural lip. I love my skin to look like skin.  

I have always kept my beauty and makeup very simple, even as a teenager. During university I did experiment with a bold lip but that was as creative as it got! I guess I found my beauty style early on, and stuck with it. I use the exact same products every day, and can have my whole face done in five minutes flat!

I start with Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Natural Skin Perfector, which in summer I mix with Drunk Elephant’s D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops for added warmth, before adding Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Liquid Concealer under the eyes or on any spots. For brows, I fill in and define them first using Kevin Aucoin The Precision Brow Pencil, then make sure they stay in place using Le Sourcil Le Gel Clear Eyebrow Gel. I love a bold brow! I use Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer both on my cheekbones and as my eyeshadow (I really like both a multitasking product, and a tonal look). For highlighter I like Chanel Baume Essentiel Multi-Use Glow Stick or RMS Living Luminizer. If I want to add more depth to my eyes I use brown-toned palettes from Hourglass or Chanel, then finish off with Hourglass Caution Extreme Lash Mascara. My final steps are a lip balm, either by Fresh or Dr Barbara Sturm, and a dusting of Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder to keep it all in place.

I pretty much follow the same routine for an evening out, usually just adding a darker brown or black eyeshadow to create a bold smokey eye, and a neutral lipstick. To enhance my lips, I use a little illuminator on my cupids bow and create a small shadow below my bottom lip with my bronzer.

OFFICE CHAIR FROM FREEDOM

East Day Spa is my absolute favourite place for all types of pampering. They do the best massages and facials. 

My go-to splurge treatment is light therapy. It works wonders on evening out skin tone (especially when I’m having breakouts), while also plumping and firming. I also regularly get laser hair removal done. For my nails, I go to INCO Studio. I usually get a clear gel, which not only gives a really natural look and feel, but also strengthens the nails and keeps me feeling groomed.

Since my hair is dead straight, I love a blunt cut to give it some movement and texture.

Every six weeks, I go to M11 Studio and get my hair cut and have a gloss added. At the moment I’m getting a cellophane gloss that has a slight brunette tone. In terms of styling, I often wear a slick low bun or use my Cloud Nine C9 Wand to create effortless waves. My go-to styling product is the Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray.

When I was at high school I thought I was going to be a professional dancer, and that graphic design would be my backup. Dancing taught me so many amazing skills that I use to this day including dedication, commitment, and self-motivation, all of which have more than come in handy running my own business. 

I had always relied on a diary year after year to write down my important dates, lists, and goals. I studied Graphic Design for four years, then I moved to Sydney to work in the fashion industry, where I was involved in marketing, PR, social media, and e-commerce. Not only did I get to use my graphic design skills daily across these roles, but they all helped me so much when I started my own brand.

CHAIR BY BOHEME HOME

During this period of time I really wanted a diary to help me be at my best, but I couldn’t find one that was functional and would also complement my monochrome, minimalistic aesthetic. I realised there was a gap in the market, and that was how An Organised Life was born. 

Every day in this job is different, but I feel very fortunate that I am always working towards creating products that serve a purpose, that help others to live an organised life. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing a customer with an AOL diary in their hand.

My style is minimal and understated, and I embrace the classics. I love a monochrome or neutral colour palette and live by the motto less is more.

I’m all about pieces I can wear season after season, and that can stand the test of time both in terms of quality and of design. My favourite designers are Maggie Marilyn, for all the essentials and more, Re/Done and Levi’s for denim, Matteau for swimwear and resort wear, Aje for feminine silhouettes that hug the figure perfectly, Paris Georgia for beautiful fabrics and cuts, Harris Tapper and Camilla and Marc for suiting, Released From Love and Tiffany & Co. for jewellery, Anna Quan for structured shirts and suits, Marle for knitwear, Rylan and Oroton for bags, and SIR the label for everything!

This year my personal goals have all been heavily focused around my health and wellbeing.

I make sure I get outside for a one hour walk every day, ideally along the waterfront from the Parnell Pools to the Orakei Marina. Working for myself and working from home means I can go whenever it suits my schedule or whenever the weather is nice. I also do reformer Pilates three times a week at Wild Pilates. The combination of Pilates and walking keeps me feeling centred and strong.

I’m all about balance with my diet. Usually during the week I eat very healthily, and then on the weekend I love to indulge in a good wood-fired pizza, cheese platters, chocolate, or Champagne!

I’m addicted to spinach, especially when it’s wilted – strange, I know. In the summer I make a smoothie filled with lots of spinach, berries, banana, and in winter I love to make wilted spinach with butter and garlic that I add to avo on toast.

I’m trying to focus on the basics at the moment – not overworking myself (I have been terrible at this in recent years!) I am learning to relax, either just in the sun at home, enjoying a tea or coffee and listening to the birds, or with a long bath. 

I’m also trying to get eight hours of sleep every night. I have started journaling in the evenings, which I do at least once a week. It’s nice to get all my thoughts, feelings, and memories out on paper during what I think is going to be an important year to look back on. I also always have a sleep tea of some sort about thirty minutes before I go to sleep, to help me unwind.”

Story by Zoe Briggs. Photography by Holly Burgess, Kirsty Dawn and Beck Wadworth.

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