Jill Dunn

“I’m a journalist first” says beauty expert Jill Dunn. Currently serving as resident beauty expert on The Marilyn Denis Show, Dunn’s first brush with the world of beauty was as an editorial intern at ELLE Canada magazine in 2003. Dunn went on to become ELLE Canada’s beauty editor, and later filled the same role at Glow magazine. Presently, she freelances for several publications, including Flare, Hello! Canada and Chatelaine and imparts beauty wisdom on The Marilyn Denis Show.

After writing about the beauty industry for over 10 years, what has been your takeaway in terms of your personal beauty regimen? 

I just think that skin care and the whole ritual of skin care have become very important to me. Skin is a living, breathing thing; it’s dynamic, and it’s always changing, and you can address those changes. That has been something I really enjoy learning about and implementing in my own life.

For women who have no clue about skin care, where do you suggest starting?

 I’m actually a fan of the double cleanse: using a makeup removing oil first and then a cleansing gel or milk on top of that. You get a very thorough cleanse without stripping the skin. I think that’s the cornerstone of all good skin care routines. Beyond that, use a great antioxidant serum, something that has 10 per cent or more stabilized Vitamin C in it. That really does wonders for fighting off free radicals, so it kind of delays those early lines and wrinkles. You can use that morning and night, and in the day time get SPF in your moisturizer. So, if you can only afford three things: a really good cleanser, a treatment serum, and a daily moisturizer with SPF.

How do you treat yourself?

 I love going for a facial. I probably do that, like, once a quarter. Pedicures are also something that I love to get, and I get them done all year round. They really feel like an indulgence for me. I do them at home too, but it feels like you’ve done something nice for yourself when you go to the spa and take that time out to do it.

What has been your best spa experience and why?

 The Miraval Resort holistic spa in Arizona a few years ago. I had a male attendant giving me a massage, and it was just really remarkable about how in-tune he was with my body after just spending a couple of minutes with me. I was blown away. That’s a real gift and a real talent when you feel that comfortable straightaway with someone. He was like, “Did you go for a run yesterday?” It was almost a little bit freaky! And the results were amazing.

What’s your biggest spa pet peeve? 

If I go for a facial and they leave the mask on and leave the room. I think it really does interrupt the treatment. I like when the therapist stays in the room and either gives you a hand massage or a foot massage, or does something else that keeps the power of touch in contact with you. Otherwise you’re laying there wondering, “Is the person coming back?”