Meet Romy de Vries
I asked beauty queen and wellness muse Romy to share her Fall look, routine and secret beauty weapon
Romy has been my girl crush since forever, she has an angelic almost ethereal presence, the best taste in music and a fresh approach to beauty and wellness that I find inspiring. I had the pleasure of meeting her in Amsterdam many years ago and we stayed in touch ever since. I am an avid reader of her substack and am excited for you to get to know her (if you don’t already).
Romy: I’m always researching things, I hate sparkling water and I will smile at every dog that passes by me. As for what I do: I need to juggle multiple things to stay inspired. I feel a bit like a late bloomer, as I spent 15 years as a model, which often felt like the opposite of following my heart and got me burned out pretty intensely. Now, I’m like a fountain bursting with ideas, tapping into all the energy I bottled up over the years. These days I’m a beauty and wellness entrepreneur, and I also work with other brands on beauty product development and marketing strategy. I have a radio show called etherc0re on Echobox Radio, where I play music to soothe and nourish, maybe even prevent anxiety during travel or social events. I also love to write: I have a Substack (and other socials) on beauty called Soft Glow World and on wellness called Soft Realm, which just launched. After struggling with the form of both platforms this past year, I finally figured it out and hired a small team to help me take things to the next level. I’m very excited!
On her Fall routine: It took me a while to find a way of starting the day that worked for me but this truly makes me feel buzzingly well. I wake up in a completely analog room: my bedroom is sacred these days so no phone, laptop, etc., in sight. I start my morning with aromatherapy, a glass of water, a glass of coconut water or when I'm cold I make ginger tea with cinnamon, and I always eat some walnuts. I light a candle and journal in bed, beginning with expression journaling if I feel something doesn’t sit well in my body. If I’m feeling blissful, I skip that part and go straight to asking myself what I’m currently avoiding: feelings, tasks, anything. It’s powerful to bring that to the surface. Next, I write down my intentions for the day and then celebrate everything I love, everything that feels great, and everything I’m proud of and grateful for.
I’ll ask myself a question I learned from Pea the Feary’s workshops: “Who am I being right now?” followed by “Who am I choosing to be?” - it’s powerful mindset work. Then I practice my own little version of a promise-keeping practice, which I learned from my brilliant friend Jamila .
After journaling, I dry brush my body and go through a 20-minute ritual of somatic movement, lymphatic drainage, fascial massage, stretching, and light exercise. I shower, do my skincare routine, sometimes put on makeup, and then have coffee and breakfast. I work for an hour before choosing a soft knit and some silk pants to go out for a walk. When I get back, I return to work. That’s my full fall morning!
Her dreamy Fall look: I’ve found my favourite fall uniform, and I couldn’t be happier. It’s boots, tights, a big sweater and then I’ll vary with bottoms. Sooo I’m always in one of my cashmere sweaters (I’m eyeing The Row but until then my current favourite is from Cos. Laura Dols in Amsterdam also has great quality vintage ones) over something comfy, like a stretch jersey long-sleeve (I’m a sucker for skims) or a silk shirt. I pair this with tights and either shorts or a very short or VERY long skirt and long boots. My favourite shorts are Comme des Garçons (wearing them in the pic), and my favourite skirt is from a Chinese brand called Shushu/Tong. The boots I wear in the pic are my Bottega riding boots (best buy I did in a hot minute) and sunglasses from either Bottega like in the pic or Eckhaus Latta. Lately, I’ve been into Elsa Peretti for Tiffany’s jewelry, so I add a few silver and platinum rings and necklaces to this outfit as the cherry on top.
On her secret beauty weapon: Oh so many! Haha. But if I have to choose right now: layering multiple rounds of milky or hyaluronic essence toners: three or more layers for deep hydration. It leaves my skin looking healthy and well-cared-for. Also: cooling down lipstick shades I have by layering a blue MAC gloss on top. I'm obsessed.
Alice <3