Celebrity Health – Aimee Connolly
Aimee Connolly is one of Ireland’s most recognisable and loved make-up artists. She has been a columnist in the Sunday World magazine, a beauty expert on TV3’s Xposé and now does guest slots on Virgin Media’s Ireland AM. Aimee has developed her own award-winning cruelty-free cosmetics range, Sculpted by Aimee Connolly, and set up Sculpted The Academy, an education studio in south county Dublin. She has recently been announced as a finalist in the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards for 2021.
Photos: Lili Forberg
What has your last year been like Aimee?
It has been a very different year, and a learning experience at the same time. My business was already operating online at the start of the first lockdown and we had a solid e-commerce strategy in place, so it could have been more damaging. I have been very much concentrating on developing the brand and running online masterclasses for my academy.
What sort of exercise do you do to keep in shape?
I discovered my love of exercise at the start of the first lockdown. It has become one of the best things I have learned and a real help for my mind. I do online HIIT classes with my gym F45, I took up running and I started Pilates classes to stretch and look after my hips and legs. I had an operation for scoliosis when I was 17 and this exercise has really helped.
I have a new appreciation for being outdoors and have been walking a lot more. I used to drive, but now I walk into work three or four times a week or cycle, and I love it.
What sort of foods do you eat to stay healthy?
Since the first lockdown I have really got into cooking at home. I used to grab food on the go but have now changed my eating habits. I have a massive sweet tooth which I get from my mum, and love tea and a treat.
I am not a huge breakfast person – I might grab a banana and I like a cup of tea. For lunch I am really into minestrone soup or falafel salad or a basic toastie. For dinner I like making gnocchi chorizo, one-pan vegetarian lasagne and other pasta dishes, falafel and haloumi salads. I am not a big snack person but would have apples, bananas, nuts and protein bars in the office. I am not organised enough to prepare food for the next day.
Do you take any natural supplements or drinks?
I am one of these people who has the best intention to start taking supplements but I struggle to stick with it long term. Saying that, in the last 18 months I have amazed myself by consistently taking Zest Active by Revive Active, omega-3s and more recently vitamin A for my skin.
I would buy vitamins in my local health store in Dundrum Shopping Centre where I also often pick up herbal tea for sleep and beauty serums.
Do you ever worry about your health?
I am 28 and starting to see lines on my face that I think are from recent stress.
I have realised that in the past I was busy setting up a business and I didn’t prioritise myself enough, but I am making time for exercise and cooking now.
I find the older I am the more nervous I am about my family’s health – it is just me and mum and I am concerned that she gets all her health checks and looks after herself.
Do you have any health tips for Rude Health readers?
- A younger person may think they don’t need to worry about their health, but it’s important to make time for yourself.
- I wish I had got into exercise sooner – I like feeling better and having more energy, especially if I am very busy.
- Don’t leave behind any positive changes you have made for yourself in the past year – I will carry these with me as things go back to normal.
- Keep an eye on your social media habits, it’s always good to make sure you unfollow accounts that don’t make you feel good, that you reduce screen time and that you take a break every once in a while. With my brand I have a policy that we don’t use filters or photoshop in any of the images we share.
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