The Last… With Ruby Hammer
Makeup artist, brand founder and beauty expert Ruby Hammer MBE has over 40 years experience within the beauty industry. She has worked across editorial and commercial shoots, to haute couture catwalks and TV. In 2007 she was awarded an MBE for her long-standing contribution to the cosmetics industry. A pioneer in the movement towards inclusivity in beauty, Ruby focuses on emphasising and enhancing your natural features, teaching people to embrace their unique beauty.
The Last…
Time you danced?
My good friend’s 50th birthday party just a few weeks back.
Thing you bought from an actual shop?
Some birthday cards.
Thing you brought online?
I ordered some of my favourite Barebells Chocolate Protein Milkshakes.
Person you spoke to?
I just caught up with my wonderful Brand Manager Lianna, before she’s off to Glastonbury.
Podcast you listened to?
The Founded Beauty podcast by Akash Mehta, who I recently had the pleasure of recording with.
New brand you discovered?
I recently discovered a gorgeous clothing brand ‘By Malina’ and bought some pieces for this heatwave weather!
Film you watched at the cinema?
I am ashamed to say I haven’t been to the cinema in over a year!
TV series you watched at home?
We have recently just finished Succession and have now started Black Mirror to try and fill the void that Succession has left!
Restaurant you ate at?
The last place I ate was Petit Maison in London for a brunch with some friends. It truly never disappoints!
Takeaway you ordered?
I order more takeaways than I’d like to admit, as sometimes it’s too busy to cook! Last night it was our local Lebanese. Delicious.
Book you read?
A Well-Tempered Heart, by Jan-Philipp Sendker. It’s the second in the trilogy.
Magazine you flicked through?
I have the app Readly, so often flick through magazines online now. The last ones I read were Vogue & Red.
Country you visited?
The last place I visited was Italy. We spent a day in Rome, and then a few days in a retreat just outside of Rome in Fiuggi.
Town you walked around?
I spent a lovely evening wandering around Rome. Some parts familiar, and some parts new. I still love discovering new places.
Time you cried?
I often get emotional when watching something sad on TV, or when reading the news. The last time I cried was probably this morning, watching something on the news!
Time you laughed until you cried?
Watching a video sent by my daughter Reena, of my beautiful grandson Max up to his usual antics!
Thing you do at night before switching off the light?
I usually take a couple of drops of Trip CBD oil before bed, and always say a prayer for my late parents and all of my loved ones.
Meal you cooked?
Hand on heart, I haven’t cooked anything from scratch recently. My husband has definitely fed me more meals than I have fed him!
Cocktail you drank?
Eastern Standard, with Gin. It’s my go-to.
Play you saw?
Over Christmas I went to see Cabaret in London. Actually… when I was 16 studying drama, I was cast to play one of the Kit Kat girls… so I could still recite all of the songs word for word!
Thing you baked?
A sweet potato, love how simple & tasty they are!
Thing you burnt?
Probably some chicken! I was just trying to reheat it, but was distracted by a phone call. Oops!
Time you said sorry?
To a close colleague, a few days ago. When we have a lot on, in work and life, it’s easy to let it get to us and sometimes take it out on the ones closest. But anyone that knows me knows it’s always coming from a good place, and is never personal.
Website you bookmarked?
Wardrobe Icons. I’m going to be doing a masterclass with them soon so it’s nice to keep up to date with what else they’ve got happening.
Song you added to a playlist?
I love listening to old-school Bollywood songs, so probably one of those. It reminds me of my late Mum, I feel very nostalgic when listening to that style of music.
Person you kissed?
My husband, Martin. We are quite an affectionate couple.
Travelled by bus?
It’s actually been years! I’m often on the Elizabeth Line, but not usually the bus.
Radio station you listened to?
A local Italian station, whilst driving from Rome to Fiuggi.
Time you swore?
Those who know me, know I have a bit of a potty mouth… so probably in the last 10, 15, 30 minutes! Not proud of it!
Biscuit you ate?
A sourdough cracker.
Item of clothing you wore two days running?
Probably my soft, pale jeans from AG Jeans – they are a staple.
Thing you smelt?
Vinegar! Recently, our front path seems to have become a popular spot for dogs to go ‘to the bathroom’.. I was recommended by a friend to wipe it down with vinegar to put them off. Let’s hope that works!
Time you said I love you?
This morning, to my grandson Max. He’s away on holiday now, so I told him over Facetime.
Loving right now…
My Ruby Hammer Lip Serum Balms – perfect for a pop of colour on a summer’s day.
Almora Botantica hand cream.
Vanrycke styloïde elastic bracelet. I keep looking at this, and absolutely love it.. I don’t dare buy until I get the chance to try it on though.
Kate Somerville, Mega-C™ 30% Vitamin C Brightening Facial. Saw it in Space NK, and now that I’ve tried it I love it.
The Chanel Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream – Travel Size. The miniatures are so useful to take around in my kit.
Follow Ruby: @rubyhammer
