The world’s foremost expert in sunless tanning, James Read says that wellness and lifestyle are at the heart of his identity. “Taking care of yourself is essential, especially when juggling a busy life,” he says of personal rituals like beauty treatments, exercise, travel and dining with friends. “These moments are vital for my mental health and overall well-being.” With the launch of Self Glow by James Read, he’s combined his love for skin care with self-tan to create products that boast multiple benefits for body and soul.
We caught up with Read to discover a few of his personal essentials, from his night time routine to his favourite restaurants, plus his must-have skin-care products.
Self Glow by James Read Break of Dawn Rejuvenating Glow Mask 60 ML, $68
“It’s more than just self-tanning—it gives you a beautiful, natural tan while caring for your skin. I wanted to develop a product that didn’t feel like the typical self-tan but rather an extension of your daily self-care routine.
Biologique Recherche Lotion P50T 250 ML, $136
“Years ago, Mariam, the CEO of Living Beauty Inc., introduced me to Biologique Recherche products, and I’ve been hooked ever since. The P50 is a favourite—it’s gentler on my skin than retinol but even more effective.
Biologique Recherche Facials
“I’ve had so many facials over the years and nothing compares to Biologique Recherche’s. The results are transformative.”
Biologique Recherche Masque Vivant 100 ML, $84
“I’ve always been obsessed with using face masks at night. Sometimes, I’ll even layer two or three in a single evening—yes, I know that’s a bit excessive, but it makes me feel incredible. It’s my little ritual, paired with a cup of herbal tea.”
Eating Well
“Discovering excellent restaurants is one of my favourite things to do. I adore Thai cuisine, and Pai in Toronto is one of my go-to spots. My Italian heritage has also made me a lover of Italian food and Norma in London is a must-visit along with Café Sydney in Sydney. For breakfast, I can’t resist The Wolseley in London.”
Staying Active
“Exercise is an essential part of my life. I love taking long evening walks with my dog, especially on weekends, with a few pub stops.”
World Travel
“Some of my favourite cities are Sydney, Melbourne, New York, Toronto and Los Angeles. In Toronto, the Kimpton Hotel holds a special place in my heart—it was the first hotel I stayed at in the city and is close to some of my favourite coffee spots.”
Mental Wellness
“Recently, I’ve started seeing a counsellor, which has been incredibly helpful in clearing my mind. As someone who lives with ADHD and an anxiety disorder, being open and talking about this has been vital to managing my mental health.”
The Power of Touch
“I make time for a weekly massage to release tension and help me unwind. I also recently trained as a facialist and love giving facials to friends and family using a curated selection of my favourite skin-care products. I always include a touch of Self Glow to give their skin a beautiful, sun-kissed warmth.”
