When Mimi Thorisson arrives at the ELLE Canada offices, I’m feeling nervous and flighty. But within moments of meeting this influential cookbook author (A Kitchen in France and the just released French Country Cooking), I’m swept up in her graceful warmth and joyous attitude. Suddenly, I forget she’s a model/blogger/cookbook author/TV host/brand ambassador (L’Occitane)/inspiring woman. Moments before we’re set to start filming a Facebook Live video, she’s exuding the calmness that I’m only able to feel after a 90 minute facial (she also looks as if she’s just had one) as she sets up her phone to promote the live video. And suddenly, I’m feeling nearly as calm as she appears.

Here are the some of the beauty moments from the Facebook Live video, in which Thorisson shares her beauty secrets for looking so radiant and chic—all while entertaining her five-month old son Lucien, the youngest of her eight children, on her Missoni-clad lap. (See what I’m saying?!)

 

PRACTICE MINDFULNESS

“Project a nice image of yourself,” says Thorisson. “I appreciate natural beauty–whether you’re young or old, your beauty is there. It shouldn’t be altered; it should be treasured and preserved.”

 

REST UP

“I drink a lot of green tea and try to rest.” Despite being a mother to eight children (and 14 dogs), Thorisson swears by REM cycles and late mornings in bed. “Sleep is so important,” she says.

 

SHE EATS IN MODERATION

She may have brought her famous salted chocolate cake into the office for all the editors to inhale, but she takes a balanced approach to food. “I eat well; I take care of my nutrition. While I love butter and cream and all that, but I eat in moderation.”

 

SHE SKIPS STRESS

“I don’t stress—about anything. I somehow can manage to be super Zen about I think thats the secret about feeling good inside. If you stress inside, your face will be all scrunched up. I don’t meditate; I just do it in my own way. I just get Zen, I don’t know how I do it! I’m calm and I move forward.”

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ICE ICE BABY

“I start the day with a cold ice cube face bath, which lasts about five seconds and really wakes you up,” she says. “It’s a really good way to tone your skin. It does the trick; it gives you a facelift! After that, she applies Roberts Rose Toning Lotion that she purchased at a pharmacy in Italy. “It’s really old-fashioned.”

 

SHE’S A DAYTIME OIL USER

As the Ambassador of the Divine line from L’Occitane, Thorisson is a believer in the Immortelle-laced line. “I’ve been religiously using it since earlier last year. It’s very soothing and natural. Even during the day, I like to use a facial oil and moisturizer from the brand.”

 

FACIAL MASSAGE IS KEY

“I have a ritual at night. I love massaging my face for ten minutes with the Divine old or almond oil, if I can find it. I think it’s the secret of a good complexion. It’s anti-aging, anti-stress. It just smoothes your face before going to bed. I sleep better. Massage is a great way to tone your skin.”

 

SHE SKIPS MAKEUP TRENDS

“I’m very classic; I’ve been using the same things for a long time. I start with M.A.C Foundation, a bit of Laura Mercier Concealer and Chanel Blush in Pink Explosion. I follow with mascara, a neutral lip liner and gloss, a bit of taupe eyeshadow, eyeliner and I’m done. For night, I’ll try a smoky eye. I love grey, navy and brown.”

 

HER DIY FACE MASK WILL LEAVE YOU GLOWING

“Before a party, you put honey on your face the night before and 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon and leave it on for five minutes. It’s the best glow you can give yourself. It’s my grandmother’s little tip.”

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French Country Cooking: Meals and Moments from a Village in the Vineyards by Mimi Thorisson is published by Appetite by Random House and retails for $45.

To see the entire video, see below.