Ailie Smith is one of those creators whose presence feels both effortless and deeply real. As a mother, she moves through life with a sense of playfulness and perspective. Balancing the fullness of her days with an intuitive, relaxed approach to beauty, style, and self-expression. There’s an ease to the way she shows up, shaped less by rules and more by instinct.
Her world is grounded in the everyday — long walks, playground stops, simple routines and yet there’s a quiet intention behind it all. Motherhood has only deepened this, shifting her perception of beauty into something more personal, more accepting, and more connected.
In this conversation, Ailie reflects on beauty, identity, and the rituals that bring her back to herself. What unfolds is an honest look at living intuitively, embracing imperfection, and finding confidence in a way of being that feels natural, nostalgic, and entirely her own.
What was a moment that changed your perception of beauty?
Having a daughter has put everything into perspective for me, and beauty. I want to raise her to feel beautiful as herself, and that starts with leading by example. It’s never been easier for me to romanticise aging, refrain from negative self-talk and appreciate my appearance, because I see so much of me in her :’)
What does your daily skincare routine look like at the moment?
Simple and intuitive. I won't lie, I go days without cleansing. It’s just what's always worked for me. The Milky Emulsion cleanser is the only cleanser I have ever used multiple bottles of and will stick with until it's no longer being sold (please never let the day come). Daily Jelly Moisturiser in the mornings (sunscreen first if I’ll be outside in the sun) and the Deep Blue C cream about 1-2 times a week after my shower. That’s it! I’m looking forward to introducing the Skin Sponge serum into my routine, especially as the colder months approach.
What skincare product or practice do you always come back to when your
skin feels unbalanced?
I’ll usually stop putting products on my skin for a few days. Eat lots of skincare foods like Kiwi fruit, sardines, and carrots! I try to decrease stress and increase sleep!
How has your personal style evolved over the years?
I’ve always just had fun with my style and the outfits I put together. Constantly looking back and regretting some choices, but I think that’s apart of the journey in refining a sense of style.
What inspires the way you dress and express yourself creatively?
I love the idea of feeling nostalgic for a piece of clothing or an outfit. I always imagine me and the bebs flicking through a photo album when they're older and Harri pointing out the sunglasses I was wearing or asking “do you still have that handbag!?”
How do you approach finding authenticity in the way you engage with the world, your creative work, and your everyday life?
I think the world responds much stronger to authenticity. In work, with your children, relationship to the universe. I find comfort in knowing I am on exactly the right path so long as I am being authentic and following my intuition.
What does a typical day look like for you lately?
On days I have the bebs, we are out of the house by 10am– We are currently on a playground tour of Newcastle lol. I love taking them somewhere new. Going for a long walk to find a cafe, exploring a new playground, and I try to squeeze in a few errands on the way home. There is not a single moment of the day I can do anything personal for myself, so I have to let work build up and try to get on top of it on daycare days as well as squeeze in a house clean, socialise and self-care/relax!! Weekends are all about spending time together as a family. It’s a wild ride, but I am
so grateful.
What is one beauty or wellness ritual that feels grounding for you?
I do love a dry-body brush followed by an everything shower, gua sha, cover myself in body oil and slip into a fresh pair of pj’s (and a baked treat of course)
What is your current philosophy around beauty, care, and the way you move
through your day-to-day life?
A few sentiments I live by are:
Less is more
Everything in moderation
Don’t want what doesn’t want you
Follow her journey @ailieway
