Ecrin Bolkar on Listening to Her Body, Her Skin, and Her Instincts

There’s no single formula for self-compassion, but some people seem to find it instinctively. Ecrin Bolkar is one of them. She’s deeply aware of what her body and skin need, and her routines take their shape from that awareness.

How do you usually start your day?

I’ve gotten into the habit of listening to what my body and soul actually need. If I need to move, I work out. If I need fresh air and the weather’s nice, I get on my bike. If I want to see friends, I see them. If I don’t want to see anyone, I keep to myself. I could give you endless examples like that.

What does your daily skincare and body care routine look like?

I don’t really think of skincare as something that starts with products. For me it starts with the body. Your gut, your sleep, stress, hormones, how much you really listen to yourself, it all shows up on your skin. When I eat late, sleep badly, or have a drink, I see it the next morning. On those days I start with warm water. I won’t put a bite in my mouth until I’m actually hungry. I take a cold shower, stretch, and move with the weight of my body. If I get really hungry, I’ll grate some celery and carrot and add a little yogurt and plenty of olive oil. I try to eat my vegetables raw whenever I can.

Then I tune into what my skin needs that day. When I’m tired and run-down, I go for richer, more hydrating creams. When I’m well rested, when there’s no stiffness in my body, when I’ve eaten well, my skin shows it, and I keep things minimal: a little rose water, a few drops of rose oil, and light makeup if any. Whenever I get the chance, I make time for facial massage and face yoga too.

A doctor once told me something I always come back to: “Skin is nourished from within and supported from the outside.” I think that’s exactly right.

My go-tos are Shiseido Eudermine Activating Essence, Shiseido Vital Perfection, Dr. Barbara Sturm Face Mask, and La Mer moisturizer.

 

 

How did you handle the changes the hormones brought to your body and skin during your transition?

Those hormonal shifts taught me to really pay attention to my body. My skin could be oily one day and bone-dry the next. I’d lose elasticity almost overnight. That’s what pushed me to start thinking, and maybe that’s exactly why I started listening to my body. I feel pretty in tune with my body and skin now.

How do you care for your long hair?

I’d say I wash my scalp more than my hair. I usually only shampoo the roots, and the water takes it down to the ends anyway. Dirty hair holds a style so much better. I have a few hair oils I use, and I lean toward leave-in products. I usually dry my hair on a cool setting.

Do you have any rituals before going on stage?

I try to empty my mind. I want to forget everything and be completely present. Otherwise my head gets too scattered, and that’s when mistakes happen. I try to set aside the worries: how will I look, will I be good enough, will I make people happy, will I come out the way I want in photos. What helps is focusing on the feeling of singing to myself at home, or in the bathroom, like no one’s watching. Basically, I try to become a little bit of “nothing.”

 

What makeup products do you always carry in your bag?

Mascara, brown and black eye pencil, an eyelash curler, brow gel, travel sizes of the creams that work for my skin, tweezers, a small mirror, a few different lipsticks, eyeliner, a light BB cream to bring some life back to my face, and blush.

If we handed you a blank check for a beauty spree, where would you go and what would you buy?

Honestly, I’m not that easy to win over when it comes to cosmetics. If money were no object, I’d start with a really good massage and a facial, then go somewhere that serves healthy food. Beauty shopping would come last. I’m open to new things, but I have to try it, touch it, smell it before it earns a place in my routine, because my skin matters too much to me. I won’t easily put anything on my face if I don’t trust what’s in it. I didn’t come by what I have easily, so I know the worth of everything.

Does your routine shift during spring and summer?

It does change over time, but I think it has more to do with how my body responds to the estrogen I have to take than with the season. The products I use can change almost daily. Sometimes my skin feels so good I barely do anything, just a little makeup on the lips or eyes. The more I listen to my body, the more my needs take shape.

What are your go-to makeup looks for day and night?

During the day I keep it simple, usually just brown liner and mascara. At night I like my eyes more defined. And if I’m headed to an event or a party, I’ll think a little more creatively and play with color.

 

 

Do you get professional skincare treatments?

I think gua sha is one of the best things you can do for your skin. Getting the muscles moving really matters. I also love using a dermaroller to massage, then going in with oils or creams my skin responds well to. That combination works for me.

Have you ever had a beauty mishap?

I think everyone has. Especially after thirty, your skin gets a lot more sensitive and you start to clearly see what doesn’t work for you. Before that, your skin tolerates almost anything, which is misleading. I assumed it would stay that way, so I bought a lot of expensive products that ended up half-used.

Who inspires you when it comes to beauty?

Monica Bellucci is the definition of desire, completely magnetic. I’ve always admired Cate Blanchett. I’m obsessed with Alex Consani. And with Serenay Sarıkaya, it’s like the beauty of her heart shows up on her face.

What does beauty mean to you?

For a long time I wanted beauty to matter less, but the world doesn’t really work that way. Especially if you’re a woman like me, beauty can be a powerful weapon. It’s true for all women, even if a lot of them don’t realize it. Women are so valuable, and sometimes they just need a reminder of that.

What is your favorite flaw?

I’ve never been able to make peace with the word “flaw.” I can’t look at people that way, or living things, or even objects. I believe in differences, not flaws.