I decided to embark upon a quest to have women, who I believe have struck a beautiful balance between the two, explain how they perceive their inner vs outer beauty.

My first interview was with Nicola Jones, weather anchor for the CHCH news where I work as a makeup artist. Nicola is also a wellness expert, meditation guru and all around amazing lady.

What does the term “beauty” mean to you?

In general, I find inspiration in Nature…I don’t have time to shop often so I don’t find beauty on the rack necessarily. I often notice an attractive woman or see beauty in the face of a child and to me that beauty is a combination of innocence and grace.

How have you had to work on your own self image?

Oh boy, it is on-going. I try to stay grounded and not think too much about my “image”. From an external stand-point I face different challenges with my skin as I am sure most would say. Dark circles are an on-going issue since I returned to Morning Live. I also have eczema, very dry skin but recently I started breaking out on my forehead sometimes severely. My dermatologist gave me cream but I do know it is lifestyle and food related too. I always think from the inside-out and recently I found a great book “Feed your Face” by Dr. Wu- so far it is amazing!

When do you feel your most beautiful?

Hmmmm. I am like most women and struggle with feeling beautiful. I don’t mind getting dolled up but I am not a girl who needs to be noticed. I feel great outside in the garden in a t-shirt and jeans. I would say I feel most comfortable in my skin and body in the Caribbean. I am a water baby and the weather and fresh food and fish seem to make me glow.

What do you do to in your daily life to amplify your inner beauty?

I like to control my intake to preserve both my inner and outer beauty. Toxic words, people, food and thoughts take their toll and we need to regulate that daily. I enjoy meditation, yoga, cycling and hiking and playing with my son…I choose positive soul food in a very intentional way. Poisonous thoughts= poisonous life.

What are your fav products you use to enhance your outer beauty?

I have been using Dior Éclat Satin foundation for ten years and I still get emails asking how my skin looks so dewy. I am so grateful to have found it because my skin is picky. I also love LalaLicious body cream, Cutica cuticle cream and French milled soap. I am an Aveda addict so their Damage Remedy is a weekend ritual for me.

As women, we tend to compare ourselves to standards set out by the media. What advice do you have for women when it comes to improving the way they perceive themselves?

Oh my- ya that is tough. My first thought is: don’t believe the hype. Everyone is flawed and by accepting imperfection we get closer to our essential nature. Do what makes you feel good and try not to impersonate some one else. Reference anxiety is so destructive, never mind what some what else has, does or looks like. I would say be kind to yourself and adopt daily rituals of self care. And don’t watch those trashy shows, read those gossip mags or perpetuate it- I think that stuff is ugly and adds nothing positive to your life experience.

Follow Nicola’s blog at prescription4peace.com/blog/. Thank you Nicola for being such an inspiration!! Stay tuned for my next article