DR. MARYAM
ZAMANI

First thing you do when you wake up?

I tend to hit snooze twice while half-looking through emails to see if there is anything I need to answer urgently.

Hours of sleep on the regular?

Generally, I sleep from midnight to 7:30AM. Sleep has become a bigger part of my life after reading Ariana Huffington’s book, The Sleep Revolution. I really make an effort to have at least seven and a half hours a night, but my natural circadian rhythm is to sleep late and sleep in even later.

Time spent on beauty in the a.m.?

I bathe and shower before bed, so in the morning its a quick five minutes and I’m on my way.

Typical skincare regimen?

In the morning, I wash my face with MZ Skin Cleanse & Clarify, followed by my Brighten & Perfect 10% Vitamin C, and my soon-to-be launched Tint & Protect Moisturizer with SPF 30. In the evening, I take a bit more time. Sometimes I try new products in the range but generally, I run a warm bath with Epsom salt, wash my face and then two to three times a week I apply a mask. I use either Cleanse & Clarify, Radiance and Renewal, or my Golden Facial Mask. Once out of the bath, I use MZ Skin Replenish & Restore Mask to nourish the skin and plump with stem cells and placenta. Then I apply a bit of Soothe & Smooth Eye Cream and I am done!

Hair situation in the a.m.?

Usually it’s a quick brush and a possible ponytail. If I want to feel a bit more pulled together, I have Blow by Mella, a mobile hairdressing service in London, come for a quick 15-minute blow-dry before the school run.

Your signature beauty look?

I keep it pretty simple. I love Tom Ford bronzer, a little Nars Orgasm Blush, mascara, and lip balm, In the evening, I add a lip shimmer and a bit of eyeliner.

Favorite workout?

I have so many! I carve out time for private reformer pilates classes twice a week, personal training with light weights twice a week, and a cardio workout on the elliptical around four to seven times a week. I love anything active where I am focused and in the moment. I also love going for a walk with my husband in the evenings.

Go-to breakfast and a.m. beverage?

I start every morning with a large mug of fresh ginger and lemon in hot water. I also make a homemade smoothie of greens or berries to take to work with me. Breakfast is usually two to three hours later (if I manage) and is either two poached eggs or sliced avocado on toast with chili flakes. If I don’t have time for that, I will have sliced green apples with almond butter, which is my favorite go-to snack.

Foolproof self-care move?

Exercise is really my go-to to feel better. A good blow-out and a manicure don’t hurt either!

Signature scent?

Dolce & Gabbana Red, but that’s now discontinued. I think I found my new scent in Bibliotheque by Byredo.

An expensive-but-worth-it product or treatment?

I love Laser Genesis and Yag Laser treatments to refresh the skin.

A cheap-but-chic product or treatment?

MZ Skin's LED Mask to instantly lift and brighten my complexion.

Bedside beauty essentials?

Lip balm.

Last thing you do before bed?

I put my phone in another room and finish my to-do list for the next day, so I don’t think about it in bed.

Beauty icons?

Aerin Lauder. She has an impeccable eye and aesthetic.

Best job?

The one I have.

Worst job?

I haven’t had one yet.

How the idea for MZ Skin came to you?

It was a natural progression. I have loved skin care since my teens when my mother would buy me Lancôme. It became part of my nightly ritual to relax. That continued throughout college and med school. By then Shiseido was my go-to skin care. Then I moved to London and doctor brands were starting to pop up. I started using them, but felt disinterested. I was medicating my face and completely lost the ritual aspect. My husband was actually the one who put the idea into my head and said, “Why don’t you try your own formulations.” So in early 2014, I found a French formulator in London and together we started making my creams. I would ask my patients and friends to try and would tweak them as I went along.

Best career advice you've ever received?

I was about to open my own practice in Washington D.C., but so many people were discouraging me because the market was oversaturated for what I was doing. But my mentor in residency who was a retinal surgeon said, “There is always room for one more—if you are good at what you do and work for it, it will all work out.” I often think back to this and say the same to others. There is always room for another product or service, you just have to find your place. I don’t compete with anyone else. I see my vision and learn from others, but I work to provide the best for my patients and customers.

Highest point as an entrepreneur?

When I launched at Harrods in late September 2016. I literally walked through the employee entrance in my high heels with bags of products before it opened and placed my line on my newly minted MZ Skin display. It was a complete pinch-me moment. I was beaming with pride. That same day I walked through the store with my daughter, who was five at the time, and she went around telling anyone who would listen, ‘That’s my mommy’s!’

Lowest point as an entrepreneur?

There have definitely been struggles along the way. Sometimes stepping away and reflecting will show you the best path forward.

Scariest thing you've ever done?

Nothing scares me. I believe that life’s all about taking a leap of faith.

Best hidden talent?

I am always organizing, planning, and checking things off my to-do lists, so I would make a great personal assistant!

Backup career?

It’s all an evolution. This one has got to stick.