Ella McFadin’s Slow Living Weekend at the Farmhouse

Rip & Tan: How do you define self-care, and why is it important in your life?

Ella McFadin: Ah, self-care…It’s such a buzzy word right now, but I love it. It’s amazing to see people prioritizing taking care of themselves. Self-care means so many different things to me. I consider all of the wellness things I do to be self-care: sauna, moving my body, taking my supplements, using an LED face mask. The list goes on, but at the end of the day, self-care is when I truly feel calm and at peace. Some days this is just taking a quiet moment to myself. Other days it’s listening to jazz and cooking dinner for my boyfriend and me. That moment when your head stops and just focuses on the present. 

Rip & Tan: What are your beauty non-negotiables? 

Ella McFadin: An ice roller in the morning to wake up and depuff. I have perioral dermatitis so I am pretty careful with what I use on my face, but applying a thick moisturizer or mask at night always helps my skin wake up looking more hydrated. Also WATER—beauty really starts from within! I drink so much water and have electrolytes daily.

Rip & Tan: What inspired you to launch your brand, Skin By Ella? How does it speak to your own beauty ethos?

Ella McFadin: I was inspired to Launch Skin by Ella after feeling intimidated by makeup for years. I watched girls online do their makeup routine and try new makeup looks but never felt connected to or talented enough to participate. I have always felt more confident wearing makeup that enhanced my features rather than “covering up”. Our products help customers feel confident in their day-to-day makeup routine and are a reminder to make small moments special. 

Rip & Tan: Tell us about your typical morning routine.

Ella McFadin: I wake up pretty early every morning, around 7 am, though I am always the last one to get out of bed! Which is nice, as I’m usually greeted with coffee. If it’s a slower morning we love to take our dog for a walk in Williamsburg and get coffee somewhere in the neighborhood.

Rip & Tan: If you could only pick one Oak Essentials product, which would it be? 

Ella McFadin: I live for Balancing Mist! It is so hydrating. I like to use it after skincare to lock in moisture and after makeup as a setting spray.

Rip & Tan: What did you enjoy most about life at the Farmhouse? 

Ella McFadin: Upstate New York has a really special place in my heart, so just being up there I am always the happiest. The endless nature, being around animals, seeing the stars and all of the adorable towns—it just made me fall in love. The Farmhouse is truly a magical oasis. You can feel the intention and love that went into it while you’re there, and it feels so rejuvenating to enjoy a slower life just outside of the city. 

Rip & Tan: Tell us about the most meaningful self-care moment you experienced during your stay.

Ella McFadin: We had facials in the greenhouse one morning that were so beautiful! Mine started off with sunny rays coming through the glass and it ended with rain which was so peaceful. 

Rip & Tan: Do you have any insider tips for making the most of a stay at the Farmhouse?

Ella McFadin: Don’t forget about the sauna and cold plunge! It was such a nice wellness moment to do first thing in the morning. Also, the pantry—I think we ate every snack in there!