It has been a busy time for Rachel Stevens. Not only is the singer back touring with S Club 7, she was a coach on The Voice Ireland and took part in the Strictly Come Dancing Tour back in January. Rachel, 37, and husband Alex Bourne also have their hands full looking after their two daughters, Amelie, four, and Minnie, one. Here, Rachel, who has regularly topped “world’s sexiest women” lists, reveals her top beauty secrets and why she’s taking part in Elizabeth Arden’s My Eight Hours campaign, which reveals eight hours in the day of eight inspirational women.

Why are you supporting the Elizabeth Arden #My8Hours campaign?
I’ve always been a big fan of the Eight Hour range, so it was great to be asked to be involved. People always ask me what my day is like from the time I wake up to the time I go to bed, and it’s really varied. At the moment I’m on tour, so it’s a fun way to be able to share a snapshot of my eight hours and great to work with seven inspirational women, getting an insight into their lives.

What do you think was captured within your eight hours that reflects your lifestyle the most?

The variety and pace of life is crazy at the moment, so there’s no real normal day but this definitely shows a typical day on the road touring fairly well! I’m always working on different projects, whether I’m on tour with S Club 7, in Ireland filming The Voice, or being at home with the family. I’m lucky to be able to have the experiences that I have and to do a job that I love. No day is ever the same and it is always fast paced! One day I can be at sound checks, dance rehearsals, in hair and make-up and then on stage, and the next I can be on mummy duty at home with my girls.

If you were given an extra hour in the day, how would you spend it?

Having a massage!

What would be your perfect eight hours?

My perfect eight hours would be spent with my family. It would probably start with a lovely lie in, with the girls jumping into bed with us, followed by a big family breakfast, maybe a walk and then a relaxing afternoon at home – there’s nothing better!

Why are you a fan of the Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant?

I’ve used it for as long as I can remember. It’s one of those products that everyone knows about – or should know about! I use the Eight Hour Cream on dry areas like my knees and elbows but it’s also great for your eyebrows because it’s so conditioning. It’s also a great product to use after you’ve been in the sun because it’s so hydrating – especially for your lips.

Who has inspired your career?

I’ve always had a strong team of advisers who I work alongside and trust, which I think is really important, especially in my career. I do throw myself into things and give them my all – I love a good challenge! Even when I was at school, I was determined to do what I needed to do to go to the London College of Fashion and, when I left there, I wanted to go straight into work. I think it’s just in my make-up.

What is your career highlight?

I’ve been very fortunate in my career, so there have been lots of highlights – from meeting the Queen and travelling the world, to helping the charities I work with and visiting projects for WaterAid in Ethiopia. I wouldn’t be able to pick just one. Being back on tour with S Club 7 and experiencing it a little bit older than the first time has been amazing. It’s allowed me to be in the moment much more than
I ever could have been when I was younger. And it’s been fantastic to take everything in all over again, meeting the fans that have followed us since we began and just celebrating what we had.

Which strong women do you find inspirational?

Mums constantly inspire me! Becoming a mum to my two gorgeous girls has really made me appreciate what it means to be one. I’ve found that I have much more of an understanding and compassion towards people of all different generations. There is no better job!

What is the best make-up tip you have ever received?

I’ve been very lucky to have some absolutely brilliant make-up artists throughout the years, so I have collected lots of tips and tricks along the way. I think it’s important to know which colours and shapes work for you. I’m always learning about new products too. As well as applying concealer under your eyes, you can apply it down the bridge of your nose, where the light bounces off it – that really helps to contour the face.
– DailyStar