Heather Stewart Whyte

With her large green eyes and her dark brown hair accentuating the beauty of her pale, English complexion, the ex-wife of tennis player Yannick Noah is an exceptional top model. Remarried to an American record producer, Heather has just given birth to her third child, Stéphane, a pure joy. A passionate aficionado of fragrance and aromatherapy, Heather incarnates Christian Dior's Dolce Vita image.

By Michèle Dokan( 07/2001)

What fragrances do you wear ?

I tend to mix fragrances. But for the last ten years I've been rather loyal to Patchouli by Réminiscence. I also love Obsession by Calvin Klein. After a while I can't smell the fragrance anymore and so I change! Plus it's too easy to go on wearing the same perfume all your life. After all, you don't have the same hair style from when you're little until you die. It's important to be daring. Even if you fail. What matters is that you tried.

What was your first fragrance ?

Sandalwood oil. I dabbed it on all the sensitive spots. Then I opted for a fragrance by Cartier.

Do you remember any particular fragrance from your childhood?

My family didn't have a lot of money and so we didn't wear perfume. But I remember the smell of my mother's hairspray. I still associate that smell with her. But I'm most sensitive to the smell of skin.

What fragrance does your husband wear ?

Sometimes Roma pour Homme by Laura Biagiotti. But mostly he doesn't wear any which I love!

What smells bother you?

I don't like overly strong fragrances, or overly flowery ones. And when I try a new fragrance, I keep an eye on my husband to see if he likes it or not. If he hadn't liked Patchouli, I would have dropped it, no questions asked. Fragrance simply isn't worth fighting over! But I'm the same when it comes to a dress or a pair of shoes. His opinion is what's most important.

Apparently you're an aromatherapy enthusiast. How did you learn about it?

I discovered aromatherapy when I was pregnant with my first daughter. I had time on my hands and read all I could find on the subject. Most of the time, I use small doses and the effect is marvelous, very fresh and I keep the mix for several days, away from light, heat or moisture. I find that aromatherapy is very effective, plus the smells are divine.

For example ?

The combination of sandalwood, avocado and jojoba, I don't know anything that moisturizes dry skin better. To avoid stretch marks when you're pregnant, use neroli. I also have a little trick for cutting back on sugar when you're dieting: have a glass of mango juice. It's 100% natural, delicious and full of magnesium. What's wonderful for your skin is a mixture of avocado, peanut butter, jojoba oil, sea salt and honey. It's great for exfoliating plus it nourishes your skin. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and you've got it! It's very effective!