Why I Love: A little bit of what you fancy

Laura Mercier, make-up mogul

It has taken me a lifetime to find balance with food – I have the kind of metabolism that will find calories even in the air around me – but I have finally learnt how to enjoy it. Pleasure for me is now quality not quantity, so I get more from a few squares of intense, dark chocolate or a piece of organic bread than from a whole tablet of Lindt.

As a Frenchwoman living in New York, it's easier to be moderate because although there is food everywhere, it's mainly junk which doesn't tempt me. Europe is much more difficult because there are so many fantastic markets with fresh produce.

The sensual pleasure of food is an inspiration for my range. But if I were bathing in my Crème Brûlée bath foam and you offered me a real crème brûlée could I refuse? I'm not sure.

The Laura Mercier Afternoon Tea is now available at Harvey Nichols, Knightsbridge, London SW1, www.harveynichols.com