I’ll let you in on a little beauty saviour of mine: the sleek bun hairstyle. It’s my go-to style when I am having a bad hair day or I’m short for time and need to get out the door looking presentable. It always looks polished and so easy to do that I rely on it a lot from doing the morning school run to an event or a shoot. It takes minutes and requires minimal products, so I thought I’d share in case it quickly becomes a fave for you too! Here it is, my step-by-step guide…
I tie my hair back in a low ponytail using a detangling brush (I borrow my daughters’ brush!).
I twist the ponytail up into a bun and secure it with a hair elastic. If I’m wanting something a bit more polished I will use bobby pins to keep the bun in place.
I then add gel to achieve the slicked back look. I am currently using Moroccan Oil Gel but any type of gel will do. You could also get a “wet” look gel if you want more of that kind of look.
I wipe the gel over the top of my head to get rid of any flyaways then smooth it over with a brush. And voila, hair that looks done, but it only took minutes to achieve!
Watch the video below if you want a more visual guide on how to do the sleek bun hairstyle, and also, do tell—what is your favourite beauty shortcut?
Now that many of us are heading back into the office more, it’s a good idea to do a refresh of your desk makeup stash. I think it’s always useful to have a few beauty staples on hand should you need to fix your makeup throughout the day or just need to quickly get ready for an event straight after work. I’m a fan of having a slightly more comprehensive edit as I like to be prepared at all times, but you may only need a handful of things according to your makeup/beauty routine.
Having assessed what I need and use, here’s what I’ll be putting in my desk drawer…
Lip Balm
If you work in an office, air conditioning is especially drying so keep a hydrating lip balm in your desk drawer to keep your lips plump and nourished. Find a balm that also doubles as a stain and you have yourself a great 2-in-1 if you need to do a touch up before a meeting or you’re heading out after work.
Cheek Stain
I find a cheek stain to be a worthy addition to any office makeup stash as it can instantly brighten up your makeup look. It’s easy to build on depending on how much colour you actually need, plus it looks natural so suits a variety of different settings.
Face Wipes
You never know when you might need to wipe away a rogue makeup smudge so keep face wipes at the ready. They also double as a great stain remover should you spill something on your clothes (stylists have them on hand on shoots for this very reason).
Illuminating pen
After a long day at your work, I sometimes just need to hit refresh. An illuminating pen is great as it can instantly brighten up a complexion, or hide signs of tiredness with a few quick swipes.
Foundation
Not everyone might require a full foundation refresh, but I’ve found it’s always good to have it on hand (even a small sample tube is great) so you can do a few strategic touch ups if need be.
Concealer
Pimple suddenly made an appearance? Looking tired and drained after a long day of meetings? A few dabs of concealer can hide all manner of beauty dilemmas so make sure it’s within easy reach.
Face Mist
I like having this on hand for the refreshing factor. As I’ve mentioned before, sitting in an office (even WFH) can be very drying to the skin so a quick spritz of a face mist is a great pick-me-up.
Blotting Paper
Most people tend to develop a bit of shine throughout the day, which is why blotting papers are so handy to have. If you don’t have time to do a full makeup refresh, a few quick dabs with blotting paper is a handy way to get rid of excess oil on your nose and T-Zone.
Mascara
A few quick swipes of mascara always make me look more alert, so having a tube on hand is always a must. There are so many sample size mascaras around too, so you can save your full size one for your makeup bag.
Sunscreen
I’m obsessive about sunscreen as I know how important it is for maintaining health skin. I always like to keep one on hand for a quick touch up.
Dry shampoo
Hair looking limp or oily? A quick spritz of dry shampoo will fix it in seconds!
One of the things I firmly invest in is my skin. I’ve always found that if my skin is in great condition, then everything else falls into place — makeup looks better and I’m confident to go bare faced as my complexion just looks better. One of the people I regularly visit in my quest for great skin is facialist Jacqueline Brennan. She’s a bonafide skin wizard and my skin always feels amazing after a visit to her clinic.
The start of a brand new year is always the perfect time to revisit existing habits, and that also applies to all things skin. If you want to focus a little more on the health of your skin in 2023, then there are some great skincare habits to adopt this year to help you get the kind of dewy, glowy complexion you’ve always wanted. Here Jacqueline shares the game-changing things you can do…
Wear SPF religiously
“The use of SPF is the most important step in your daily routine to prevent premature ageing and sun damage.”
Treat your skin to regular professional clinic visits
“You only have one skin for life, so it’s important to look after it properly with professional guidance from a skin therapist. Having monthly skin treatments will help you achieve your individual skin goals and maintain the health and longevity of your skin.”
Take care of your skin from the inside out
“Your diet and supplement intake contribute immensely to your skin health. Diets rich in essential fatty acids and anti-inflammatory properties promote a healthy skin barrier and glowing appearance. Some investable beauty products that I love and I take religiously are: a good quality collagen powder my personal favourite is Par Olive Pearl marine collagen, vitamin B3, zinc supplement, and EFAs. Daily use of this support and maintain my skin health.”
Double cleanse your skin at night
“This should be a non-negotiable skincare step in your nightly routine. Doing so ensures all makeup, sunscreen, dirt and oil are removed before applying your nighttime products. Using an oil-based cleanser first will melt away anything on the skin’s surface then following with your second cleanser of choice which will clean the skin properly and prepare your skin for the application of active serums and moisturisers.”
Don’t neglect your neck and décolletage
“This area should be treated as an extension of the face, any skincare products you’re using on the face should also be used on the neck and décolletage. This area can show signs of ageing before the face as its constantly exposed to the sun, so applying your sunscreen is veery important. Prevention is so important and is much easier than treating sun damage and ageing concerns later on.”
Maintain consistency
“The more consistent you are with your skincare and treatment routine, the more you’ll see results. Just like diet and exercise, there is no quick fix for good skin, it takes work. I couldn’t recommend enough the importance of setting a morning and nightly routine for yourself and making it a habit, just like brushing your teeth. Investing time and care into your skin is the best way to maintain it and keep it looking healthy for years to come.”
When you create your very own cult fake tan brand then it’s safe to assume you know the key to achieving a perfectly bronzed finish. Enter Eleffect founder Elle Ferguson, who arguably always has the best tan around. Having worked tirelessly to create a product that not only achieves a flawless finish but also smells gorgeous, I turned to Elle to share her golden rules for achieving a great faux glow.
With spring/summer upon us, it’s almost time to shed our winter layers and start embracing easy, breezy pieces and it’s time to get our fake tan on. So, before you book yourself in for an at-home tanning session, read the following first and commit them to memory. You may just achieve a tan a la Elle herself.
Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate
Before applying tan make sure to cleanse the skin (try The Wash by Eleffect). Use an exfoliating glove combined with cleanser to remove exisiting tan and banish dead skin (be sure to pay special attention to between fingers, toes, knees and heels). “This buff and polish will ensure even application and result in a longer lasting tan. If you need to wax any areas make sure you do so 24 hours prior to applying tan.”
Start with clean skin
You want to start with a blank slate so that means your skin should be free of any moisturiser, deodorant and perfume. Also make your your skin is clean.
Apply gradually
Slow and steady is the best approach to achieve a great finish according to Elle. Be sure to use use an application mitt (try Eleffect glove) to achieve a polished effect. “Start with a small amount of product on the mitt and always make sure you blend the product into your skin so it looks natural.”
Go sparingly on hands and feet
The hands and feet should be the last areas to apply product to. “Use the excess tan on your mitt for this and remember to blend between fingers and toes. These areas soak up the tan so don’t go overboard and you will have a bronzed, natural looking body.”
Preparation is key if you want to achieve a glow like Elle’s
Go for thin layers
Elle says you’ll achieve a more flawless finish by applying a few thin layers gradually and building to the depth you want. “Thin layers dry quickly and allow you to control your desired colour.”
Blend out
When it comes to applying to your face, Elle says to “start in the middle of your face and then blend out to your jaw line. Don’t forget to apply to your neck also.” You can reapply to your face every three days as your tan will fade naturally.
Maintenance is important for extending the life of your tan
Sleep on it
To achieve the best finish Elle suggests sleeping in your tan to give it plenty of time to develop (but it can be washed off in four hours if required). Also Elle assures that Eleffect dries quickly which means you won’t ruin your linen. “When showering off, do not use any soap or shower gels, rinse the tan with water and pat your tan dry with a towel. Your tan will remain perfect for longer if you don’t have long hot showers or baths.”
Keep skin hydrated
Elle says moisture is key to extending the life of a great tan so be sure to moisturise with a thick cream day and night. If using Eleffect, avoid body oils as they will remove the tan. And voila! You’re done.
I always take a tight edit of beauty products with me whenever I go on holiday. My regular routine usually comprises a number of different things both for skincare and makeup but when I travel I always cull it right down. I don’t want to have my entire suitcase taken up by beauty products, plus I also don’t really want to spend a lot of time on doing my makeup or skincare as I want to be out there enjoying myself! So, what made the cut for my trip to the UK and Europe? Here are the standout things I used throughout my break..
Taking an eye shadow palette is always such a great idea on a trip as it allows you to mix up your looks without having to take multiple eye shadow pots. This cheap and cheerful buy saw me through the entire trip, from dinners to days out, so it was definitely a smart thing to pack.
I’ve been using this foundation for years and I’m still a huge fan. It achieves a flawless finish but feels lightweight and natural, and not that my skin has been caked on with makeup. It was great for my trip as I was dealing with hot, sometimes humid days and my skin always felt comfortable.
I love the natural dewy effect of a cheek cream. This cream gave me a natural flushed effect and was definitely the right texture to wear in hot weather. Anything in a powder tends to sweat off and this had lasting power.
One of the MVPs of my skincare routine. This ultra nourishing and hydrating product from Clarins always leaves my skin feeling soft and supple. It’s helped me get my skin to a great state that I can comfortable go sans makeup when I feel like it.
Another cheap and cheerful buy! I love roadtesting different mascaras and this one has been a winner. It always makes my lashes appear fuller and longer and it’s so easy to find — perfect for when you’re travelling as you don’t want to have to be searching high and low for a really obscure product.
Last year it was announced that the Marc Jacobs beauty brand is no longer but there has been talk recently that it might be making a comeback. Fingers crossed! In the meantime, I am hanging onto this bronzer for dear life. The golden glow it achieves and the fact is smells like a tropical holiday have made me a longtime fan. (It’s obviously near impossible to find now so my other fave alternative is Charlotte Tilbury’s Airbrush bronzer).
I always like to set my makeup for the day and this powder by Hourglass works a treat. It’s translucent so its invisibly on the skin and helps to blur pores, wrinkles and lines.
Whenever I have to get my glam on, whether it’s for a big event or a shoot, more often than not I turn to makeup artist Michael Brown. With over 20 years’ experience, he’s worked with major brands such as Marc Jacobs Beauty and VS Sassoon, is the resident beauty expert for ATC Races and has worked with celebs like Miranda Kerr, Gisele Bundchen, Jesinta Franklin and Jennifer Hawkins. So, essentially he knows his stuff when it comes to makeup.
I usually walk away from one of our makeup sessions with a new product to try or a tip to remember. So I figure who better to share his expertise on the first step in any makeup routine. With a wealth of knowledge up his sleeve, I asked Michael’s tips for how to achieve a great base and get foundation spot on—plus the big no-nos to avoid.
Skin prep is key
“This is a very common trend in Australia, foundation looking very heavy or obvious on the skin.
Yes, this could be incorrect foundation choice or bad application if it is looking obvious on the face, but more times than not, the foundation product has been applied over skin with no real skin prep which is crucial for that second skin complexion that most women are after.
It is important to apply foundation to a smooth, well-hydrated, plump skin, so this all comes down to good skincare. Try to exfoliate once a week to buff the skin. When your skin is well hydrated, foundation will melt into the face, not catching or looking dry in certain areas either.”
Avoid dense formulations
“Use a water-based or light fluid moisturiser under foundation for that perfect bond. A more dense cream can sometimes be to thick or oil-based and much longer to absorb into the skin, so foundation doesn’t actually bond well, rather than a lightweight gel-cream for example.”
Understand your skin tone
“I see so many women wearing very obvious mismatched foundation shades on their skin. Yes, there sometimes can be other factors like not enough moisture on the skin, therefore the colour can appear darker on dry patches of the skin, but in most cases, its just not getting the skin tone correct.
It is important to understand skin under-tones such as warm, cool and neutral.
Do you have any pink running through your skin? This is the easiest way to tell between cool and warm. Pink equals cool and you’ll have a bluish vein tone on the back of your wrists. Warm skin tones will have no pink, more a yellowish undertone and a green vein tone on the back of your wrists.
For anything else, you might be neutral which is very common with Asian skin tones. Or if are trying to diffuse colour from your skin, neutral foundation shades are for.”
Don’t match foundation to the back of your hand
“Never try to colour match your foundation on the back of your hand, as it wont be applied there and hands are often darker than our face, so apply on the cheek/jawline area, as that will give the most true colour match.
If someone wants to warm up their skin, especially now coming out of winter and going into warmer months, rather than going up a notch in foundation shades, it’s best to mix a dab of liquid bronzer into your foundation so that it slightly warms up the product to give warmth, otherwise your face can look very different to everything else if you try to change your skin tone.”
I love trying new beauty products because I often come across plenty of new launches via work, or I receive recommendations from friends. The latter is a fave because there’s nothing I like more than being privy to the brand new mascara someone is obsessed with or the wonder serum that’s working its magic on someone’s skin. That said, once I find something I really rate then I will tend to stick to it because a great beauty product that really aligns with my needs is a definite find.
If you’re like me, the beauty products that actually get used down to the very last drop are a special breed. It means that I absolutely loved them and that I kept coming back for more because not only did it do as it promised, but it exceeded my expectations and it was simply a pleasure to use. Whether it’s the results I got, the ease in which I was able to use it or something as simple as the fact that scent was heavenly, there are so many reasons I tend to gravitate back towards particular products, even more so when I actually finish them.
Lately, these are the beauty products that I’ve actually emptied!
Clarins Double Serum
First up, a disclaimer. Clarins is a brand I’ve worked with professionally so I was introduced to this serum in a work capacity. That said, I’ve continued using it long after that time and have been a repeat user ever since. My skin drinks this serum up and it always delivers such great results. It targets the signs of ageing and leaves my skin feeling supple and hydrated. I always look forward to applying it because my skin feels amazing afterwards.
Clarins Double Serum Eye
Being a huge fan of the Double Serum already I was really excited to hear that there was now one that is specifically for eyes. I dot this around my eyes and I find it helps tired eyes look more refreshed. The area around the eyes is also one of the first places on the face to show signs of ageing so I’m all about taking care of it.
La Roche-Posay Tinted Fluid Lightweight Sunscreen
I don’t have an overly complicated beauty routine to get out the door every morning as most days I’m in a rush to get ready. To help make it easier, I like products that do double duty such as tinted sunscreen. Having been a fan of the original La Roche-Posay Anthelios sunscreen, I was keen to try the tinted version for some light coverage during the day. It didn’t disappoint. It glides on easily, provides good coverage and it’s also an SPC50+, which is important as I’m conscious of protecting my skin from the skin, particularly as I live near the beach so often spend most mornings there.
Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer
If I’m wearing makeup I always use this primer underneath. It’s so good. It just makes foundation sit so much better. I like the fact that it helps to minimise pores and fine lines and creates a perfect blank canvas for me to apply the rest of my makeup. Plus, I find it helps product to stay put. It’s also a lighweight, easy to apply texture which earns it more ticks from me.
Tell me—what are some beauty products you’ve finished lately?
What you eat plays such a huge role in the state of your skin—a healthy glow isn’t just aided by what’s in your beauty cupboard, it’s also heavily influenced by what’s on you plate. I spoke with Trish Maharaj, who is not only the founder of mama-to-be skincare brand Madre, but also a cosmetic chemist and nutritionist. So, I asked Trish to share the best foods to eat for better skin, particularly when you’re an expecting mum. These are the foods you should definitely consider adding to your shopping list.
It starts with the gut
“It is not simply “you are what you eat”, rather “you are what you absorb”. The primary role of the gut is to utilise the nutrients from your food that your body needs. When the body doesn’t receive enough nutrients, it sends the few it can use to vital organs—heart, brain, liver—meaning our skin, hair and nails get pushed aside. We want food to be absorbed as quickly as possible to ensure that it doesn’t sit in the gut and ferment, which can then cause unpleasant gas, bloating & microflora imbalance.”
What should be on your plate
“Eat a high-fibre, colourful plant-based diet centred on vegetables, fruits and legumes. Include small regular servings of wholefood fats such as nuts and avocado with each meal. Choose lower glycemic load foods. My favourite skin foods include: Acai, pineapple, cabbage, sweet potato, seaweed, almonds, Brazil nuts, ground flaxseeds, chia seeds, avocado and lemon.
What to skip
“Limiting refined sugars, artificial sweeteners, dairy, processed foods, alcohol and caffeine. This is hard but these foods are generally the culprits for acne and poor gut health which is directly related to skin health.”
What to drink
“[Make sure to] keep adequately hydrated [by drinking 2 litres a water day] is also essential. Try a pinch of mineral-rich sea salt in your water bottle for better cellular uptake.”
What to eat regularly
“A few examples of ingredients that I’d suggesting incorporating into your diet on a regular basis include:
“With their high antioxidant levels, vibrant red capsicums help to keep your skin healthy and supple. They are a wonderful source of both vitamin C and the mineral silicon, assisting the strengthening and regeneration of collagen, the main structural protein in connective tissue. Healthy collagen production keeps the skin firm and reduces oxidative damage!”
“Its high levels of beta-carotene convert to vitamin A in the body, meaning it provides us with both vitamins A and C, the antioxidants that fight free radicals from damaging our cell tissue, causing premature ageing.”
“Containing the skin-loving combo of vitamins A, C and E, cabbage is highest in some of the most powerful antioxidants found in cruciferous vegetables. Interestingly, it actually contains more vitamin C than oranges! By now we know that vitamin C is critical when looking to minimise wrinkles, fight inflammation and heal damaged tissue. Its impressive nutrient content makes it a potent detoxifying food, slowing the ageing process.”
Lemon
“Another good source of vitamin C. Lemons also support the hard-working liver, our main detoxifying organ. They strengthen liver enzymes and promote the secretion of bile, which in turn aids digestion. A detoxification agent, blood purifier and digestive aid, they are in actual fact alkalising once within the body (despite their acidic taste!). [A skin tip would be to] consume the juice of ½ lemon with a cup of warm water first thing daily to cleanse the body and prepare metabolism, and use lemon throughout your day in salad dressings, stir-fries and smoothies.”
Almonds
“The monounsaturated fats within almonds help retain moisture within the skin, softening and protecting it. These beautifying nuts are rich in vitamin E, the primary antioxidant in human epidermal tissue. Vitamin E works to protect the skin from the damaging effects of ultraviolet rays, whilst also nourishing the skin from within to prevent dryness.
Fermented vegetables
“Loaded with probiotics and enzymes, fermented vegetables work on ensuring the gut is a friendly environment for good bacteria to thrive! This helps with digestion and the absorption of all these skin-loving nutrients. Probiotics also work to keep your system free from nasty pathogenic bacteria that cause digestive upset, poor immunity and inflammation, which may lead to skin irritation, acne or dull, unclear skin.
Other foods to include are all green leafy vegetables, carrots, avocado, berries, ground flaxseed, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, walnuts and Brazil nuts.”
My beauty regimen is one of the things I spend a lot of time on so I’ve roadtested my fair share of beauty products. I like trying new things, but when I find something I really like, I’m very loyal. I also like my routine to be quite low maintenance, so I like to use fewer products but make sure they deliver. That’s not too much to ask right? In the course of my beauty travels I’ve found some gems which I highly rate and have now become a staple for me. So, what will definitely make it into my beauty routine this year? These are a few of my current faves that form the basis of my my skincare and makeup routine.
Clarins Double Serum
My skin absolutely drinks this serum up. It’s hydrating and so nourishing and it’s perfect all year round. It’s perfect for fighting the signs of ageing and I’m always all about investing in great skincare to ensure my skin is always in top condition. I come back to this serum time and time again.
Clarins Everlasting Youth Fluid
I never like foundation that feels too “done”. I’d rather have a natural looking finish with some subtle coverage where I need it, and nothing that feels heavy. I like this foundation by Clarins for that reason, and also because it sits well, has an in built SPF and it has a hydrating effect which helps to smooth fine lines.
Hourglass Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil
Polished brows are a really important part of my beauty routine, but finding a good brow pencil is hard. It can’t be too chalky or waxy, but it does need to be able to hold every single hair in place and also fill in spots where needed. I’ve been using this Hourglass brow pencil and it delivers. It achieves a really natural effect and creates a fuller looking brow.
M.A.C Lipstick in Honey Love
I like wearing this neutral lipstick on most days as it adds a hit of colour to my lips without being OTT for day use. It helps achieved a polished makeup look but the colour isn’t so intense that I would feel weird wearing it on the school run.
M.A.C Lip Pencil in Stripdown
I’m a fan of the creamy texture of this lip pencil as it glides on easily so you can be really precise with the application. I use it to define my lips, but it’s also great for filling them in and acting as a lipstick. Highly recommend.
As far as eyeshadow palettes go, I have to say this YSL one is quite luxe looking. The outside looks like a mini YSL clutch, with the black quilted pattern and gold insignia. It feels quite special any time I pull it out to use it! However it’s not all looks and no substance. The colours in this particular palette allow me to achieve a number of different makeup looks, from smoky eye to something slightly rosier and more feminine. It’s definitely become a staple and I use it all the time.
I often change up my beauty routine according to the seasons, and summer is no different. Dealing with soaring temperatures means I have to rethink the products I use to ensure they are able to deal with humidity and super hot days. I love being out and about during summer, and spend a lot of time at the beach so I like products that have longevity and are able to withstand the warm days we have in Sydney. I also want things that are easy to use as I like to a keep my makeup repertoire to a minimum. These are the summer beauty products I can’t live without.
Fake tan is a must for me throughout summer and I swear by this Bondi Sands tanning foam. I’ve used a few different brands and I keep coming back to this one as it’s easy to use (no one likes a patchy tan!) and achieves a great golden hue.
Brows are key part of my makeup routine, particularly in summer when I opt for a more pared back approach. When I have to contend with heat and humidity, I’d rather just keep my makeup to a minimum where possible, so having polished brows is important. I’ve used this clear gel by M.A.C for years and it keeps any unruly hairs in place and is not too expensive too.
A lot of makeup artists say it’s a good idea to switch to cream based cosmetics during summer as they’re less likely to “melt”. So, I use this creamy cheek and lip colour rather than a powder blush. It achieves a subtle flush which is perfect during the warmer months. It’s also good texture to work with so I’m able to blend and build up colour easily.
This palette is one of my faves! It’s inexpensive and the selection of colours is perfect for achieving a smoky eye effect. I often use this palette to create a deeper, more dramatic effect when I’m going out, but there are also some shades which are great for day.
I’m a huge fan of Charlotte Tilbury’s range and this bronzer is a must during summer. I use it to add some subtle colour to my cheeks or use a dusting of it on my face. It has a pore blurring effect and it leaves my skin looking like it’s been airbrushed. Winning!
