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beauty

Beauty

The treatment that changed my skin

22nd September, 2021

Looking after my skin is high on my priority list when it comes to beauty. I think it’s so important as good skin is the foundation of everything. I like going without makeup when I can to let my skin breathe, but when I do have to wear makeup, I’ve found that when my skin is in great shape my makeup just looks better.

So when I was given the opportunity to try the skin treatment Thermage, at my fave skincare destination, The Clinic I jumped at the chance. Thermage uses radiofrequency and works below the surface to heat the deep layers of the skin to tighten and contour the complexion. It helps to restore existing collagen and produces new collagen and the result is fresher, younger looking skin. I’m 37 now and I’m noticing that my skin is less firm and fine lines are appearing so this seemed a great way to address the issue. I had heard amazing things about Thermage, and I’m always up for trying something new that is non-invasive and non-surgical (not having to deal with needles or surgery is a tick in my book) and has no down time. I was told I would be able to walk out of the clinic post-treatment and resume normal activities which is a big plus for me. Thermage also only requires a single treatment to get the full effect so I liked the fact I could get it done in one session.

On the day of the treatment I had to have temporary grid stencil applied to my face to act as a ‘map’ on my face. The nurse systematically used the Thermage device on my skin, section by section. It felt cool, then warm, then cool and ended with a vibration. We had to do that for every single grid square. I have to be honest and say it wasn’t completely painless, for me, it really hurt! Around my mouth was particularly painful but the rest of my face was a bit more bearable. That said, someone else with a different pain threshold may think differently! All in all I was there for around two hours from beginning to end.

 

Image: The Clinic

 

So what happened afterwards? I went about the rest of my day! I liked the fact that I didn’t have to do anything differently in terms of my regular routine, I could apply makeup and I didn’t have to take time off for recovery. It was recommended that I use sunscreen but I do that daily anyway so it was business as usual.

In terms of how my skin looked, at first I didn’t really notice the difference but gradually I started receiving compliments on my skin. My makeup artist Michael Brown who I work with for virtually every shoot and work event I do, commented that he could definitely feel that my skin was bouncier and fuller. It’s now a little over three months on and I’m definitely thrilled with the results and I am liking how my skin has continued to improve over time as the collagen in my skin rebuilds. While Thermage is done in a single treatment, it’s recommended to have follow ups, which I will strongly consider as I am so happy with how my skin looks.

 

FAQs about Thermage

The Clinic were kind enough to answer some common questions they are asked about Thermage.

  • How much does it cost? $3000
  • How often should you get it done? It’s recommended over 40s have it done two times per year under 40 once per year
  • Is it just for face? No, you can also do the body (mums love to use the treatment post-baby for loose skin)
  • When should I do it before an event? Three months before
  • How long does the treatment take? Two hours
  • Can I do it pregnant/if I’m breastfeeding? Not while pregnant, but you can do it when breastfeeding.
  • For more info visit The Clinic

This post was produced in collaboration with The Clinic

Beauty

How to do a luxe facial at home according to top facialist Jocelyn Petroni

12th September, 2021
Jocelyn Petroni is one of the country’s top facialists

As one of the most sought after facialists in Australia, Jocelyn Petroni is an expert at how to achieve a beautiful, glowing complexion, particularly through a luxurious, relaxing facial. I’ve been lucky enough to experience one of her facials and all I can say is, it is heavenly and my skin looks absolutely incredible afterwards. So, what’s the key to a great DIY facial at home? Here, Jocelyn shares her expert tips.

What’s the key to a great at home facial?

Facial massage is the key component to a successful at home facial. Often we already have all the products and tools we need however the method we use them and the way in which we apply these to the skin could be improved. 

When performing an at home facial treatment each step of the facial should include a facial massage to get more out of the products you are currently using; your cleanse becomes a deep clean, your mask feeds the deepest cell layers and your moisturiser will have optimal product penetration.

Facial massage stimulates blood flow and lymphatic drainage, which can slow down with our lifestyle. As we are staying at home more and moving around less frequently, our skin becomes asphyxiated. This means less oxygen and micronutrients are fed to the skin from the inside, cellular communication and turnover slows down so our skin can become dull and lack-lustre. 

Massaging the skin increases internal lymphatic drainage to treat congestion, feeds the skin from the inside and increases desquamation of skin cell from the surface of the skin.

What are the essentials everyone should have on hand before giving themselves a facial?

The essentials are cleanser, face cloth/washer, exfoliator, mask and moisturiser.

The right mood is crucial to a great facial

What are your tips for creating the right mood?

Personal space in your bathroom is all you need to create the right mood. I personally like to give myself a facial when my baby Georgia is asleep and I know I have time to myself. My bathroom is always super clean and there is usually a candle burning so the mood is always set for my daily skin routine. I have music playing in my bathroom and my facial routine is reflected in my playlist choice- if I’m deep cleaning and extracting I’ll listen to Dua Lipa, if I’m hydrating and healing I’ll play Vivaldi.

Can you share step-by-step how readers can give themselves an at home facial?

At home facials must include the essential three

  1. A thorough cleanse. You must double cleanse—the first to remove make up, dirt and debris the second to deep clean the pores and tissue. The first cleanse can be a micellar water, oil or cream cleanser. The second cleanser needs to be more deep cleaning, so use a foam, fruit acid or deep cleansing gel.
  2. Exfoliation. To slough away surface dry dead skin cells and decongest the skin. This will clear the pathway for optimal product absorption. Exfoliate for a good 30 seconds and don’t be afraid to use firm massage movements that will increase blood flow and lymphatic drainage as well as toning and relaxing facial muscles.
  3. Treatment masking. Can be to deep clean the skin with a clay mask, hydrate the skin with a nourishing mask, firm with a vitamin C mask or treat breakouts with a fruit acid mask. Personalise your mask by applying two masks to the skin and treating different areas with what they specifically require for example apply a clay mask to your nose to treat blackheads and a hydrating mask elsewhere to hydrate and nourish.


How much time should be set aside to complete the facial from start to finish? 

20 minutes

How often do you think we should be having facials?

At home facials can be most frequently every week, and at least once a month.

All it takes for a great at home facial is a few key products

Jocelyn’s tips on facial massage:

Schedule a facial while cleansing

The most convenient time to incorporate facial massage into your routine is whilst cleansing. This daily or twice daily cleanse can be transformed into an internal deep clean for the skin by simply following the direction of lymphatic flow. Stimulating lymphatic drainage clears congestion, treats puffiness around the eye area and improves the overall appearance of dull lacklustre skin. 

Don’t forget the eye massage!

Whilst applying eye cream take a moment to feel the ‘grooves’ under the bone that sits below the eyebrows. These acupressure points relieve stress from the area, to relax and rejuvenate the appearance of the eye area. 

Massage product into the skin before bed

If you like to wear a sleep mask to bed, massaging this product into the skin before bed will aid product penetration and enhance the benefits of the nourishing active ingredients. Be inquisitive when it comes to massaging your face and really start to feel the facial muscles and what feels good, explore firm pressure, use your palms and don’t be afraid to get into all the grooves.

A bath is a great time for a facial

I love taking a bath and this is the perfect time to apply my favourite mask and massage it into my skin, using the steam and massage movements to push the product into my skin.

Fashion

How I’m caring for my skin during lockdown

6th September, 2021

My skin is probably one of my biggest beauty investments due to the nature of my work—whether I’m on hosting duties for 7Racing or in front of the camera for a brand or my blog, I’ve always prioritised my skin as it’s important for it to be in the best shape possible. Ordinarily I’d make time for a facial or other treatment every few weeks but that’s on pause at the moment because of stay at home orders in Sydney. Which means I’ve largely been left to my own beauty devices! As a result I’ve been been exploring ways to look after my skin as best as I can sans expert input. It’s also something relaxing I can do so it’s been a little treat for me to give my skin some TLC once the craziness of the day is over. My skincare routine has all of a sudden become a big highlight to the week.

I have my skincare favourites which are still in rotation but I’ve also been trying to do some at-home treatments in the interim. While it’s not quiiiiite the same as having a proper facial at the hands of a professional, I think I’m doing a good job in the meantime with what’s at my disposal (still can’t wait to go to a spa as soon as it’s possible). So, what have I been doing as far as my skin goes?

Giving my skin a break

One thing that I am doing differently is taking a break from makeup when I can (bar the odd work thing here and there). I’m finding that since my skin has had some time to go au naturale given events and other commitments are on hold, it’s been thriving.

Sticking to my usual routine

I’ve been quite religious about sticking to my normal skin routine (which I talk about here) as it’s something that was working pre-lockdown so why rock the boat? It’s a nice way to bookend the day and I’m taking the time to do everything more mindfully so I’m not rushing through it and giving products the time to their thing.

Weekly treatments

I’m making a point of exfoliating my skin weekly. I’ve been using Cosmedix’ at home mini blueberry peel to exfoliate my skin and I like the fact that it makes my skin feel really clean and fresh afterwards. I’ve also been enjoying doing face masks every week. It’s something I can do while I’m sitting down to watch a show so I appreciate the multitasking aspect of it! It’s easy to forget how nourishing a simple sheet mask can be (I’ve been trialling a few from L’Oreal and think they’re great and they’re also inexpensive) and now that it’s become a ritual I’m making them a more regular part of my skincare regimen.

Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise

I’ve been using Bangn body moisturiser of late and really rate it. It leaves my skin feeling hydrated and supple and I’ve always been quite religious with moisturising so I have enjoyed discovering a new product to love during all this time spent at home. Also now that we’re slowly emerging from the cocoon of winter woolies it’s time to get skin spring/summer wardrobe ready!

What are you doing to give your skin some TLC?
Beauty, Fashion & Beauty

My 10-minute make up look

28th August, 2021

 

 

When I want a quick makeup look but don’t have much time I always turn to this particular routine. I can do it in 10 minutes and it’s perfect for daytime as it looks done without being over the top. I’m sharing how to do it step-by-step in the video above and I promise it’s super easy to do and the results achieve a polished finish.

All the products I’ve used are below, but obviously change it up according to the colours that suit you. Love to hear your thoughts and let me know if there are any other beauty tutorials you’d like me to do!

Base

Moisturiser: Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturiser

Primer: Laura Mercier primer – radiance

Brushes: MAC foundation brush; MAC eyeshadow brush; MAC eye shader;

Foundation: Chanel Vitalumiere (I also use Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation 5.5 or Clarins Everlasting Fluid in vanilla

Eyes:

Palette: Colorscience Beauty on the Go Mineral palette 

White eye liner: Loreal Superliner Le Khol in Immaculate Snow 

Eye lash curler: MAC full lash curler 

Brow pencil: Loreal Paris Brow Artist Skinny Definer pencil in dark blonde 

Brow gel: MAC clear gel 

Mascara: Max Factor Lash Revival

Shimmer: Charlotte Tilbury Stars in Your Eyes palette

Lips:

Lip liner: MAC Oak lip pencil (or I also use Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Pillow Talk)

Lip Gloss: Marc Jacobs 344 Skin Deep in Enamoured 

Cheeks:

Contour palette and blush: Make Up Forever Pro Sculpting Palette (for blush I also like Stila Convertible Colour in Gerbera)

Finish:

Setting powder: Marc Jacobs Beauty Accomplice Instant Blurring Beauty Powder

MAC powder blush brush

Beauty

The MVPs of my beauty wardrobe

2nd August, 2021

I’ve always loved experimenting with beauty products. There’s something joyful about unboxing a new beauty product and holding a beautiful bottle or the latest ‘it’ thing in your hands. The anticipation of trying a new product out is one of the great things about being a big beauty fan. Whether it’s a moisturiser or serum or makeup, I just love being able to discover something new to add to my skincare and makeup routine. What’s even better is unearthing something that just totally gels with your skin, with your routine and delivers results. My beauty regimen is one that I am religious about—both for day and night and in the process I’ve discovered a few products that have ticked all the boxes. These are the MVPs of my beauty routine.

1. Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer

I put this on before applying my makeup and it makes everything glide on beautifully. The end result is a flawless finish and makeup that doesn’t budge. I really like the texture of this and its staying power.

2. Clarins Extra Firming Neck and Decollete

I’ve always been a big Clarins fan and I use this cream on my neck and decolletage, both areas I’ve really started paying attention to as far as my beauty regimen goes.

3. Clarins Double Serum

I can’t live without this serum. It’s beautifully hydrating and it works on the appearance of ageing on the skin. It’s a 2-in-1 serum that’s an absolute powerhouse. My skin can’t get enough of it.

4. Naked Sundays Collagen Glow Creme

Sunscreen is a non-negotiable in my skincare routine and I’m a huge fan of this brand. It’s a 4-in-1 product that includes sunscreen, primer, collagen booster and moisturiser. I wear it every day after I put on my makeup and it sits really nicely and I love that it’s a bit of a multitasker.

5. Clarins Nutri Lumiere Jour Day Cream

I use a dedicated day cream and night cream and love this one from Clarins. It’s super hydrating, which is great during winter when my skin gets really dry and it glides on well.

6. Clarins Total Cleansing Oil

I’ve used a range of different cleansers but I am really into oils right now. This one takes away all traces of makeup and leaves my skin feeling clean and refreshed.

7. Cosmedix Elite Pepoxide Concentrate

This gem of a product hydrates, treats the signs of ageing such as fine lines and wrinkles, brightens the skin and helps the skin repair itself. I’m a huge fan.

8. Kora Organics Noni Radiant Eye Oil

The skin under the eyes is particularly delicate so I’m always careful with what I use in that area. I’ve been using this eye oil by Kora and it’s really nourishing and also gentle.

9. Cosmedix Serum 16

I use this serum in my nighttime skincare routine and it contains a high strength retinol which helps fight the signs of ageing but it also improves skin turnover, brightens skin discolouration and improves the skin texture. It’s pretty powerful stuff and I’ve been rating the results I’ve been getting.

Beauty

The inexpensive products saving my winter skin

26th July, 2021

At this time of year, my skin is in need of some major TLC. For me, winter usually results in dry skin and nails and I need to do some major moisturising, salving, soothing rehab to get everything back up to scratch. I’ve tried a range of different products, both expensive and inexpensive and I’ve settled on a great rotation now that not only works but is readily available (like, from the supermarket readily available!) and it’s so cheap. Which is a good thing as I tend to use these products so much that I will churn through them a fair bit during winter.

So, what’s currently saving me from dry skin and nails? These affordable buys that I give an A+ for efficacy.

 

(clockwise L-R) Du’It Foot & Heel Balm Plus, Sally Hansen Color Therapy Nail & Cuticle Elixir, Nivea Rich Nourishing Body Lotion, Lucas’ Paw Paw Ointment

 

Du’It Foot & Heel Balm Plus

Winter is notorious for giving me cracked heels so I need to moisturise with something intensive to get them looking okay again. I use this balm daily and it’s great at softening and exfoliating dry skin and I can usually see results pretty quickly Plus I love the fact it’s non-greasy.

Sally Hansen Color Therapy Nail & Cuticle Elixir

Wearing nail polish is super drying on my nails so I apply this to nourish them and give them a big injection of moisture. My toe nails in particular get dried out from all the nail polish I wear on them so while we’re in lockdown, I’m going sans polish to try and nourish them and get them looking in good shape again.

Nivea Rich and Nourishing Body Lotion Moisturiser

I slather this on religiously during winter to combat dry skin. I’ve found it’s great to put it on just right out of the shower when skin is a little damp as it helps the lotion penetrate a bit better. It also has a really nice scent so it feels luxe when I put it on (even when the price tag is so, so affordable).

Lucas’ Paw Paw Ointment

Who isn’t a fan of this skin saviour? It’s just so good! My lips are constantly feeling dry and chapped so I often apply this to them to combat cracking and flaking. It’s quite inexpensive so I usually have one at home and carry around another tube in my handbag so I’m able to reapply when I’m on the go.

 

 

Beauty, Shop

Are you using this beauty gadget?

26th June, 2021

Eyelash curlers have been around for eons but they’re still seriously one of the best ways to get an amazing curl every single day. I’ve got one in my beauty kit and I can’t live without it and most makeup artists I’ve worked with always have one on hand.

If you’ve not yet used one I highly suggest you do! I know some people tend to avoid using them because a) they look like they’d be complicated to use and b) they look like they’d inflict some serious damage on your lashes if not in the right hands! However I can definitely confirm they’re neither. In fact, they’re super simple to operate. Promise.

For those who are going to venture into eyelash curler territory for the first time the first step is to open the curler and press down gently at the base of your eyelid where your lashes start and slowly “walk” it out along the length of your lashes just pressing down lightly as you go. This will give you a great curl and the effect really opens up your eyes. Whatever you do avoid just clamping down at the base as this can leave you with a harsh curl as opposed to a natural finish. Once done apply mascara liberally and you’re ready to go!

I’ve rounded up a few great eyelash curlers below (I use one by Shu Uemura, but there are plenty of great options out there) so you can get your curl on at home.

 

 

 

 

Fashion

Every single beauty product I used on Day 3 of Afterpay Australian Fashion Week

2nd June, 2021

It’s another hectic day on the Australian Fashion Week calendar, and today in particular I was juggling hosting the launch of 25 Martin Place in Sydney, while also heading off to check out the Anna Quan show tonight. So, makeup that had staying power was a definite must. Luckily, I was working with Michael Brown again to do my glam. For today’s look we went for neutral eyes, with a pop of colour on the lip. It’s something I tend to love doing away from events, so it’s always a makeup look I’m comfortable with for big occasions such as today’s launch. Here’s a product-by-product guide of everything I wore.

Skin

Clarins Double Serum

Olay Regenerist Whip 

Kora Noni Eye Oil

 

Complexion

Clarins Everlasting Youth Fluid in Honey 

Bobbi Brown Cream Concealer 

Kora Rose Quartz Luminiser 

Clarins Joli Blush in Cheeky Coral 

 

Eyes

Fenty Snap Shadows in True Neutrals 

Marc Jacobs Highliner in Rococoa 

Clarins Supra Volume Mascara

Fenty Brow Pencil in Medium Brown 

Benefit 24hr Set Brow Gel 

Ardell Naked Lashes 424 (trimmed in half)

 

Lips

Clarins Joli Rouge Crayon 

Marc Jacobs Beauty Enamored Lip Lacquer in Sugar Sugar 

Fashion

Every single beauty product I used on Day 2 of Afterpay Australian Fashion Week

1st June, 2021

I had two shows today, Oroton and Maggie Marilyn plus a fitting at David Jones so I needed makeup that was going to have me looking fresh-faced but had staying power. When I’m on the go I don’t like anything too fussy in terms of beauty looks but I do want it to look polished and put together. This means a great flawless complexion and some bold colour accents. I had my makeup professionally done again, something I usually do for big events such as this so I made sure to take note of all the products that my makeup artist used. Here’s a breakdown, product by product.

Skin

Clarins Double Serum

Olay Regenerist Whip 

Kora Noni Eye Oil

All about glowy skin for any beauty look

Complexion 


Clarins Everlasting Youth Fluid in Honey 

Bobbi Brown Cream Concealer 

Kora Rose Quartz Luminiser 

Clarins Joli Blush in Cheeky Coral 


Eyes

Tom Ford Quad Shadow Palette in Sous Le Sable

Marc Jacobs Highliner in Rococoa 

Clarins Supra Volume Mascara

Fenty Brow Pencil in Medium Brown 

Benefit 24hr Set Brow Gel 


Lips 

Clarins Joli Rouge Lipstick in Intense Nude 

Fashion

Every single beauty product I used on Day 1 of Afterpay Australian Fashion Week

1st June, 2021

Wearing this pastel pink Rebecca Vallance dress on the first day of Afterpay Australian Fashion Week called for an equally as fun, and vibrant beauty look to match. So, I called in my go-to makeup artist Michael Brown to create a look that was all about fun, feminine shades. The colour palette was a lot of shades in the pink family, interspersed with slightly rosier and coral hues. I always like my makeup to look polished, but also to have some vibrancy to it and this look was the perfect marriage of the two. Here’s a product-by-product breakdown of what Michael used to create this look.

Skin


Clarins Multi-Active Day Cream

Olay Hyaluronic + Niacinamide Serum 

Kora Noni Face Oil 

Hylamide HA Blur Primer 

Complexion

Clarins Everlasting Foundation in Honey 

BECCA Under Eye Brightener/Concealer 

Fenty Pro Filtr Loose Powder

 Clarins Joli Blush in Cheeky Coral

My go-to makeup artist, Michael Brown


Eyes

Fenty Snap Eyeshadow Palette in Rose

Marc Jacobs Beauty Velvet Noir Mascara 

Ardell Lash, Short Individuals

Fenty Brow Pencil in Dark Brown


Lips

Clarins Joli Rouge Crayon 

Clarins Lip Oil in Candy