BEAUTICATE

The Whos and How Tos of Beauty.

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VIDEO: Holiday Makeup Bag For An Endless Summer

On Sigourney’s recent stay at the idyllic Soneva Kiri resort in Thailand, she spilled the contents of her perfect holiday makeup bag - pared-back, minimal, and devised for maximum radiance. Whether you’re planning to jet off somewhere tropical soon (lucky you) or just want to inject some wanderlust into your morning routine, these are the products to recreate your own sun-kissed holiday glow.

Shop The Look

Eyelash extensions from Love Those Lashes

Video by Kim Corona.

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Thin Is In - The New Approach To Layering Skincare

You don’t need to commit to a 25-step Korean skincare routine to appreciate the benefits of layering products. But as beauty becomes increasingly sophisticated, it can be difficult to know which product does what, and how it slots into your routine. While proven active ingredients like vitamins A and C deserve their place in the spotlight, it’s worth remembering that hydration is still considered the backbone of skincare regardless of age or skin type.

However, the days of relying only on your moisturiser to do all the heavy lifting are long gone. A single product now often contains different sized molecules of the same or complementary ingredients, that have the ability to penetrate different layers of the skin for the best possible results. To get the most out of this technology, you’ll need to know two things: what you’re looking to achieve with each step, and what order your products should be layered in. Armed with this information, you can be certain that your hydration levels will be topped up to the max, and you’ll be glowing in no time. 

STEP 1 – THE RIGHT CLEANSER

Ditch the stripping foaming cleansers now, please. SLS, the sudsing agent found in almost all foaming cleansers (as well as detergent) is for cleaning your plates, not the delicate skin on your face. Instead, try gentle gels, milks and creams that prep your skin well for what’s to come, instead of leaving it crying out for moisture. Oskia’s Renaissance Cleansing Gel is a lovely way to start the day, as it contains glycerins and oils in a gel formulation that feels fresh without being stripping. Kate Somerville’s Cold Cream, a modern take on your grandma’s Ponds, annihilates makeup and has a comforting yoghurt-like texture, so is ideal for removing makeup, SPF and the day’s grime in the evening, making sure no nasties are blocking the goodness to come.

STEP 2 – EXFOLIATE, EXFOLIATE, EXFOLIATE

Just because the sun is that bit stronger now doesn’t mean it’s time to stop exfoliating - you just need to be a little gentler. It’s a good time to ease up on the physical exfoliants and move on to their chemical cousins, acids. Omorovicza Acid Fix contains glycolic, lactic and salicylic acids in a base of hydrating glycerin, so it’s suitable for all but the extremely sensitive; for everyone else, it’s strong enough to feel like it’s working but not so strong as to be disruptive to the skin. Use two or three times a week straight after you cleanse, which leaves skin free from dead cells and oil that can block not only pores, but also the hydrating ingredients you’re about to apply from getting to where they need to go.

STEP 3 – ENTER THE ESSENCE

When done right, an essence manages to be both refreshing and nourishing. Dior’s Hydra Life Balancing Hydration – 2 in 1 Sorbet Water manages both brilliantly - plus, thanks to the inclusion of jasmine flower water, it smells divine. Hydrating lightly at this stage makes it easier for ingredients in the coming steps to penetrate more effectively, while giving some ‘slip’ to the skin’s surface during the layering process means you can use less product.

STEP 4 – HYDRATE WITH HYALURONIC

You want to maximise the levels of hydration you’ve already started building in previous steps, so look for a serum rich in hyaluronic acid. Seemingly the skincare world’s favourite ingredient of late, it holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water, providing maximum hydration with minimal product - just what your skin needs during our hot, sticky summer. A very effective option is the Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Serum - fragrance-free and loaded with hyaluronic acid, it has the added benefit of releasing the absolutely perfect amount of serum in one pump for the face, neck and décolleté (this sounds simple but trust us, it’s rare not to get too much or too little). If you’re after a more luxurious option, Chanel’s Hydra Beauty Micro Serum contains camellia micro droplets that burst as you smooth it on, ensuring its plumping abilities are kept as potent as possible until the moment of application.

STEP 5 – EYE CANDY

Eye cream still manages to cause great debate of the ‘do we really need it or not’ variety. The answer? If your eye area is sensitive, it’s best to use a discrete product for it. Given many of us are sensitive in this area - the same that is the quickest to show signs of sun damage and ageing - it’s important to look for active ingredients proven to help these concerns, while gentle enough not to cause irritation. Drunk Elephant’s C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream is lightweight yet soothingly creamy, so it’s great even on the most sensitive peepers and won’t prevent the final steps in your routine from working if you want to bring them around the eye area, too. Its hero ingredient, vitamin C, is one of the most potent ingredients in the battle against pigmentation, making this a real go-to option in our sunny climes.

STEP 6 – MASTER YOUR MOISTURISER

At this stage you want a light layer to help seal in all the good work you’ve done so far. L’Occitane’s Ultra Thirst-Quenching Gel has an oil-free gel texture, a calming marine scent, and a little goes a long way to feeling seriously refreshed. If you just can’t bear to be without a heavier-feeling cream, especially of an evening, try Endota’s Deep Hydration Face Moisturiser. Unlike most thicker moisturisers it is shea butter-free, so still fine on oilier or acneic skins, and is very comforting. It’s also a good option if you use retinoids year round, as it combats their drying effects without being occlusive.

STEP 7 – OIL UP

As with eye cream, not everyone feels they need an oil, but we promise you cannot go past one when it comes to benefiting overall skin texture and achieving that ever elusive glow. Formulas are so sophisticated now that there really is one for every skin type - so banish any visions of thick, gloopy products that do nothing but clog pores. You really cannot go wrong with Clarins’ tried and true range of plant oils, Blue Lotus being a real stand out for the oilier types who might be scared to add this step to their routines. But if you are going to really splurge, this is the step in your routine to do it. La Mer’s The Renewal Oil is a potent blend of plant and nut oils, and wears like a dream under makeup. Another beautiful choice for those open to the scent of its 22 botanical oils is Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum, which sinks in quickly while leaving you with its calming and brightening effects for hours. 

Story by Zoe Briggs

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4 New Wardrobe Essentials (And The Beauty To Wear With Them)

Sigourney recently collaborated with cult Sydney style destination Parlour X and in her interview with them, chatted her career trajectory, how she gauges success, and personal style (read her X Files profile here). And frankly, the fashion was too good not to share. So we’ve brought you an edit of our four favourite pieces from the shoot - plus, a guide to recreating Sig’s luxe-but-cool hair and makeup…

Look 1: The Scalloped Shirt

After seasons of crisp shirting being in the spotlight, this is a softer departure whilst still maintaining a sense of office.

The Makeup

On the makeup she created for Sig, Jess Diez explained: “I decided to go with a soft, glam look, akin to makeup styles from the 1970s. I feel in general that we are moving away from the ’no makeup’ look, with clients expecting a natural healthy glow, but with makeup that can be seen,” shares Jess. “Because I wanted the skin to glow, I applied foundation only where it was absolutely necessary, blending it out with a stippling brush to achieve a dewy, fresh finish.” Want to recreate? These are the exact products she used…

Look 2: The Statement Skirt

Sunray pleats are still high on our fashion radar - they’re feminine but still utterly cool.

Look 3: The Party Earring

An easy way to take your day look to evening? Add a glamorous earring and you’re sorted.

The Hair

For Sig’s strands, Jess went with “a relaxed, luxe look that emulated the vibe of the clothing.” Her inspiration was “a modern style with a nod to old Hollywood glam, yet less coiffured in the finish.” Luckily enough, Jess’s secret ingredients for this look are all budget-friendly - in fact, two are supermarket favourites. Proof that you don’t have to spend a bomb for killer prods.

The trick to this look? “Tipping the head backwards, then applying a mist of hairspray as you ruffle the style with your hands”. The result? “Volume and instant sex bomb,” she shares.

Look 4: The Print Dress

Opt for a bold dress and your outfit is pretty much sorted. Pair with a simple clutch and killer earrings, and you’re ready to hit the dance floor.

Story by Tess Schlink. Styling and photography by Parlour X. Hair and makeup by Jess Diez. Shot at The Parlour Room.

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Elyse Taylor On How To Be Happy

Elyse Taylor was discovered at 18 and launched into the stratosphere, walking for brands like Dolce & Gabbana and being chosen as a face of Estée Lauder. Now based in NYC full time, where she balances the chaotic scheduling demands placed on a working model with being a single mum to five-year-old Lila, she made a quick trip to Sydney in her role as brand ambassador for Nude by Nature. She sat down with us to chat about what she knows now, and after fifteen years in the industry, this older and wiser Elyse is more beautiful than ever, radiating a quiet confidence that comes from knowing exactly who she is.

“UNDERSTAND THE INS AND OUTS OF YOUR CAREER

Modelling has changed so much now. We didn’t used have a voice, but now thanks to social media everyone has become three dimensional. The downside of showing every facet of your life is that if you make one wrong move, everything can end in five minutes.  Even when you’re a professional and on top of your game, even when you’re hungry and determined and work towards your goals for years, it can still all just go away. 

When I started modelling, trends were so different – everyone was super skinny and a lot of people had eating disorders. Now there’s a push for diversity in every sense, both with plus size girls and in terms of ethnicity. Twelve years ago, being blonde and blue eyed, I was getting the most work. Now, it’s refreshing to be on a shoot and see I am the one working the least. It’s such a healthy change for the industry. Everyone wants to see themselves reflected back at them and now they’re starting to.

MAKE DECISIONS THAT ARE TRUE TO YOUR PRINCIPLES

I’ve worked with Nude by Nature for three and a half years, and I am so in sync with what they represent. A lot of women nowadays are trying to educate themselves about ingredients which go in and on their body, and I love that Nude by Nature has been cruelty free since day one, and doesn’t use any synthetics, so that what you put on your face becomes one less thing to worry about. We are very educated consumers who worry about ethics and bettering ourselves. We think ‘what’s my footprint?’ and ‘what can I do better?’ - I don’t see this being a trend, but the way things will continue to go forward, and Nude by Nature fits with this ethos so well. It really is makeup that’s good for you, which is so rare.

WORK OUT WHAT WORKS FOR YOU

For me, how I eat and exercise is based on feeling comfortable at work in lingerie and swimsuits, (and being able to keep up with my kid)! Modelling is more competitive than ever. I’m constantly on set with 18 year-olds, and I need clients to see us side by side and not think twice about my age. To make sure of this, I follow an eating style that works for me – the blood type diet – unless I’m on vacation or date night. 

I work out every single day unless I’m spending the day with my daughter. I do genuinely enjoy exercising, and find it really clears my mind and definitely helps get my body moving when I travel so much. I used to work with a trainer, but now I like to do my own thing, including skiing, climbing, swimming… really whatever works with my schedule. I’m pretty active and so is Lila, and I want to encourage that for her.

TRUST THE EXPERTS AND KEEP IT SIMPLE

When it comes to my skin, I like to keep it as clean and clear as possible, and I’m all about de-puffing. I’m obsessed with Cosmedix products. Melanie Grant got me onto them, and I would follow her to the ends of the earth. I also like Dr Barbara Sturm’s Glow Drops, serums and acid, and the 111 Rose Gold Masks, which I keep in the fridge and put on the morning. I am always trying to aim for maximum hydration.

I keep my makeup as minimal as possible, and rely on key products in what I like to call my fifty shades of brown. I start with Nude by Nature’s Flawless Concealer, which is perfect for running around during the day or for special events. It’s thicker than average so it really stays on, and it gives me good coverage over blemishes and redness. I then go for a chocolate eye, bronzer, some shimmer, and maybe a red lip if the event is black tie. Basically, I tend to go for something classic and don’t really change it up too much.

Any blonde needs to use Olaplex. Don’t overdo it, but I like to use it once every two weeks and then use a hydrating mask every week. I find my hair likes chemicals, and the good old Garnier shampoo in the lime green bottle is great. I’ve been using it since I was 14! My hair gets so tortured for work with hair dryers and hot tongs that in my personal life I am very much about the wash and go look. My good girlfriend Jenna Perry does my hair and we’ve become like sisters over the years.

DON’T COMPARE YOURSELF TO UNREALISTIC STANDARDS

Remember that it is my job as a model to be taking care of how I look all the time. An average woman doesn’t have the time, the energy or the finances to do that. Even the Victoria’s Secret girls don’t always look how they look in those shows – they prepare full time for months to look like that for one night. You need to focus on yourself and do what makes you feel good. Instagram really can be the worst. My best advice (and something I definitely do myself) is to unfollow anyone that makes you feel awful. Models or not, we are all women. We all carry our own baggage even when we try to put our head down and stay in our own lanes. So don’t make it harder for yourself than it already is.

PUT OUT INTO THE WORLD WHAT YOU WANT TO SEE

Lila is still not that interested in makeup or in what I do. Sometimes she will see me on billboards or on TV and recognise me, but she just views it as ‘Mum went to work and then she came back’. As she gets older my message for her will be about enhancing her natural beauty. Don’t hide who you are or be ashamed of your face. I see young girls all the time done up in a certain way and yes, they look beautiful, but you can see they’re just trying to be clones of someone else. I’d like to push my daughter in a healthier direction. It also really concerns me to see young people morphing their bodies, especially in fairly permanent ways. I want to tell them ‘just be your age and enjoy it’.

The reality is that getting older is inevitable, and there’s nothing for it but to accept that it’s a natural progression and embrace your age and who you are. I do take good care of myself, and one of the reasons why is that I want more kids and want to be around for them as long as I can be. (And a nice bonus is that because I put thought and effort into it now, I think I look better than I did in my teens and twenties)! I’m at a different place now in my thirties and happier than I have ever been. I think happiness really does comes from not worrying too much about what’s going on around you or what other people think, and learning to find it inside yourself.”

Story by Zoe Briggs. Photography by Michael Naumoff and select images from Elyse Taylor’s Instagram account.

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Video: Lash Extensions - We Break It Down For You

They’re the secret to looking perennially put together and polished, they help shave minutes from your morning makeup routine, and can actually prevent premature fine lines… you can understand why Sigourney diligently keeps her fortnightly lash extension appointments. She chatted with the eyelash experts at Paddington’s Love Those Lashes who explained the application process. Cue lust-worthy lashes.

Story by Sigourney Cantelo, video by Tess Schlink

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Michelle Lau, Style Blogger, A Minute Away From Snowing

Having created a blog that caught the eye of no less than the Vogue Australia team, Michelle Lau hasn’t looked back. Instead, she’s parlayed her vision into Instagram account @aminuteawayfromsnowing with over 50,000 followers, who can’t get enough of her chic personal style combined with beautifully shot scenes of her family and their travels. Her WA home is just as stylish as you’d expect – think lots of white, lots of light, and perfectly chosen statement pieces – and she invited us in to discuss the creative fulfilment her work brings her, the importance of a good gin and tonic and her ultimate red lipstick.

“I moonlight as a content creator on my Instagram account @aminuteawayfromsnowing, and I’m a Spy Style blogger for vogue.com.au.

By day, I’m in PR/Marketing/Comms (which I’m currently on maternity leave from). I’ve been in the marketing profession for over a decade now and it’s my number one passion. 

I so appreciate that my work interests me enough to want to keep doing it forever, and also allows me to be a mum first and foremost as soon as I walk through the door at 5pm. My work is a very grounding aspect of my life and one that I value just as much as being a mother.

My style is classic, easy, a little minimalist and undone, then depending on my mood I throw in some colour and print.

I look to Totême and Bassike for day to day (both absolute godsends during pregnancy and postpartum too), and Scanlan Theodore and Pleats Please Issey Miyake for the office, as well as quirky printed pieces by Ganni. I also swear by Topshop denim.

Some favourite recent wardrobe additions include a Haider Ackermann black kimono wrap shirt  I recently stumbled across in a vintage store, as well as a pair of early ‘90s Levis 501s, which I’ve been wearing when the weather’s cool enough. A beautiful crystal Chanel brooch my husband bought me during our recent family trip to Tokyo is very much a prized possession.

I adopt a ‘less is more’ approach to beauty - mostly out of necessity! Someone is always either hungry or bored in my house, so I’ve got my routine down to five minutes flat. 

I’m all about luminous skin, defined but natural-looking brows and a wash of colour on my cheeks and lips. I have also been embracing a makeup-free face quite often these days when it’s just me and the kids and we haven’t got much on.

I tend to experiment more with cosmetics than skincare. It’s amazing what a difference to an outfit - or a day - a bold lip or a cat eye can do.

I’m also unapologetically a creature of comfort. I’m quite choosy with what I use as I have hypersensitive skin, but I like to think that I am also a minimalist - all I need is concealer, a brow product, blush and a bit of powder, and I’m out the door.

Old faithfuls I’ve been using for years – some for decades! – include RMS Un-Cover Up concealer in 22, Armani Luminous Silk Foundation in 5.5, NARS Eyebrow Pencil in Ipanema, and Make Up For Ever HD Powder. (Oh, and I’m looking to try Skin Veil by Ellis Faas as I’ve heard so many good things about it). I really love a multitasking cream blush. It saves room in my makeup bag by applying it to both my lips and cheeks. My all-time fave is Cactus Flower by NARS [Ed. note: not available in Australia].

When I want to feel dressed up, I rely on a good red lip and mascara.

Tom Ford lippy, straight from the bullet, in Wild Ginger is my go-to for a bold red lip. For mascara, I find Japanese drugstore brands work really well for me. After years of using Chanel Inimitable, I now repeat purchase Kiss Me Heroine mascaras. Unfortunately I can only buy them whenever I (or my sister) travel to Tokyo, so I tend to stock up.

I’m really lazy with mascara – both with the process of applying it and when it comes to taking it off at the end of the day. So instead, sometimes I’ll apply dark brown eyeliner really close to my lash line when I don’t want to wear mascara that day. I find this still opens up the eye area and makes me look ‘done’.

I only wash my hair twice a week and let it air dry 99% of the time. 

When I do blow dry it, usually if there’s an event the next day, I’ll spritz EVO Salty Dog on my damp hair (mostly at the roots), then blast it with my Dyson Supersonic as it’s powerful but gentle and doesn’t fry my hair. It also dries my hair so bloody quickly, which is great, because kids wait for no one. Dry shampoo is an essential, not only to extend days between washes, but also as a styling product, in place of hairspray. Toni & Guy always makes good ones for styling.

For special occasions or right before the weekend, I swear by Bumble and Bumble Brilliantine and Schwarzkopf Osis+ Dust It powder. After I’ve put some S-shaped waves in my hair with my GHD straightener, I’ll texturise the roots with the powder, then run a small amount of Brilliantine through the mid-lengths and ends. That kind of sets the waves in a natural, undone way. 

I’ve been seeing Marie Cain at Head Studio for almost 12 years now. She does such a good, choppy lob, which is my go-to style after having longish hair for years. 

Postpartum hair has been tricky to navigate, and after treading these waters twice now, I’m amazed at how different my two experiences have been on my hair. After my first baby, my hair didn’t start falling out until around the four to five month mark, and it took ages to grow back. Second time around, the hair loss began at the three month mark, but it only took a month or so for it to all start growing back. I have a little trick to hide the postpartum receding hairlines: I have curtain bangs cut (making sure the fringe starts from the top of the crown) and it immediately adds thickness to the front of the head. Then, as the new hair comes through, it blends into the existing fringe. 

I haven’t told anyone this but my pharmacist-turned-personal-hairdresser husband actually cut my recent fringe, because I needed it done so badly and couldn’t get a hair appointment! 

Look, it sounds pretty rogue and like a true recipe for disaster, but after a couple of YouTube videos… I’m still shocked to this day that he did a decent job of it, even though he cuts his own and the kids’ hair all the time. I think I was happier to take the risk because, having gone through two postpartum hair losses, I’ve realised hair is just hair and it grows back (thankfully).

My mum has always been pretty fuss-free when it comes to beauty and grooming.

She drilled into me the importance of taking care of my skin by being sun smart, and my favourite facial sunscreens include Mecca’s To Save Face and Biore UV Aqua Rich SPF 50+ [Ed. note: not available in Australia]. 

While she has a laidback approach to beauty, to this day she is fastidious about her eyebrows. Sometimes she would only do her brows and leave the rest of her face, and she would be out the door still looking ‘made up’. That kind of thinking has really left a lasting impression on me, and just getting out the door having done whatever your own essentials are is something I now live by.

Speaking of eyebrows… her brow pencil was such a part of her routine that I just had to use it myself, at at the ripe old age of 12. 

I remember proudly walking into the kitchen with my new eyebrows all ready for school and my mum couldn’t help but be equal parts amused and mortified. 

These days, I steer away from anything resembling black on my eyebrows, despite having really dark hair. A mousey grey/brown creates so much more of a natural look for me.

To recharge, I rely on music, YouTube and replenishing my sleep bank when I need to. It’s as simple and as difficult as that! 

Ever since I’ve had kids, just an uninterrupted two hour nap can offset a whole week of sleep deprivation and make me feel human again.

I like discovering a lot of new music on Spotify and have recently gotten into podcasts (Offline, The Podcast by Alison Rice is a current fave). I’m also addicted to ASMR (autonomous sensory meridien response) videos on YouTube. Failing that, a gin and tonic once the kids are in bed does wonders, as does a cup of tea before I turn in for the night.”

Story by Zoe Briggs. Photography by Michelle Lau and select images from her Instagram account @aminuteawayfromsnowing

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Insomnia: How I Beat It - Sigourney's Edit

I’ve always been a bad sleeper. And it seemed to get worse after I had babies and started a business. There’s always something to worry about in the wee hours of the morning and problems just seem so much larger at night. It’s been a goal of mine for the last few years to sort out my insomnia so I’ve been trying everything to get a better sleep and you know what? I think I’ve cracked it. Most nights I’m out like a light now. Here are the tricks that most definitely help. 

MAKE YOUR BEDROOM A DREAMY HAVEN

This is the fun one. The key is to make your bedroom a true haven and to introduce a series of rituals that tell your brain it’s time to wind down for sleep. Start with a big cushy bed or if you don’t have one just add a mattress topper. I bought the Bambillo after seeing it on the home shopping network and I’m obsessed. It transformed my droopy ten-year-old mattress into a bona fide cloud. Then sheets: I alternate between Ettitude bamboo sheets (SO soft, you have to try them to believe them) and gorgeous white linen. I just got a new set from Bed Threads - an Aussie company that make 100% French Flax Linen at accessible prices. Keep the colour palette in your bedroom soft and muted – think grey, soft blue, dusky pink and the lighting low. Make sure you have a supportive pillow – I like a down and feather combo and I plump it daily to keep it in good shape.  

START A BEDTIME ROUTINE

Switch your screens off an hour before bed. That includes TV, phones, iPads because the blue light messes with your circadian rhythms and keeps you awake. If you have time, have a bath with some Epsom salts and a few drops of lavender oil. Epsom salts contain magnesium sulfate which can calm your and there have been many studies that show lavender can reduce stress and calm the nervous system.  You can slather on a lavender scented body oil or lotion (I love Weleda Lavender Relaxing Oil and L’Occitane) and mist yourself and your linen (try Maison Saine Goodnight Gorgeous Calming Mist). I also have an atomizer going at bedtime that burns The Goodnight Co Goodnight Blend (anything containing lavender is good.) If you like to read digitally invest in a kindle and use it without the backlight in soft lighting to read. If you really want to prevent blue-light exposure you can buy a pair of Swannies glasses and read or watch TV with them. 

GET PROFESSIONAL HELP

There’s nothing more relaxing than a massage or spa treatment to set your body up for sleep. I recently experienced the Subtle Energies Sleep Support Therapy Journey at the Crown Spa in Perth and it was game changing. It starts with a guided meditation, is followed by a Blissful Marma Massage and includes Ayurvedic techniques of Nasya (nasal oil application) and Shirodhara to help stimulate the natural production of melanin. I use the Subtle Energies Nasya Oil which comes in the Sleep Prescription Kit (available at the spa) now before bed. This ancient ayurvedic technique lubricates the nasal passage and sinuses and is believed to balance the body and mind. I also do a little nightly facial massage with Subtle Energies Facial Oil Blend – my favourite product in their range. Since I do this regularly before bed, the incredible mogra jasmine scent now signals to my brain that it’s time for sleep. It’s these little bedtime habits that can make a huge difference in drifting off to dreamland. 

Having trouble nodding off (and staying asleep) too? Find more of my tips for a good night sleep here…

As a special offer for Beauticate readers, you can save 20%* on the Sleep Support Therapy Journey at Crown Spa Melbourne and Perth this March. Valid for treatments from Monday – Friday from 1-29 March 2019

To book, check here or call Crown Spa on 9292 6182. 

SHOP THE LOOK

Story by Sigourney Cantelo. Photography by Amy Hibbard. Hair and makeup by Jessica Diez. Styling by Kristin Rawson. Dress by Dôen.

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*Terms and conditions: available 1 - 29 March 2019, excluding public holidays. Some blackout periods or limited availability may apply to event periods and public holidays. Advanced bookings are essential. Offer is subject to availability. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. A three hour cancellation policy applies or the full fee will be charged. Valet parking at Crown Towers Melbourne free for first four hours. Thereafter standard rates apply. Valet parking is dependent upon availability. Must be 18 years of age or older. Crown practises responsible service of alcohol. 

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Erin Holland, Model & Presenter

Given her on-the-rise showbiz career includes brand partnerships with Sephora, and her latest as Neutrogena’s Sun Care Ambassador – Erin Holland makes an ideal girl to chat to about all things beauty. Inviting us inside her Sydney home, Erin shared with us how she got started on the path to Miss World, how she takes care of herself while she is constantly on the road, her ultimate accessory for a big night out and her favourite beauty product of all time.

“I have always wanted to be a performer, and I consider the presenting work I do now to be an extension of that dream.

Whether it’s singing on stage, presenting on camera or live hosting an event, the rush, adrenaline and satisfaction is the same. It’s all I ever wanted to do with my life. I grew up singing and dancing and had Broadway aspirations, doing some modelling on the side to get me through my studies at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and attending musical auditions. 

After getting so close to landing a few gigs, but to no avail, I decided to put myself up for Miss World Australia in 2013, which I won and went on to compete in Miss World. Thanks to my amazing manager Morgs Barta, this brought about some incredible opportunities, including amazing brand partnerships and travel, and now I am busier than ever.

The best part of my job is that no two days are the same. 

The spontaneity of not knowing what next week will bring is always, always more exciting than it is terrifying. Some of the best experiences and jobs I’ve ever had in my life came about last minute. I am someone who tends to get bored easily and requires a lot of variety, so this life and career are perfect for me.

I am a product fiend. Working with Sephora just enables my makeup addiction in the best possible way. There’s always something brand new to get my hands on and try. 

I love experimenting with different looks and taking inspiration from my fave Instagram makeup accounts. You’ll often find me trying to recreate a photo I have found on the ‘gram for events or nights out! I do definitely have some staples in my kit that I know will never fail me, but then Sephora is constantly stocking new products, new brands - it would just be rude not to try them all, right…?

My absolute, number one makeup tip? Get yourself a Beauty Blender. 

This little guy has been a game changer for applying my base. It just gives you the most seamless, flawless finish without any hassle, regardless of what foundation or concealer you are using. You just have to get one immediately - you wont be disappointed.

My approach to beauty is versatile and my look is completely dependant on the situation or my mood. 

One day it’s all about the winged liner, another a pop of colour in a strong lip, or it’s pared back and the focus is all on dewy skin. Don’t be afraid to try new things and change it up - beauty is so fun. Speaking of which, for a night out I can never go past Ardell Lashes. I use either the Individuals or Demi Wispies. Either type are such an easy way to add some glam to your look, and they really do last all night.

The basics of my skincare routine are simple - cleanse, moisturise, sunscreen. 

I like Endota products for my skin, particularly their milk cleanser and the Peptide Firming Moisturiser. After moisturiser I always apply sunscreen before I apply my makeup. Our skin is just too important not to do so. I’ve been raised to be super diligent with my sun safety, growing up as I did in North Queensland and having our family experience skin cancer, so using Neutrogena Hydroboost Water Gel Lotion SPF50 everyday is a must for me. And in practical terms, we’re not going to use a daily sunscreen that doesn’t work with our lifestyles, which is another reason I love this – it works so well as a base under makeup. Because it’s lightweight and dries matte, makeup goes on so easily afterwards because the sunscreen hasn’t made you greasy or shiny.

When it comes to your hair I think, if you can, it’s good to get to a salon for a treatment and a blow dry pretty regularly. Treating your hair with the same love and care you give your skin and your body is important. 

Remington Schulz is my go to hair man and he is absolutely incredible. For someone who constantly has their hair professionally styled or has extensions in, my hair is in amazing condition. My affordable at-home hair routine is all about quality shampoo and conditioner from Alterna, and then investing in a good set of hair tools. Bad quality tools will burn your hair, so my Dyson Supersonic dryer and GHD tools are life savers. And they give me the closest finish I can get to Remington’s standard!

Listen, if you live in Sydney (or even if you don’t, I promise it’s worth the trip) please do yourself a favour and visit The Parlour Room. 

Natalie and her team are honestly the best in the business. I see them for all my beauty needs - on a regular basis that would be SNS nails, Shellac pedicures and eyebrow tints (as a natural blonde I need constant tinting to match my dark hair!) 

For facials, Endota Spa is my absolute fave retreat in Sydney. The Intense New Age Light Therapy is super active yet incredibly relaxing – it does wonders for my skin. My face really cops a lot with the consistent flying and heavy duty makeup, so I try to get one of these facials every month to thoroughly clean out and rejuvenate my skin.

So that I can take good care of my body, I need a large variety of different exercise to keep me motivated. 

I usually train 4-5 days a week and that consists of a mixture of Ben Lucas PT Sessions from Flow Training Centre twice a week, with the rest of my sessions made up of classes taken at Flow Athletic upstairs. They have a huge variety that I make full use of, so I do anything from Spin, Strength, Yoga to Reformer Pilates. Keeping my mind fresh and constantly trying new classes really is the key to staying motivated for me.

I find it important to have a good stretch session each day, and listening to a relaxing playlist on Spotify (full of lots of James Bay, Vance Joy and Ben Harper) is my favourite way to unwind. Music is absolutely everything to me and has played a part in every big moment in my life. It’s my meditation.

As someone who travels consistently, I can’t really stick to a specific diet. I just try and make good choices at every meal. 

My menu always includes lots of salads, fresh protein and veggies, fruits and good carbs (whole grains, sweet potato etc). When I am travelling I take a daily probiotic just to stay on top of my gut health, but other than that I try to keep things very simple. I also don’t drink much and prefer to save alcohol for social occasions, where I will break out my fave champagne, Moet.

My stylist Donny Galella has taught me SO much over the years. Classic chic with an occasional edge is what we usually go for. 

I am definitely more a clean cut kinda gal, but I love how Donny pushes my fashion boundaries and constantly encourages me to branch out and try different looks. I’m loving Rebecca Vallance and Tom Ford lately, along with Steele, Seed and Kindred for a more relaxed vibe. My latest purchase was a nude YSL envelope handbag with gold hard wear – it goes with everything.

I hope to age gracefully by looking after my face and body in regular, small ways.

People think all too often about the quick fix, but taking the time to invest in your skin by doing simple things like wearing sunscreen everyday (even when you’re not necessarily outdoors) really adds up down the road. I think it’s part of what my mum instilled in me growing up – not to be sloppy, and to take pride in my appearance, both now and for the future. Even to this day I won’t leave the house looking completely terrible. You don’t have to wear a full face of makeup at all times, by any means, but it’s worthwhile to always take pride in yourself and put your best self forward.

Story by Zoe Briggs. Photography by Alice Mahran. Styling by Jess Pecoraro.

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How To Do Bangkok Briefly, But Beautifully – Sigourney's Edit

Stepping off the plane in Bangkok I’m still a bit screen-stoned from the nine hour day flight but beside myself with excitement. Damien has been away in Europe for business for two weeks and we’ve organized a romantic rendezvous in Thailand. Sans kids. We haven’t had a proper, relaxing child-free holiday for over four years and the itinerary we have planned is pretty exceptional.

I can’t grab my luggage fast enough and nearly fall over my own feet trying to get out of the arrivals hall. There, waiting with a hastily written paper sign with my name on it, is my wonderful husband, grinning at me. We do a movie embrace and I have to admit there are a few little tears on my behalf. I still can’t believe how lucky we are. 

We’ve decided to stay at the Sukhothai in Bangkok – a recently renovated hotel right in the city that I’ve heard great things about. As our car turns into the long tree-lined driveway, dusk is settling over the city. Enormous lanterns and fairy lights float in the trees, lighting our way. Our luggage is whisked away and we’re escorted to the newly developed Club Wing for a swift and painless check in.

Our room is magnificent - and possibly larger than our apartment in Sydney. There’s a palatial wood-panelled dining room and sitting room with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame a view of the pool and beyond that, Bangkok’s glittering skyline. The gargantuan bed is swathed in the kind of crisp yet soft sheets you dream about. There’s an enormous spa bath and fancy Japanese Toto toilets (they have heated seats and wash your bottom). There are also Nespresso machines and a lovely welcome letter with some chocolates that I’m told are hand made by the restaurant chef daily – also apparently sugar free and dairy free. Hard to believe, given they’re so delicious.

As luck would have it, it’s happy hour and complimentary snacks and drinks are being served in the club-lounge. Installed with negronis and some tasty sushi, we ease into our trip and catch up on the last few weeks. Dinner is a pad Thai and crispy soft shell crab at a nearby restaurant the concierge has recommended and then it’s off to Pat Pong Road, where we have a drink at an Irish pub and watch a hilarious Beatles cover band. I buy a straw bag and some crazy sunglasses before we board a psychedelic tuk-tuk (complete with disco lights and Bollywood music) to take us to rooftop bar Aire Bar for a drink.

The next day we both agree we have no desire to leave the hotel – it’s just too nice here. After a delicious sleep-in, we head to the gym which is an impressive two-story affair complete with the latest LifeFitness equipment and enormous LED screens showcasing enviable bodies working out. This turns out to be all the inspiration I need. An hour later, covered in a sweaty film we hobble back to the room to shower for breakfast. I go for the Thai soup – I love a bit of spice first thing in the morning – while Damo sticks to his standard issue omelette, which he reports is delicious.

The pool is rather fabulous - an enormous rectangle decked out in tiny jade tiles that gleam like fish scales. There are rows of sunbeds edged with fragrant gardenia bushes and frangipani trees and chic grey linen cabanas complete with fans to keep you cool. Periodically pool staff bring glasses of ice and bottles of water.

Upping the indulgence factor two-fold, we head next door to Spa Botanica for a couple's massage. The sleek white building is tucked behind the pool, amid lush tropical gardens. There’s a water feature and all-white cabana and loads of white orchids blooming wherever you look. We take off our shoes, sip ginger tea and head upstairs to our treatment room: a lovely all-white affair with views over the garden. As our therapists finish in unison, we groggily agree it was an excellent massage and stumble back out to the pool to doze off in a haze of bliss.

It’s our last night before an early morning flight to Koh Kood, so we decide to check out the much-celebrated Celadon restaurant at the hotel - it was voted Best Thai Restaurant in Bangkok by Travel + Leisure Magazine. Chef Rossarin is known for her classical but flavourful take on Thai cuisine – and it doesn’t disappoint. The Southern Yellow Curry with Toddy Palm and Snow Fish is next-level and is served with a side of traditional Thai dancing. It’s the ultimate finish to an exemplary stay and the perfect entrée to our Thailand trip.

For more information visit Sukhothai.

Story by Sigourney Cantelo. Images by Damien Cantelo and courtesy of The Sukhothai.

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Don't Leave The House Without This SPF Makeup

The trend for makeup products that boast ingredients traditionally found in skincare has exploded in recent years, with the lines dividing these two categories becoming increasingly blurred. Such is the case with SPF makeup - there are now a plethora of makeup products available that offer sun protection to supplement your usual skincare, while still bringing their usual lash-lengthening, base-beautifying magic. To get you started with these hybrid products, we’ve curated the ones we’ll be reaching for at every social occasion this season, from weddings to boat parties, and more – for summer beauty with benefits. 

Cruise Control 

Much like your skin and hair, your lashes also need protecting from the sun’s harsh rays, especially when you’re luxuriating on a boat - so opting for a mascara featuring sun protection could make all the difference to the health of your lashes this summer. Eyeko’s Beach Waterproof Mascara is one of the first SPF mascaras to hit the market, while its waterproof formulation makes it the perfect pick for a day on the high seas.

A Day Of Sport

Heading off to watch the cricket or to play tennis/hike/SUP with your friends this weekend? For such a casual affair, you’ll probably want to dial back your usual makeup for a more low-key, no makeup look – but that doesn’t mean eschewing makeup entirely if you don’t want to. We recently put out the word to you, dear readers, about your ride-or-die SPF favourites, and Mecca Cosmetica’s To Save Face SPF 50 seems to be a firm favourite in the comments – with good reason. It packs a powerful SPF punch, while unifying and perfecting the skin in a super subtle “lit from within” sort of way, so you can skip the foundation.

Hitting The Road 

Summer and road trips go together like face masks and Netflix – they’re truly a match made in heaven. But don’t forget the importance of keeping your skin protected while you’re on the road; just because you’re inside of a car doesn’t mean the sun’s harmful SPF rays can’t reach you, sadly. Don’t skimp on your usual face sunscreen (or forget to reapply it, a common rookie error) and give some TLC to your pout with a lipstick spiked with SPF. Our pick? Fresh’s cult classic Sugar Tinted Lip Treatment in Punch - it boasts an SPF of 15 and its suitably summery red-orange shade makes for perfect summer wearing. 

Wedding Bliss  

These sunny months are always filled with weddings aplenty, which often see guests leave the house mid-afternoon and not stagger home before the early hours after an extravagant (and exhausting) day of celebrating, dancing and dining. Such festivities call for makeup that can go the distance – and any sun protection is an extra (highly appreciated) boon. Bare Minerals 5-in-1 BB Advanced Performance Cream Eyeshadow ticks both boxes – it’ll stay put on your lids without smudging all day, while helping to protect the delicate eye area from sun damage. 

A Garden Gathering

What could be lovelier than a balmy afternoon spent socialising in the surrounds of a lusciously leafy garden? Not many things, TBH. And while you’re enjoying Pimm’s cocktails and canapés on the lawn, you still should keep sun protection front of mind. Keep cheeks looking chic with Dr. Perricone’s No Blush Blush for a seamlessly natural glow, which offers broad spectrum protection of SPF 30. Because after all you want your cheeks to be rosy pink, not sunburnt red.

Story by Tess Schlink, photography by Amy Hibbard, styling by Paige Murphy, hair and makeup by Jess Diez. Sig wears Zimmermann dress and Sarah J Curtis hat.

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The 9 Best Men’s Fragrances – just In Time For Valentine’s Day

Even though we’ve been together for 18 years, my heart still leaps when Damien puts on a nice shirt and a delicious fragrance. I’m a sucker for man-scent full stop. I’ve been known to stop men in the street and ask them what they’re wearing and then track it down like a bloodhound to give to Damo. Naturally, he has become quite the connoisseur! He even built special shelves in his wardrobe for easy access to his collection. 

As V-day looms I’m aware how overwhelming the fragrance aisles can be, so I sat down with my beloved and we went through his all-time favourites (and discovered a few newbies to add to his collection, too!). These are the most ridiculous swoon-worthy scents that will make him feel powerful and smell irresistible. It’s a win-win for you both.  

Creed Aventus 

If not my favourite then this one is definitely in the top three. The bestseller from one of the oldest French fragrance houses, Aventus is a tycoon of a scent. It’s bold and zesty but completely unique with notes of bergamot, Moroccan jasmine and musk. “It’s pungent, it wakes you up - almost like smelling salts,” Damien says. “It’s like getting a big old kick in the pants,” he laughs. I couldn’t agree more. 

Bottega Veneta Pour Homme 

This is a new one I convinced Damo to adopt because it smells like a well-dressed Italian man – expensive, leathery and woodsy. Funnily this is exactly what Tomas Maier – designer for Bottega Veneta - told me he was going for when I interviewed him at the launch in Milan. He said it’s based on a man who comes down from his house in the mountains carrying with him the smells of the forest, his leather goods and a fresh icy breeze.  

Hermès Terre d’Hermès 

A work of art by legendary perfumer Jean-Claude Ellena – this fragrance has earned its place in the perfumery hall of fame for being beautifully balanced between earth and mineral elements: there’s citrus and cedar see-sawing beautifully with patchouli and vetiver .“It cuts through the air and it lasts.” says Damo. “It’s instantly recognizable, I can always smell it on someone else.”  

Tom Ford Ombré Leather

With their identical bottles and around 50 scents on offer, choosing a Tom Ford fragrance can be bamboozling, but Damo reckons this is the best of the bunch. I think this is influenced by the fact it’s the scent he wore when we once borrowed a Ferrari for the weekend, (true story). “It’s like the soft leather of a sportscar, what’s that baby cow leather? (Yep calfskin). You want to run your hands over the smooth texture…” Eloquently said.   

Maison Margiela REPLICA By The Fireplace 

I discovered this recently at a L’Oréal press day and I’m obsessed. The Replica line is meant to evoke a scene – a time and a place. In this instance “Chamonix, 1971 – burning wood and chestnut” And that it does. There’s the smokiness but also sweetness of vanilla and caramel. It’s the ultimate winter scent – best worn with a big cosy cable-knit jumper. I can’t wait for winter when we can wear it (it’s unisex) at a log cabin somewhere fabulous. 

Gucci by Gucci Pour Homme 

One of Damien’s favourite picks for Date Night (and mine too) this is a seriously sensual fragrance. It’s warm and spicy with notes of bergamot, pink pepper, patchouli over a warm base of amber, incense and musk. It reminds me of a Swedish sauna and it has a touch of smokiness about it too – which I’m obviously very into (see the last scent!). When Damo wears this I can’t help but nuzzle and sniff him, it’s that delicious.   

Chanel Platinum Égoïste 

While this is categorized as a woody floral musk, it smells quite fresh to me. I think it’s the oakmoss and vetiver that give it a really gorgeous green burst. In time though it settles into a more a delicious soapy herbaceous mix of rosemary, lavender. It’s definitely more of a morning scent – beautiful on a freshly shaved, suited up man. A good one for meetings and breakfasts and being energetic.

YSL La Nuit de L’Homme  

As the name suggests, this is the perfect after-dark elixir. Damien always loved the original YSL L’Homme and then we went to the launch of this Nuit variant (referred to as a ‘flanker’ in industry-speak). It was a decadent and fabulous affair at Ivy Penthouse - around ten years ago now - but it hasn’t dated one bit. The spices (cumin and cardamom) are beautifully balanced with lavender, cedar and vetiver and it’s just as modern today. Wear it with a tux and black tie for next-level sophistication.

  Byredo Super Cedar

Woody scents are high on my lust list: there’s just something so manly about smelling like forests and woodchips. Super Cedar is no exception. I was surprised when I read it contains rose because I can’t detect it but I do love the cedar notes (obvs) over a musky vetiver base. It’s actually really nice in hot weather, because just like in a dry sauna, the wood seems to soften the heat. It certainly doesn’t feel cloying or overpowering as some pungent perfumes can. Good for humid climates but it would be equally as delicious in the cold.

Pro Tip: It’s hard to discover new fragrances that suit you just by browsing through the fragrance section and trying everything that catches your eye. They dominate each other and you can’t tell which ones last well. Damien tries a new fragrance whenever he’s at the airport and wears it for the day to get the full experience before deciding what he likes.

Story by Sigourney Cantelo; Photography by Maria Simon; Sig’s dress by Barbara Bonner.

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How To Work The Gloss Trend From Head To Toe

In case you haven’t noticed, fashion is having something of a shiny moment. Part of the latest 1980s resurgence – and honestly, is there a more glamorous way to recycle? – this high octane look is, for the most part, best suited to those who just love to make a splash sartorially. Thankfully, the return of glossy makeup isn’t necessarily quite so dramatic, but is just as fabulous.

Baby did a bad bad thing

Embrace all of vinyl’s ‘wrong side of the tracks’ connotations and wear something outrageous with a knowing smile. Think a jet black midi skirt paired with mirror-like spiky pumps and a modern day Barbarella’s silver prism tote. If you’re ready to let your face share in some of that uber-flattering reflective light, you’ll be thrilled to know that Hourglass has released its Scattered Light Glitter Eyeshadows. The fact that the brand behind the heroes of the highlighting powder game have expanded to illuminating eyes goes to show what a natural talent they have for megawatt shine. If you’re just dipping your toes in, start with any powder shadow and add a reflective gloss on top for a textural take on a glassy lid. Or, if you’re ready to dive in the deep end, go full Grace Jones glam with Stila’s Magnificent Metals liquid shadow, which offers mess-free glistening all night long.

Perfectly polished

If you just can’t bring yourself to rock the sexy, sweaty look, you can still shine in a more subtle way. Picture a gleaming, structured bag teamed with a glossed leather skirt and a pair of perfectly polite, polished flats. Or make like a certain duo of Duchesses and inject your look with a subtle hint of lustre via some sleek stockings.

For the lazy among us, there are even easier ways to show you’ve got the sheen memo than whipping out the baby powder to get into latex pants (or facing the idea of pantyhose in an Aussie summer). Highlighters have been having their well-deserved moment in the sun for a while now and you can’t go past the cream versions for a quick and simple way to add glow to your getup.

Metal Mouth

Whether you’re diving head first into all latex everything, or are content with a glossy metallic bag, there is one lip product that pulls it all together: the new Full Vinyl Lip Lacquer from NARS. It’s the final nail in the coffin of the super matte lip (beloved by certain members of Calabasas high society and their legions of Instagram followers) which looks positively dull next to this drenched-in-shine look. The NARS naming department were dead serious when it came to this gloss – before using this, I’d never tried a lip product you could just about see your own reflection in. The effect is a little like wearing nothing but olive oil, though one that just happens to contain gorgeous, saturated pigment. My lips are truly in better condition after each time I wear it. The shade range is small but covers both the wearable (including Lips at First Sight, clear with a pearlescent shimmer) and the dramatic (Everglades is a raspberry-kissed dark chocolate). My pick for everyday is the creamy pink-coral Conquest, but if you’re going bold, look no further than Valencia, a Caribbean punch bowl in gloss form.

The best part? While matte lips are almost unexceptionally unforgiving – either turning a tiny dry patch into flake city or reminding everyone over 19 that, like sands through the hourglass, so go our collagen levels – slick, reflective lips are flattering on all of us.

Story by Zoe Briggs.

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[beauticate]

Jason Wu On Fashion, Fragrance and First Ladies

Today we’re throwing it back to when Sig sat down with the fabulous Jason Wu when he was in Australia to launch his eponymous fragrance. He talked her through how he managed to capture the Jason Wu woman in a perfume - think impeccably chic and feminine, but with a sophisticated edge (not unlike brand devotees, the Duchess of Sussex, Diane Kruger and Gemma Chan). Watch on for Jason’s thoughts on dressing Michelle Obama, his eternal love for florals, and why creating a perfume is not unlike dating…

Shop The Look

[beauticate]

Kayla Itsines, Fitness Entrepreneur

If you’ve ever Googled the words ‘bikini body’ – and zero judgement if you did it while eating a doughnut – then you’ve no doubt seen the seemingly effortless athletic prowess (and body to match) of fitness guru, Kayla Itsines. At just 27 she has leveraged her personal training business into a major empire, both thanks to her devoted Instagram following of 10 million and counting, and her tireless work ethic. Having recently announced she is about to become a first time parent along with fiancé and business partner, Tobi Pearce, Kayla chatted with us about getting hooked on personal training, her Greek heritage’s influence on her diet, the makeup she wears even to the gym and the bump-friendly changes she is making to her beloved workouts.

“I have always loved being fit and healthy and played a number of sports growing up. Coaching kids basketball inspired me to pursue studies in Personal Training. 

After receiving my qualifications, I worked in a women’s only gym as a trainer and soon expanded to group training sessions from my house. Tobi and I also started running bootcamps. Basically I absolutely fell in love with personal training from day one of my studies and I haven’t looked back since! 

The best part of my job is being able to meet the women in my community and learn about their journeys – it’s a humbling experience. 

I love that I am able to help women all over the world to find confidence through my BBG (Bikini Body Guide) programs. 

I really try and take a minimalist approach to beauty, and only use a small amount of products that help keep my skin moisturised and hydrated. 

One of my go-to products is the Envy U Charcoal Loofah Scrub which helps to cleanse my skin, battle my pregnancy dermatitis and calm any potential breakouts. I follow that with a moisturizer for sensitive skin. I exfoliate once a week and do a face mask every 8-10 days to keep my skin looking and feeling bright and healthy. Most importantly, no matter what time of year, I always wear sunscreen.

I aim for a beauty look that is simple, light and fresh. 

As my skin is quite sensitive at the moment thanks to pregnancy hormones I am making a conscious effort not to wear makeup and focusing instead on a simple skincare routine. I always wear eyeliner and mascara as daily staples. 

My personal style is athletic and sporty. I like to keep it simple and normally wear my favourite Lululemon shorts, any comfortable crop, loose tank and white trainers.

I also love to try out new activewear brands and don’t really have one designer that I prefer. However a brand I really love at the moment is Alo Yoga - their material is beautiful and super comfortable during pregnancy. 

Ageing is only natural but I believe preventing the signs of it we aren’t so keen on is key.

I swear by sunscreen, LED light treatments and exfoliation to remove the build up of dead skin cells. When it comes to changes in our bodies I think we all have areas we would like to improve, but overall I try and appreciate mine for what it can do. 

Being healthy and fit makes me feel like the best version of myself and is the best way for me to take care of my body and mind.

When I am eating well and being active, it makes me feel more energised and confident. The two things I swear by are walking and a Mediterranean diet. It includes lots of fresh foods like homegrown fruits and vegetables, pita bread with olive oil and oregano, stuffed vegetables with rice and herbs, fresh tomato salads with olive oil, and grilled or roasted meat or seafood with boiled greens. 

My main focus during my pregnancy is maintaining a healthy level of fitness and walking everyday, while listening to my body and doing what feels right and comfortable at the time.

During this stage of my pregnancy I am using my BBG Stronger program, with alterations to suit where I’m at. These include removing any jumping and excessive ab exercises (with the exception of side planks) and when I use weight machines, making sure to go a level down from what I usually would do. When I’m not doing a BBG-inspired workout, I do some low intensity cardio like walking on my treadmill for 30 minutes. My goal is to maintain a healthy level of fitness and walking as much as possible throughout my pregnancy. This means listening closely to my body and adjusting my workouts based on what feels comfortable and right at the time. 

Story by Zoe Briggs. Photography from Kayla Itsines.

[beauticate]

18 Hours in Madrid – Sigourney’s Edit

Damien and I have a few days off from the kids and a lot of cities to visit – three in four days, to be exact. Madrid is sandwiched between Milan and Dusseldorf in our itinerary and although it’s a flying visit I’m excited – I’ve heard great things about this city. After the autumnal chill of Milan, stepping off the plane is a welcome relief - we peel off our heavy coats and open the Uber app to book a car from the airport. Let’s do this….

4:30pm

Gran Hotel Inglés appears almost unexpectedly at the side window of our cab. We are squeezing down a narrow cobbled street in Las Letras – Madrid’s literary quarter – and the building emerges, silent and sturdy in grey concrete with a polite terraced façade. It’s new and old at the same time. Grand but somehow understated.

Inside tells a completely different story – it’s warm and cosy, like a whiskey bar in the rain. The bar “LobByto” greets you immediately with dim lighting and ancient Greek tomes lining the wall. The pretty Spanish receptionist checks us in swiftly and sweetly, and sends us to our room care of an equally easy-on-the-eye Italian porter.

4:45pm

As soon as our porter closes the door I take a video of the room (before we mess it up) and run a bath, perusing the mini bar and setting up the mini Bose speaker (seriously the best investment, we take it everywhere). The bath is deep and perfectly poised by a window and Juliet balcony overlooking the quaint street below. I lather and slather the gorgeous L’Occitane Verbena amenities and sip on an aloe water to rehydrate from the flight.

5:15pm

I throw on a white tee, my leopard Par Réalisation skirt and a black turtleneck – enjoying the idea of not taking a big coat with me. Realising that I don’t have an appropriate heel I settle on my Gucci Princetown slippers - not ideal but comfy on the cobbelstones nonetheless. I take my time applying a smoky eye using Chanel Légèrété et Expérience palette, some Diorshow Mascara, and a strip lash, because since my lash extensions fell out recently I’ve been feeling very bereft – and when there are no children to tend to doing my makeup is a glorious indulgence.

6:00pm

We hit the streets and wander through the Old town and up to CentroCentro building to the rooftop bar. It’s pretty chilly up there but we wrap up in the blankets provided, have a glass of wine and FaceTime the kids who are staying with our wonderful friends in Dublin. You can see out over Madrid and it’s the perfect first taste of Madrid. It would be fabulous at sunset but we’re a little late.

7:30pm

The walk to dinner is longer than Damien remembered and I’m getting hangry. The crisps we had with our wine barely touched the sides and I’m getting anxious as the restaurant we’re going to try StreetXO (pronounced “Street Zo”) has a notoriously long wait. We finally arrive at El Corte Inglés – an upscale department store and take a glass-fronted elevator past some stylish looking floors to the top. Sure enough, there’s a long queue already snaking outside the restaurant. It’s being patrolled by a surly looking security guard who nods us to the end curtly.

7:50pm

It’s only been twenty minutes and I’m ready to leave. Damien is calmly dealing with work emails on his phone as I jump from foot to foot anxiously. Why don’t they have a number system so one can go and get a drink at least? I’m even too agitated to go on Instagram. I just stare at the front of the queue as the minutes tick on.

8:55pm

Still waiting. So hungry… So thirsty. This had better be bloody good. No one else seems bothered. They look almost happy to be waiting in line. What kind of craziness is this? I can’t remember. Is this what life is like without children? Frivolous time wasting? Humouring ridiculous establishments with their draconian rules of entry?

9:07pm

The people in front of us just got a drink from the bar next door. I duck under the barrier and am ordering a Mezcal cocktail faster than you can say, “Hello bartender!” It’s my lucky night, my mixologist is clearly very accomplished and treats me to an awe-inspiring show of glass throwing and ice crushing. The result is incredible: a mezcal, chipotle and mango combination that is so good I suddenly forget how hungry I am. Lucky as we are next in line.

9:12pm

Finally – the stern maître d’ (dressed in the standard issue StreetXO staff garb: a bondage-inspired chef’s apron) ushers us into a tightly-packed room and seats us at the bar. The room is all red formica and mirrors with street-fighteresque décor and the sound of people sucking their chopsticks and murmuring in appreciation. Chef David Munoz is three Michelin-starred and this Asian tapas bar is his entry level offering. It’s packed out every night, and as I discover, for very good reason. The Korean lasagna is next level and the steamed Bao club sandwich is totally excellent.

11:29pm

I’m so full but I see a noodle dish go by and decide we have to try it. Somehow we squeeze a fifth dish in and waddle out of the restaurant in a flavour-induced stupor. I’m a few rosés down, too. Hey, when in Madrid. The cab right back to the hotel is swift and hilarious. We hit the pillow pretty quickly as Damo has early meetings.

9:15am

“Was that a SLEEP IN?” I wonder langorously. Stretched out in the most delicious bed – crisp yet silky 500 count Egyptian cotton sheets and a cloud-like topper. I barely know myself. I roll over and doze for another delicious half an hour.

9:45am

I wander down to breakfast at Lobo 8 and am struck by the impressive offering. After barely containing my excitement at the buffet (the jamon and cheese alone would have been sufficient) I spot Laurent Perrier on the menu. I pair my breakfast bubbles with a truffled eggs benedict followed by a dessert of churros. Hey, when in Madrid…

10:45am

I step into the spa a little early for my massage. It’s dim but cosy with just a couple of treatment rooms and a beautiful spa. My therapist Cristina asks me to choose an oil from an arrangement of the elegant French brand Anne Semonin before her. I select the nourishing oil as I’m always drawn to lavender, and lie down to a superbly relaxing massage. I want to cry when it’s over but there’s no time, I have to throw my clothes on and race upstairs where the Uber is waiting to ferry us back to the airport. Hardly an immersion into Spanish culture but I’ve managed some food and beauty fabulousness in the most incredible hotel, so I’m certainly not going to complain. I know that Madrid is somewhere I definitely want to return to – as soon as humanly possible.

Story by Sigourney Cantelo. Photography by Sigourney and Damien Cantelo, and Gran Hotel Inglés.

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[beauticate]

What's The Difference Between Hydrating and Moisturising Products?

Did you know there’s a difference between the words ‘hydrating’ and ‘moisturising’ when it comes to skincare products? Well, there is. And even though these two terms are often used to treat similar skin conditions, it pays to be aware of which ones are best for you. But how can we do that? We sat down with Dr. Elena Voskresenskaya, Global Education Director for Skinceuticals, to figure it out.

What’s the difference?

When shopping for skincare products, we need to remember that both hydrators and moisturisers can help our skin fight dryness and the signs of ageing. The difference between these products lies mostly in how they achieve these results.

“Hydrators attract moisture from the air and deliver it to the surface of the skin, while moisturisers assist skin to form a protective barrier that locks in moisture and prevents water loss,” Dr. Elena tells us. Essentially, if your skin is dehydrated (that is, it lacks water), you should shop for hydrating products - as Dr. Elena tells us, “dehydrated skin lacks water and therefore requires a good hydrator to deliver and hold water at the skin’s surface.” But if dry skin is your issue (i.e. it lacks oil), you’ll need to look for products that moisturise instead.

Dr. Elena adds: “Hydration is essential for virtually every skin type, but particularly for dehydrated and parched skin, as skin not only needs to stay hydrated to look supple but to be able to function optimally.” And, contrary to popular belief, no skin type is immune from dehydration. “Even oily skin can suffer from dehydration,” she explains.

We Recommend

We love the Clarins SOS Hydra Mask, a quenching face mask for thirsty skin, that helps increase hydration levels in just ten minutes.

   Am I dry or dehydrated?

The age-old question: how can we tell if our skin is dehydrated or if it’s actually dry? Dr. Elena says, “dehydrated skin often looks less elastic and supple, and experiences uncomfortable tightness. It can, however, still look shiny and get occasional breakouts since it doesn’t lack oils.”

Dry skin, on the other hand, can look “dull, flaky, rough, and lacklustre and is commonly itchy.” This is because dry skin needs more oils, and so “it requires thicker moisturising ingredients that strengthen the skin’s protective barrier and soothe irritation.” She adds: “It is essential to support dry skin with lipids that will form protective skin barrier.”

To combat both these issues, Dr. Elena recommends looking for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid - “a powerful molecule known for its ability to hold a thousand times its weight in water and thus provides excellent surface hydration to the skin.” It’s also an ingredient often found in both hydrating and moisturising products, and is beneficial for both dry and dehydrated conditions.

We Recommend

Opt for an anti-ageing face cream like Skinceuticals’ Triple Lipid Restore. Made with 2% pure ceramides, 2% fatty acids and natural cholesterol, it provides the perfect ratio to help restore the skin’s barrier and improve the appearance of dehydrated skin.

Protection is key

If your dry skin is the bane of your existence, there is hope for you, believe it or not - you just need to hunt down the right products. Dr. Elena explains that “many moisturisers contain extracts and essential oils that enable skin to form a protective barrier and prevent water from evaporating.” The take away: products that contain ingredients such as glycerine and humectants (to reduce transepidermal water loss) would work best for the drier types amongst us.  

We Recommend

Those with both dehydrated and dry skin types would benefit from the Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Cream: a rich moisturiser supercharged with ceramides, designed to nix dehydration, prevent chronic moisture loss and support the skin’s moisture barrier.

So as you look to upgrade your summer skincare routine, stop for a sec to identify if your skin is in fact dry, dehydrated, or both, and go from there. Trust us, your face will thank you.

Story by Yadira Galarza Cauchi

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[beauticate]

Magdalena Roze, Journalist

If you’re anything like us, one look at Magdalena Roze’s radiant complexion, and you’ll be desperate for her to spill the secrets to her signature glow. And good news: the journalist, podcast host, and mother-of-two has turned her talented hand to cookbook writing, with her new release detailing recipes to help get some of that very glow. We chatted to Magdalena about her wholesome (but delicious) day on a plate, her go-to beauty addresses in Byron Bay and Sydney, and why she won’t say no to some old-fashioned, homemade cake.

“I always knew that I wanted to work in the media, so when I left high school I was at a bit of a crossroads where it was a choice between acting or journalism.

I'd been acting and doing theatre since I was a kid and had a lot of friends that went to NIDA, so that path seemed obvious in many ways. But I was also drawn to writing and storytelling in a more journalistic capacity, and the opportunity to travel, experience amazing things and interview interesting people. So I chose the latter and was awarded a scholarship to study Media and Communications at the University of Sydney. In my final year, I did an internship at Channel Nine and at the end of it they offered me a job. The rest is history!

With my job, I love that no day is the same and that I'm constantly learning, meeting interesting (and often extraordinary) people and experiencing new things.

It’s changed a lot since I’ve transitioned from exclusively working in television towards a more digital and project based career, but while it wasn’t something I planned, it’s been a blessing to have more flexibility, autonomy and creativity - especially with a young family. One day I’m testing recipes for my cookbooks and another I could be recording my food podcast The Pass, hosting Nigella Lawson or doing a shoot for a brand I love. It keeps me very inspired and fulfilled, but most importantly, it still affords me the opportunity to live in Byron Bay and be with my kids, and for that I'm extremely grateful.

My personal style has changed a lot since moving to Byron Bay and becoming a mum.

It’s definitely more relaxed, but I still love glamming up for a red carpet. I tend to adapt to my surroundings, so when I’m at home in Byron, I pretty much live in linen, flowy, dresses, swimsuits and sandals. There’s a lot of white and neutrals, which is crazy with two messy babies! My staple designers are My General Store, Estilo Emporio, and Spell when I want to go a bit more boho. St Agni are my go-to for leather sandals. My favourites for basic pieces like t-shirts are Jac and Jack and Bassike, and pretty much all my knitwear is from First Born which is all handmade and fairtrade. When we travel I switch it up and tend to wear more black and tailored pieces, and my red carpet style can be really varied depending on my mood and the event. I actually really love putting the whole outfit together, from heels to makeup and accessories. Some of my favourite Aussie designers are Zimmermann, Scanlan Theodore and Toni Maticevski, and I love Christie Nicolaides earrings. They're real statement pieces and always make the outfit.

My beauty routine is way more low maintenance in Byron - which is convenient being a mum of two as I’m lucky if I have 5 minutes to get myself ready!

Unless I'm doing a shoot or hosting an event, most of my days involve little or no makeup at all and like to stick to the more natural based products, especially when it comes to skincare. This actually came out of necessity a few years ago when I was working long hours and wearing heavy makeup on TV every day. My skin really suffered and I started breaking out in rashes that wouldn't go away. I couldn’t control the makeup part but I realised that I could use much more lowtox products on my skin, so I made my own completely natural toner, moisturiser and eye cream and my skin literally cleared up in a day. I'm sure it wasn’t just the products - things like stress and hormones have a lot to do with it too - but I've been using simple and natural based skincare ever since. Becoming pregnant with Archie four years ago was another incentive to use cleaner products, plus for some reason I became really sensitive to the smell of certain fragrances and chemicals. I'm definitely not a total purist, especially when it comes to makeup, but there are so many great natural products out there now that it’s easy to do.

I very much believe in a gentle, non-abrasive approach as well as the powerful role of wholefoods in attaining glowing and strong skin, hair and nails. I swear by good fats like bone broth for this as it’s literally packed with collagen, as well as adding ghee, coconut oil and hemp oil to my meals. It’s boring but drinking lots of filtered water probably makes the biggest difference to plump, hydrated skin.

I cleanse my skin with Sodashi Clay Cleanser with lime which is gentle and nourishing, followed by a spritz of Oil Garden Rose Floral Water.

I moisturise with Sodashi Rejuvenating Face and Neck Moisturiser or sometimes just a few drops of Oil Garden Rose Hip Oil. Dr Hauschka Rose Day Cream is also a favourite during the cooler months as it’s quite rich. Then I fill in my brows with Hourglass Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil and dab some NARS Radiant Cream Concealer under my eyes to hide the mumbags! I usually leave it at that but if I have a meeting or want an extra lift, I love LUMA Just A Touch Lip and Cheek Tint in Signorita for a dewy natural flush on my apples and it really is the perfect natural lip colour. I'll also dab a bit of the LUMA Illuminating Highlighter in Golden Glow on my cheekbones. I like to have really clean skin before I go to bed, especially if I've been working and have makeup on, so I use some sort of oil like coconut oil or African Botanics Pure Marula Cleansing Oil to remove the first layer of makeup, sunscreen and impurities. It smells so good! Then I cleanse with something foaming like Chantecaille Rice and Geranium Foaming Cleanser (which is 80% natural) as the gentle exfoliating beads of rice bran give a thorough clean and I can use it to remove eye makeup too. I follow this with my Oil Garden spritz and Sodashi moisturiser. I really like trying new products and I’m always on the lookout for something natural and amazing, so I tend to mix it up every few months.

I use natural essential oil based soaps handmade by my friends Church Farm General Store in Byron Bay and they're gentle enough to use on the kids too. Because I spend a lot of time at the beach with sunscreen, I like to give my body a good scrub regularly with Mukti Organics Bioactive Body Polish. It leaves my skin feeing so smooth and nourished, and smells heavenly. For both of my pregnancies and in the months after, I massaged Weleda Stretch Mark Oil on my belly which has worked wonders. I like to treat myself to a hot bath now again with epsom salts and a few drops of Oil Garden Relax & Unwind Silk Bath Oil which feels and smells divine.

In the day and most of the time, my beauty look is natural, fresh and feminine. But if I'm going out to an event, I love to glam it up.

In terms of celebs, I like Gwyneth Paltrow's pared back beauty and Blake Lively’s red carpet glam. For nights out, I use Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk foundation. I’ve been using it since the TV days as it’s light enough for a daytime look and yet you can build on it in the evening. When I want glowy skin, l use LUMA Liquid Light Illuminating Primer underneath. I swear by NARS Bronzing Powder in Laguna for contouring and that sun-kissed look, and NARS Blush in Orgasm. If I’m getting my makeup professionally done, I find that adding a few individual lashes to the eyes make a huge difference. And I think that having a good quality set of makeup brushes is essential.

I have long, thick, coloured hair so my hair needs plenty of moisture.

I'm yet to find a great natural shampoo so if anyone has any tips, let me know! I’ve always used Kérastase but my hairdresser recently put me on to Iles Formula shampoo, conditioner and Finishing Serum and love it. It’s super light and makes my hair feel super soft and silky. It actually does what it says on the bottle and the packaging is really nice and sleek too. When my hair is particularly dry, I’ll often add a heap of coconut oil in it and slick it back in a bun all day before washing it at night, and I always add serum to the ends after a blowdry or tonging. Speak of which, a thick tong is the best tool for achieving a beachy wave in minutes.

My top tip for healthy hair is to do as little as possible to it. When I worked in TV, I used to have to wear hairpieces to make up for all the breakage from constant teasing and hairspray. Since moving to Byron, my hair is thicker than all the pieces put together! I credit this to leaving it alone and eating a lot of good fats.

My mum has amazing skin and she’s always taken good care of it.

She encouraged my sister and I to do the same using quality products. While she’s far from high maintenance, she’s always told us to make an effort when we leave the house. I’ve always been interested in makeup and beauty, most probably influenced by my older sister and mum so I was quite diligent about cleansing, moisturising and wearing sunscreen from an early age. This seemed to be more of a priority than makeup.

But the main thing both of my parents constantly told us is not to stress and stand up straight, because no amount of makeup can fix that.

When I'm in Sydney I see Jocelyn Petroni at The Facial Room.

I've been going to her for years and everything about her treatments - her beautiful, calming salon, the massages, and reiki - is on another level. She was the first to introduce me to Omnilux, a 20 minute non-invasive light treatment that gives skin a radiance. She’s all about bringing out one’s inner glow and I feel like that’s the key to true beauty. Her facials are heavenly!

I’ve been getting my brows done with Kristin Fisher in Sydney since back in the day when she had a tiny room at a Paddington gym , while my makeup artist Ashlea Penfold does the most gorgeous glowy, beachy, goddess makeup. In Byron Bay, I get my facials at A Little Company which is a gorgeous serene space like something out of Kinfolk magazine, and Aleshia Marie in Bangalow. For haircuts, colours and blowdries I go to Edwards and Co in Surry Hills and Byron Bay. The stylists are always amazing and I relish the time to myself to read the latest fashion and creative magazines and drink coffee without kids pulling me in every direction. Gaia Retreat & Spa in Byron Bay is a special, peaceful retreat that I like to go to with my mama friends to unwind and get a massage.

I've never had a regime when it comes to exercise, and it’s only now a few months after my second baby that I feel ready to be active again.

So I’ve started with some gentle, restorative yoga which I do a couple of times a week at home with my teacher, Brooklyn, and we build the intensity as I get stronger. It’s impossible for me to drive to a class while still breastfeeding so having her come to me is a godsend and the highlight of the week. If I can grab 30 minutes at the end of the day, I love a jog on the beach or quick standup paddle on the river. Other than that, most of my training is carrying Charlie and running after Archie.

While supplements definitely have their place, like magnesium to help with sleep and muscle tension, day to day I try and get the bulk of my nutrients from eating real wholefoods as I feel that their much more bioavailable. So for skin, hair and nails, there’s nothing better for me than bone broth, ghee, coconut and hemp oil. There’s a locally made honey here called Vallentine’s which is twice as strong as manuka and great for wound healing.

For relaxation, yoga is my go-to as it ticks all the boxes in terms of nourishing the mind, body and soul.

When we had our second baby, Charlie, Darren (Ed’s note: Magdalena’s partner) and I negotiated two mornings every week where we get to do whatever makes us happy while the other takes the kids, to maintain some sanity amongst the chaos. So mine is yoga. It’s gentle yet strengthening, and so good for my energy and emotional state. We live between the river and the ocean, so I also love standup paddle. There are few things more peaceful and relaxing than gliding along the water in my straw hat with my own thoughts - such a luxury. Sometimes I don’t see a soul for half an hour, just fish and stingrays.

I’ve fallen in love with reading again while breastfeeding Charlie and if the kids are asleep or with my mum, and I really enjoy cooking and coming up with recipes in my own time. When the kids a bit bigger, I look forward to doing the Byron Bay lighthouse walk early in the morning again. It’s such a beautiful way to start the day, followed by a beach, swim and coffee. And I love my Oil Garden essential oils. I use them everyday as a mood lifting fragrance and in the diffuser.

When we made the sea change to Byron Bay to open Three Blue Ducks on The Farm, I started a blog sharing my favourite wholefood recipes and tips for living a more natural life.

It started off as a bit of a hobby as I was really inspired by the lifestyle and approaches to food and wellness here - there is such a strong connection to food. We’re surrounded by lush farms and passionate producers, and shopping at the farmer's markets and eating with the seasons is a way of life. I was learning so much from a lot of really amazing people so I wanted to share it with others. It really took off so I was approached by a publisher to turn it into a book, which became Happy & Whole.

Cook, eat and enjoy real food.

We absolutely love it, it’s our life and livelihood at Three Blue Ducks. There are so many different diets and lifestyles all claiming to be the best or the healthiest, that it can be very difficult working out what to eat - so for me it’s about keeping it simple and getting back to basics. By this, I mean eating wholefoods that are unprocessed, grown without the use of sprays and chemicals and areas close to their natural source as possible. And cooking the way our grandmothers or great-grandmothers used too - things like pickling, fermenting and slow cooking to bring out the maximum flavour and nutritional value of an ingredient (and it’s much cheaper than superfoods!).

I also don’t see any particular food as good or bad. Sure, cakes and marshmallows aren't as nutrient-rich as a bowl of chicken broth, but they are sometimes foods and, for me, perfectly fine on occasion, especially if they’re made with real, whole ingredients. Sometimes, a lovely piece of cake is the only thing that hits the spot on a rainy afternoon with a cup of tea. Same as morning coffee and a glass of red wine - mother’s tonic! It’s about listening to your body and eating foods that work for you.

My days on a plate can be quite different depending on what work commitments I have on.

But when but when I’m not travelling or doing something like a photo shoot or podcast recording, I wake up when the kids wake which is usually about 6am. I make a cup of peppermint tea and then breakfast which is usually porridge with almond butter, a little cinnamon and apple or banana. Darren, the kids and I then go to one of our local cafes for a flat white and do the crossword. It’s super nerdy but it’s our morning ritual before work begins at 9am.

If I'm at home, lunch depends on what we've picked up at the farmer's market or what's in season, but I cook for myself and Archie so it might be something like spelt pasta with pesto, feta and greens like broccoli and zucchini. Sometimes I might cook the pasta or veggies in bone broth and then we drink the rest.

In the afternoon, I'll often bake something with Archie, which doubles up as entertainment and an afternoon treat. Most of what I make is wholesome but I don’t mind an old-fashioned homemade cake now and then, especially if it’s made with beautiful butter and eggs. It’s good for the soul and I really crave something sweet when I’m breastfeeding so I don’t fight it. I use this as a chance to test recipes too, and put on a slow cooked dinner like a wild rice and chicken pilaf or stew. It’s super easy to prepare and I just let it go for a few hours and then it’s ready. Once the kids are asleep, I love a glass of red wine or chamomile tea while Darren and I unwind and catch up on the day.

Throughout the day, I’ll snack on everything from cheese to blueberries to homemade chocolate (which is actually super easy, the recipe is in my book). Sometimes it’s a smoothie, other times it’s fresh sourdough and butter, and both feel just as nourishing.

Embrace ageing.

It’s a beautiful thing and something I’m surprisingly at peace with. As long as I’m healthy and happy, I really don’t have a problem with a few laugh lines. And I hope that ‘filters’ and heavily doctored images of unattainable ‘beauty’ that many young people are being bombarded with on social media are a passing phase, and society will once again embrace the raw and real - because there is nothing more beautiful.”

Story by Tess Schlink. Photography by Rob Palmer. Images from Happy & Whole, supplied courtesy of Plum