Beauty & Health

A beauty editor’s 6 GOLDEN RULES

by Adriana Donnola, expert beauty stylist

The secret to looking good at any age is actually not a secret at all - it’s a well-honed beauty routine.  And it’s not always about a million steps or expensive products either - just the right products for you and a few simple beauty mantras (for life).   
 

1. I WILL: always wash my face

Every. Single. Night (no matter what time you get home). I love the reusable FACE HALO Makeup Removing Pads (pack of 3), $30, Priceline Pharmacy, which takes off mascara, foundation and SPF without the need for makeup remover and they don’t strip my skin of natural oils.  But, more often than not, I take the time to use a cream cleanser and a facial tool in the shower. My dry skin loves Endota Spa Deep Cleansing Cream, $50, Endota Spa, and most skin types will benefit from the addition of a Foreo Luna Mini 3, $219, Mecca Maxima for a deep, thorough clean, and added exfoliation while in the shower (it’s waterproof, don’t worry).

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2. I WILL: use a results-driven mask once a week (Sunday is good!)

I believe all skin can benefit from a targeted, problem-solving mask, and they are fun too! If you are using a sheet mask, remember to always rub the excess into your neck and decolletage and, if possible, choose biodegradable for our earth (I’ve noticed more and more brands switching over). I actually prefer a cream mask because I keep it on for longer and love to paint it on with a flat, wide brush. These two are standouts: Kora Organics Turmeric Brightening and Exfoliating Mask 2-in-1 Mask, $62, David Jones; Dermalogica Age Smart Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque, $88, Mecca Maxima.

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3. I WILL: use a hair protectant

Keep top of mind that hot tools are always causing damage to your locks but a simple solution is to use a heat protectant. I’m pretty lazy when it comes to my hair and like to use one product that does it all: muk Haircare Head muk 20-in-1 Miracle Treat, $25.95, Price Attack, is a shortcut staple in my bathroom.

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4. I WILL: look after my bod all year round

Winter is actually a good time to pay attention to your body so come Spring, you’ll be on the fast track to showing off more skin with ease. Also, we tend to turn the heat up in the shower right about now, which is moisture-zapping, so a thick body butter will go a long way in keeping your body feeling soft and smooth. So too a dry body brush (The Body Shop Cactus Long Handle Brush, $19, The Body Shop) which not only increases circulation but will reduce the look of dimpling. In the mornings, work the brush upwards towards the heart in clean strokes just before you shower. If you are pale like me you might want to mix a gradual tanner with body butter to keep a hint of colour during winter which reduces the look of my cellulite.  I love Kiehl’s Creme de Corps soy Milk & Honey Whipped Body Butter, $55, Mecca Maxima; Natio, Sun-Kissed Glow Gradual Tan Lotion, $14.95, Priceline Pharmacy.

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5. I WILL: maintain my brows

Filling in your eyebrows will wake up your face in an instant so groom them, fill in sparse gaps and have them shaped professionally on a regular basis and you’ll notice a huge difference.  I love: Benefit Cosmetics Foolproof Brow Powder, $45, Sephora; 1000 Hour Instant Brows Eyebrow Mascara, $11.99, Priceline Pharmacy.

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6. I WILL: always wear sunscreen

We live in Sydney and UV damage is our biggest threat to good skin long term. Prevention is always best. It’s not just fine lines and wrinkles we are minimising though, but pigmentation and large pores too. When you can’t wear SPF 50+ then it’s best to cover up with long sleeves and a hat.  Find a wearable sunscreen that doesn’t interfere with your makeup. I love Ultra Violette Supreme Screen Hydrating Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+, $45, Sephora; La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Ultra-Light Fluid SPF 50+, $29.99, Priceline Pharmacy.

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TOP TIP:

As well as results-driven beauty buys, I believe in a holistic approach to good skin which includes eating skin-glowing walnuts and almonds, oily fish, drinking bone broth daily and ending your shower with a blast of cold water for shinier hair and firmer-looking skin (and yes, I am doing this during winter!).

Adriana Donnola has been writing about all things lifestyle for over 25 years on magazines including New Idea, Who, InStyle, TV Week and New Weekly. She has interviewed the world’s top celebrity makeup artists, skincare specialists and hairstylists loves to help women become a more beautiful version of themselves. For more information, please click here to visit her website 'Shop With A Beauty Editor'. 

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