Founder of the gorgeous aromatherapy-based beauty brand, Be Genki, Sam Sample has also studied makeup artistry, nutrition, physical education and skincare. So it’s not surprising she knows a thing or two about looking good …

Why is aromatherapy so beneficial? Aromatherapy is a true holistic approach to healing in that it uses oils extracted from plants and flowers to treat the physical, mental and spiritual body. The essential oils stimulate receptors in the nose, which relay messages to the limbic system, the part of the brain that regulates emotions. The most beneficial part of aromatherapy, in my opinion, is that it can be incorporated into daily life via creams, face mists, massage oils, bath oils, blends for an oil burner etc, and that blends can be tailor made to suit your requirements (to uplift and invigorate, to ease anxiety and stress, etc).

Your own favourite aromatherapy fixes? So many - where do I start? I find aromatherapy when travelling to be extremely beneficial when trying to cope with jetlag. Peppermint and Lemon are fabulous when trying to stay awake for that little bit longer, and Lavender and Roman Chamomile are perfect for when trying to relax at night-time.

Any other great aromatherapy tips?

With summer just around the corner, Lavender oil is essential to have close at hand. I love the sun, and although I know that it should be avoided due to the damage it can do to my skin, somehow there’s always a day or two that I come home with sunburn. One drop of Lavender oil in a base of Jojoba oil applied to the skin not only soothes the burn and takes the sting out of it, but helps with the healing process.

What benefits can it have when applied to skin and bodycare?

Research has shown that essential oils have the ability to improve circulation, moisturise dry skin, reduce oiliness, rejuvenate stressed skin and assist the healing of damaged skin. Long-term use of essential oils will contribute to the health of skin and help to keep skin supple.

Can you tell us about your range?

Be Genki is a unique range of natural products for bath, body and home that utilise the healing benefits of pure essential oils to help keep you feeling refreshed, relaxed and revitalized. It is a truly holistic brand in that it is beneficial on the physical, mental and spiritual level. All products are made from natural ingredients that are 100% derived from plant oils, extracts and natural sources that are beneficial to the skin.

What are your favourites Be Genki buys?

The oil blends and lip balms. I have a Sensuality Lip Balm ($22 from Be Genki) in my handbag, in my car and by my desk. And I must go through hundreds of little candles each year for my oil burner. I use the Vitality blend when I’m working; the Serenity blend when I freak out that my to-do list is looking too long; and I switch and change with Tranquility and Sensuality blends at night-time.

What’s your skincare routine?

I love to try new products so always switch and change my morning cleanser, but my favourites are Miessence Soothing Cleanser ($44.50, available from health food stores) and The Organic Pharmacy Rose and Chamomile Cleansing Milk ($76 from Rescu Beauty Bar). At night time I use The Organic Pharmacy Carrot Butter Cleanser with a muslin cloth ($76 from Rescu Beauty Bar). I make my own face oil that I use in the morning and night. The base is jojoba and rosehip oil with essential oils of rose, jasmine, ylang ylang and carrot seed. During the day I spritz my face with Be Genki face mists. I keep one of each in my fridge at work. Twice a a week I exfoliate my skin with Miessence Gentle Exfoliant ($26, from health food stores). On Sundays I apply a mask. At the moment I’m using Trilogy Purifying Masque ($28.95 from Myer and health food stores).

What about bodycare?

I use a dry body brush each morning to help stimulate my lymphatic system, and follow with either a Be Genki Body Oil or Body Cream ($30 and $32 from Be Genki), depending on the time of year and how dry my skin is.

What do you do to spoil yourself?

I book in to a day spa for a massage or body wrap. And if I can’t make it to a day spa I turn all the lights off in my bathroom, light candles and hop into a warm bath filled with essential oils. After 15 minutes I get out and apply a body oil and snuggle up on the couch with a movie and bowl of ice cream.

What’s always in your makeup bag?

Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat, Chanel Double Perfection Fluide, an eyelash curler and Ere Perez Black Mascara.

You’ve studied makeup artistry - what is your top makeup tip?

Using the right foundation is everything. Take the time to find one that suits your skin tone, take the time to apply it in a well-lit room and take the time to check that you have blended it onto your skin smoothly and evenly. Most people don’t need to apply foundation to their entire face, especially the forehead. Once you’ve found the right foundation, you only need to apply a little to get the look of a perfect complexion.

You’ve also studied nutrition and physical education - what do you do yourself to stay healthy?

I am very conscious about what I put into my mouth. I start the day with a fresh juice of carrot, celery, beetroot and ginger. For morning tea I have a smoothie made from rice milk, spirulina, Udo’s Omega 3 6 9 oil blend, aloe vera juice, slippery elm powder, psyllium husks, manuka honey and a multivitamin powder. I know it sounds laborious but it is a really terrific way to start the day and ensures that you are giving your body all the goodness it needs to function optimally.

I also take a calcium magnesium supplement during the day and a zinc supplement at night. I base my diet around organic wholefoods and eat sushi about 4 times a week. By eating healthily 90% of the time makes me feel happy about indulging in all the naughty things the other 10% of the time.

I vary my exercise routine depending on the seasons. In summer I love to run on the beach and get to the gym 3 times a week for a spin class, bike ride and weights. But in winter I love the cuddles in the morning and can’t seem to drag myself out of bed early enough to go to the gym so I make sure I go for a long walk at least a couple of times a week.

Any other inner-beauty tips?

Herbal teas are a great way to increase your water intake so that you are drinking the two litres of water that your body needs each day, and many herbal teas have added benefits such as detoxifying the liver; are high in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants; and can aid in digestion. Although I am always trying different teas, I always end up basing my teas around Dandelion Tea in the morning, Green Tea during the day and Chamomile at night.

You practise meditation - can you tell us about that?

I came across meditation when I was focusing all my attention to healing myself from a period of stress and emotional pain, and it has truly transformed the way in which I perceive life to be. Meditation helps to bring balance to my life, helps me to cope with stressful situations better (some things just aren’t worth getting worked up about); and to appreciate that nothing is permanent in life so it’s best to live in the present and not worry about what may or may not happen.

What do you advise for anyone who wants to get into meditation?

If you’re brave, Vipassana Meditation centres are located all over the world and offer 10-day courses throughout the year. There’s a great one in the Blue Mountains. Otherwise if ten days of silence sounds a little too confronting there are one-hour meditation classes that you can attend at centres located all over Australia. Health food stores are a great source of information on meditation classes - there are often flyers at the counters.

Finally, any other tips for a healthy, balanced lifestyle?

Take time out by setting aside some ‘you’ time each day or week: read a book, have a bath, book in for a massage or go for a walk in the park or on the beach. Don’t take life too seriously. Smile, laugh and be happy. Take a moment each day to think of all the positive things that you have in your life.

For more information on Sam and Be Genki, see Be Genki