As an ex-model, a television presenter and a health fanatic, Erika Heynatz knows a thing or two about looking good. Heynatz was recently named the Australian ambassador for Power Plate, a workout machine that uses vibration technology to make for faster fitness results (click here for more info, or to locate a Power Plate gym near you). Here, she shares her top body and beauty tips.
What do you like about Power Plate?
“Its convenience and its capacity to recruit a number of muscle groups simultaneously, thus maximizing the workout. I think it has intensified the toning part of my workout and the focus stretching and relaxation is definitely beneficial. My strength, circulation and metabolism have definitely bumped up a gear since I’ve been using it.”
What other exercise do you do?
“Yoga, running, spin, and weight training.”
Your top fitness tips?
“Mix it up. So many people get stuck in an exercise rut and get disheartened when they don’t see results. Just like the brain, the body aches for challenge. If you run, change the course, or run in soft sand. Take a cardio class instead of sitting bored on the elliptical machine watching music videos. Balance out the resistance and cardio training with a yoga or Pilates class so that your muscles lengthen and your core is strong and switched on during all your exercise.”
What about the food side of things – what’s your diet philosophy?
“Calories don’t matter as much as quality. Fresh wholesome produce gives you more energy, fills you up more quickly, and is easily digested. And it’s all about mastication! Chew your food slowly and enjoy every mouthful.”
What’s an example of the food you’d eat on a regular day?
“Breakfast is a low-carb wholegrain tortilla with scrambled eggs, coriander, salsa, jalapeños, lemon juice, and avocado. A fresh juice of ginger, lemon, beetroot, apple, carrot, celery. Lunch is usually a tuna salad. And dinner is grilled salmon or chicken with steamed veggies or a rocket salad.”
You work long hours - what are your tips for keeping energy levels high?
“Carry almonds or a small tin of tuna for a protein-rich pick-me-up. Miso soup is another fantastic snack. Lots of water when you’re feeling tired and some deep breaths and stretching rather than another cup of coffee.”
Do you take any supplements?
“Vitamins B and C, vitex (a herb also known as chaste tree) and wild yam. And protein powder post-workout.”
What other lifestyle or wellness activities do you do?
“I see a naturopath, I get acupuncture monthly and I do meditation classes.”
What’s your biggest splurge when it comes to your wellbeing?
“Supplements, and they are worth every penny!”
Any bodycare tips for keeping in great shape?
“Fake tan done properly is a great way to look and feel great, but you need a good canvas – which means a long soak in the tub, a good scrub and lashings of moisturizer first. StriVectin-SD Intensive Concentrate for Existing Stretch Marks ($160 from Adore Beauty) is my new favourite product. It can be used as a wrinkle cream as well. A pumice for the feet is also a must-have.”
Your favourite body products?
“Kiehl’s Crème De Corps Original Nourishing Crème (from $30) and Nurturing Body Washing Cream ($36, both from Mecca Cosmetica). Benefit Bathina Body So Fine ($54, from selected Myer stores) – a great-smelling but not-too-shiny body luminiser.”
What about your favourite skincare?
“M.A.C Cleanse Off Oil ($38 from M.A.C), Kiehl’s Cucumber Herbal Alcohol-Free Toner ($32, Mecca Cosmetica), Rationale Skin Refining Serum ($79, call 1800 350 821 for info and stockists) and Murad Hydrating Gel Mask ($68 from Adore Beauty).”
You have to wear a lot of makeup for work - how do you keep your skin in shape?
“Cleansing oil is fantastic for removing heavy makeup so you don’t have to scrub at your face and irritate your eyes. A gentle but energizing toner that doesn’t strip the skin. A refining, hydroxy acid serum at night for maintenance. Sunscreen is the most important though - Megan Gale’s Invisible Zinc Tinted Daywear SPF30+ ($29.95 form Adore Beauty) is brilliant.”
What are your top photo-face makeup tips?
“Cleanse and tone your skin thoroughly; use a really small a mount of primer (if you have good skin mix foundation with primer); then a liquid base; add a really fine luminiser, such as Model Co Luminosity Shimmer Whip ($36 from Model Co) to the cheekbones and brow bones; then powder bronzer (it’s longer lasting than cream, but if you want dewy cheeks, use cream blush and set it with a small amount of powder blush over the top). For eyes, curl lashes with a heated curler (simply use a hairdryer to warm it up) before applying mascara – this opens the eyes and sets the curl. A small dab of shimmer eye shadow in the inner eye opens them up in photographs. Individual lashes are a nice way to add more drama without going over the top. For touchups, use blotting powder, which doesn’t cake.”
What are your top makeup buys?
“Nars Bronzing Powder in Laguna ($70) and Blush in Orgasm ($60, both from Mecca Cosmetica), Kevyn Aucoin The Liquid Airbrush foundation ($84 from Mecca Cosmetica), Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat ($75 from department stores), Becca Eye Colour in Brocade ($40 from Adore Beauty), Scott Barnes Lip Slick in Provocative ($38 from Kit Cosmetics), Stila Convertible Colour ($45 from Mecca Cosmetica) and Harlotte Lipliner in Naked Beige ($24 from Adore Beauty).”
Your top makeup tips?
“Go easy on the foundation; set with powder only in the areas that you need to and leave the rest dewy; waterproof is the only way to go for both eyeliner and mascara; adding water to eye shadow with a brush makes for a great liquid liner that is more subtle than a heavy pencil or paste liner.”
And finally, any other favourite beauty buys?
“Klorane Dry Shampoo (around $12, from pharmacies) adds instant body to hair. And Megan Gale Jet-Set Tan ($35 from Adore Beauty) has the best colour, no smell, and super-simple application.”
