A look into the minds, makeup bags and bathroom cabinets of some of Australia’s top beauty writers …

EMMA-CHARLOTTE BANGAY, BEAUTY EDITOR, EMPORIUM

How did you get where you are?

“I actually answered an ad in the paper! It was a job as ‘Fashion and Beauty Assistant’ at New Idea in Melbourne. I had little experience apart from a few years’ modelling which snagged me the role, as the then Beauty Ed (Kate Boling, bless you!) knew I was well aware at the tender age of 18 that there was little glamour behind the scenes of the magazine industry! It was hard work. I soldiered on through years of bagging up clothes, cleaning stock rooms, checking captions and getting coffees until short-staffing meant I got the chance to write a beauty page. I earned my stripes from there, but I certainly didn’t earn a decent dollar! So I went back to modelling and study when I was 22 before Marie Claire called the next year. I flew up for an interview for the role of ‘Beauty Writer’ and was living in Sydney within 2 weeks! After 18 months I was poached by ACP and danced around their corridors for a few years before going freelance in 2004. I am now beauty editor of Emporium Magazine which fits in perfectly with my other role as Mum.”

What are you most excited about in beauty right now?

“I’m pretty excited about biodynamic beauty but I will save my real excitement for when there is an alternative to palm oil!”

What would be your beauty philosophy?

“It’s what’s inside that counts. Hydration, endorphins and grace are the ultimate beauty boosters.”

Who’s your beauty icon and why?

“My mum: a mother of five and a grandmother of 11. She is just the nicest person, which just makes her all the more beautiful. Dad and she still hold hands like teenagers – and she’s still a fox at nearly 70!”

If you had a beauty signature it would be?

“I think it would have to be my hair. I am just not inclined to straighten it, so I live with it! So many girls harbour curls and I admire their tenacity and dedication to straighten it but I just don’t have the inclination. And besides, not having to straighten it gives me more time in the morning to sleep/exercise/eat….!”

And the secret to it is…

“Lots of leave-in conditioner, a copious amount of hairpins and multiple elastic bands on both wrists for emergencies!”

What are your top three beauty tips?

“1. Hydrate: your skin. Makeup is nothing without a clear canvas

2. Motivate: yourself. There is nothing like the glow of your skin after exercise. After a while, the whites of your eyes are brighter and your palette less pasty.

3. Appreciate: what you have. I think too many people – including myself! – want what they don’t have. Whether it’s a tanner skin, whiter teeth, longer lashes or straighter hair. I think we need to shift focus and be grateful for the simpler, less aesthetically driven, things.”

Any beauty sins?

“I don’t exfoliate enough, I don’t manicure enough, and I probably don’t smile enough. Braces at the age of 33 will do that to you!”

What are your beauty predictions for winter and beyond?

“Anything that remedies chapped lips, wind-beaten skin and cracked heels…and I’ve found it! Trilogy Everything Balm ($34.95, call 03 9533 1336). I am addicted! … In makeup, brows are big and bold (literally) and lashes are doe-eyed. It’s not so much the colour shadows, but keeping the eyes framed by a great, groomed, full brow, gorgeous lashes and a little sexy liner… For hair, texture is big big big. Braids are delivering – whether of the corn-row variety or just a subtle twist and pin at the front.”

What would we find in your bathroom cabinet?

“Well, I share it with my husband, so you’d find a very obvious division down the middle for starters; plus Apivita Aromatherapy Dream Skin ($64.90 from Adore Beauty), Trilogy Everything Balm, Trilogy Rose Hip Oil ($16.95), Pantene Curl Shaper Definition Cream ($8.99, from supermarkets), Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour body cream ($34, from department stores), Miss Frou Frou Nail Polish ($24.95, call 02 9360 2444) and Gucci Rush (from $67 from department stores) - for when I really want to go old-school sexy!”

What’s your best beauty bargain?

“Water. Hello? $2!”

And your biggest beauty splurge?

“Permanent false eyelashes. I vowed NEVER to go without…until I got the Visa bill. I am without.”

What are your all-time classic beauty buys?

“Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream. I became addicted when I began this job, and still am. Becca (from Adore Beauty) - I absolutely adore their coverage and eye creams, and Lancôme Juicy Tubes ($44 each, from department stores) …and anything M.A.C. Oh, my new M.A.C Eyelash Curler ($32 from M.A.C). Now I know how to do doe eyes!”

What’s next on your beauty shopping list?

“I’m going back to black - nail polish, that is. I steered away for a season and went for neon brights, but black works for me, so cool or not this winter, I’m dipping my digits into the dark stuff.”

Any final words of beauty wisdom?

“I cannot underestimate the power of good skincare and makeup. And it doesn’t have to cost you time or money! As women, I believe we have an innate desire to look good, and makeup can do that – in a flash. Seriously, bronzer, an eyelash curler, some cheek tint and lip gloss make all the difference. If your hair is misbehaving, twist and pin in sections for a less-drab up-do. Try this at home for a really quick mood boost.”

SARAH BROOKS-WILSON, BEAUTY & HEALTH EDITOR, MADISON

How did you get where you are?

“The good old fashioned way of working my way up through the ranks.”

What has been your career highlight so far?

“Ooh there are quite a few, but have to say the work trips to Hawaii and Colorado. Both were fabulous places and just had a great time. Oh and meeting a few celebs on the way too.”

What are you most excited about in beauty right now?

“That there is an anti-ageing alternative to going under the knife and how you can get just as great results by doing so.”

What would be your beauty philosophy?

“Eat well, drink lots of water, sleep and lots of exercise. Back to the basics, but it works.”

Who’s your beauty icon and why?

“My mum, because she is coming up 60 and hardly has a wrinkle on her. She has always looked after herself and only uses vitamin E cream. She’s naturally beautiful.”

What is your main beauty concern?

“Sometimes I think my skin lacks radiance.”

And how do you deal with it?

”Have regular facials and change my skincare products regularly so my skin doesn’t get used to the one thing.”

If you had a beauty signature it would be …

”White eyeliner in the inner rim.”

What are your top three beauty tips?

“The old fashioned stuff of lots of exercise, sleep and eating healthily.”

Any beauty sins?

“Squeezing pimples. I know I shouldn’t do it but I just can’t help myself.”

What are your beauty predictions for winter and beyond?

“Its all about hair and skin.”

What’s in your handbag right now?

“Too much stuff. L’Occitane Hand cream (from $14.95, see L’Occitane), Missoni parfum rollerball ($100, 1800 061 326), a limited-edition Chanel lip palette, Model Co Lip Lights ($35 from Model Co) and the usual wallet, keys, phone, umbrella.”

What would we find in your bathroom cabinet?

“Again way too much stuff considering I only really use two to three products every day. A basket full of face masks - I’m addicted to them. Cleanser, SPF, moisturiser, face scrub, body oil, body cream, fake tanner, about six fragrances, cotton buds, wipes…”

And in the shower?

“Shower gel, body scrub, two types of shampoo, conditioner, one for blond hair and the other for dehydrated hair, shaver…”

What fragrance are you currently wearing?

“Loving Chloé eau de parfum (from $80 from department stores) and Tommy Hilfiger Dreaming ($79, call 1800 061 326).”

What’s your best beauty bargain?

“Essential oils.”

And your biggest beauty splurge?

“Regular massages.”

What are your all-time classic beauty buys?

”Nivea hand cream ($4.90 from pharmacies) - an oldie but a goodie. Oh and Paw Paw cream.”

What’s next on your beauty shopping list?

”I’m going to Hawaii soon so something that smells of frangipanis from there.”

And any other must-have new beauty products to look out for?

“New organic brands. So hot right now.”

Any final words of beauty wisdom?

”Be happy. A happy mind is a happy body and always shows on your face.”

LEIGH CAMPBELL, BEAUTY EDITOR, COSMOPOLITAN

How did you get where you are?

“I was undergoing work experience at Cleo magazine when Shop Til You Drop magazine had just launched. I was hired as assistant to the editor and from there enjoyed four years at Shop in various roles. Almost a year ago I was head-hunted by Cosmo, and here I am today.”

What are you most excited about in beauty right now?

“I’m most pumped about the push to go organic, and the whole wellness movement. Looking after this planet is finally becoming a mainstream topic and addressing it is long overdue.”

Who’s your beauty icon and why?

“I have several. Right now I can’t get enough of Rachel Bilson. She is effortless, groomed, cute, girlie and confident, all at the same time.”

What is your main beauty concern?

“My skin! With temperatures dropping I’ve been seeing a huge change in my complexion. It’s thirsty now when it used to be on the oily side. Switching products to find the perfect balance can be tricky.”

And how do you deal with it?

“By going back to basics. I’ve switched to a super mild cleaner and a rich moisturiser with no fragrance. While my skin is being irrational I figure it’s best just to let it sort itself out, no need to irritate it!”

If you had a beauty signature it would be …

“I’d have to say my wavy hair I sport each day thanks to five minutes with my ghd.”

And the secret to it is …

“It’s all in the wrist. Twist the wand 180 degrees and let the hair slide though the rest.”

What are your top three beauty tips?

“1 - Use a little Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream ($34) on your cheekbones for an instant glow.

2- Invest in a separate under-eye concealer and blemish concealer. You need completely different formulas and coverage for each.

3 - Exfoliate your lips with your toothbrush while brushing. It will stimulate your circulation and produce a rosy pout.”

Any beauty sins?

“I’ve had many. Acrylic nails spring to mind. A spiral perm at the age of eight. Pencil thin brows all through my teens. Shall I continue…?”

What are your beauty predictions for winter and beyond?

“Fresh skin is back. It’s bare (looking), luminous and not overly bronzed. Eyes and lips are also downplayed. Juxtaposed with last season’s heavy eyes and lips, it’s a refreshing change.”

What’s in your handbag right now?

“Too much stuff! An umbrella, wallet, phone, iPod, purse sized Badgley Mischka fragrance, concealer, black eye liner and about 34,857 lipglosses.”

What would we find in your bathroom cabinet?

”A stockpile of Palmer’s, various hair conditioners (I go through a lot) more gloss, some body scrubs and bath oils (in the bath is where I am most happy) and Dove’s new Go Fresh deodorant.”

And in the shower?

“Exfoliating mitts, a body brush, a nail brush, more conditioner and hair treatments, facial cleaner and body wash.”

What fragrance are you currently wearing?

“Badgley Mischka Fleurs De Nuit ($170, form department stores).”

What’s your best beauty bargain?

“Bonne Bell lip balms. They have new, more grown-up packaging and are around four bucks!”

And your biggest beauty splurge?

“Eye cream. They eye area is the first place I see signs of dehydration from heating and air-con, so I think that investing is worth it.”

What are your all-time classic beauty buys?

“Nivea Q10 face cream (around $18 from pharmacies). Did you know that 43 pots of that stuff is sold world-wide every minute? I’d call that tried and tested! Rose hip oil - I use it under my night cream daily. Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream - I use it on my lips, cheeks and cuticles. Innoxa Satin Sheen Foundation in Buttermilk ($27.95, call 1800 025 607) - I’ve used it for over ten years. Nail polish remover. Ever noticed it’s always empty when you need it?”

Any final words of beauty wisdom?

“Wash your face before bed. Beyond that, only try it if you want to.”

SIGOURNEY CANTELO, FREELANCE BEAUTY WRITER

How did you get where you are?

“I started out as editorial coordinator on Our House magazine almost ten years ago - fresh out of school. I was responsible for all kind of admin adventures from coffee runs to fetching couriers, data entry, diary keeping and general all round lacky-ness. I moved into production (reformatting files, chasing copy, keeping the mag running to deadline), and then when the mag closed abruptly I moved to Qantas Inflight magazine. I was PA to the then-editor Carolyn Lockhart who was super stylish and very inspiring. She sent me to the odd beauty function when she couldn’t attend and once a got a taste of the industry, I was hooked. I started collecting beauty stories obsessively and practising my writing. I was also completing my BA Communications full time and working full time, which was interesting (think night subjects and lunch time tutorials!) and writing whatever I could get my hands on. I moved to TV Week after that doing more production and begged the editor to let me write some stories. When TV Week decided to start a fashion and beauty section I put my hand up straight away. It was perfect as I was working three days a week writing beauty and fashion and finishing my degree. When I finished my degree, a beauty editor job came up at (the now defunct) New Woman magazine - by then I’d had the perfect training in weekly deadlines and beauty writing and luckily was a stiletto in for the role. After two years as beauty editor I was promoted to beauty director - which meant I reported directly to the editor and was able to hire someone beneath me. Sadly the magazine folded recently and I’ve since been freelancing - which is wonderful. You get to work across a range of titles and styles - all from the comfort of your trackie-dacks!”

What has been your career highlight so far?

“Ah the travel… Occasionally we get to travel for the launch of a new product or to visit a spa. One year we went to Daydream Island to the stunning Pevonia spa which was gorgeous, and another I was asked to speak at a De Lorenzo conference in Fiji which was magic. It certainly makes all the late nights, deadline freak-outs and the frenetic pace worth it.”

What are you most excited about in beauty right now?

“I’ve just started using mineral makeup and I love! I resisted it at first as I’m a real ‘dewy’ liquid foundation kinda girl, but when you buff it into your skin properly and use a shimmer on the cheekbones you can still get a gorgeous glow. I love that it has natural sun protection in it and that I’m not using any chemicals on my skin.”

What would be your beauty philosophy?

“It’s all about balance - when I want results I use active dermatologist developed products, but I balance this out with natural, organic formulations wherever possible - for example I’ll use an AHA peel to freshen my complexion once a week, but slather on organic rose-hip oil daily. I’m at my best when I’m looking after my body - doing yoga, jogging, eating well and sleeping enough. That said it’s impossible to be perfect all the time - sometimes it’s essential to have a sleep in, a pizza with wine, or a night out with friends.”

Who’s your beauty icon and why?

“Audrey Hepburn - she was so effortlessly chic whatever she threw on it always looked perfect. I’ll never forget her in Breakfast at Tiffany’s when she rolls out of bed with her chignon still in place, adds a couple of bobby pins and oversized sunnies and- et voilà - she hits the road. I’ve tried going to bed with my up-do in but I end up more mangled bird’s nest than demure beehive.”

What is your main beauty concern?

“Staying out of the sun is my biggest concern. My mum has been vigilant about shrouding herself whenever she steps outside and she just has the most perfect skin. She always got angry at me if I’d get burnt but as a teenager I tended to think she was trying to be a killjoy. Oh if only I knew then what I know now…”

And how do you deal with it?

“It’s hard because I love being outdoors and the feeling of sun on my skin. Now I always wear a hat and 30+ sunscreen (I like Invisible Zinc Daywear, $25.95 from Adore Beauty) and I will berate myself if I get the tiniest bit burnt. After having some very cross words with myself over summer, I think I’m finally getting the message.”

If you had a beauty signature it would be …

“Black liquid liner - after studying Angelina Jolie in Mr. and Mrs. Smith I realised that was her secret to looking subtly groomed - all the time. Somehow it never looked like she was made up because it was subtle - a very fine line, and barely a scrap of makeup anywhere else. It looks sexy with anything from a white shirt to a little black dress.”

And the secret to it is …

“I’m not talking a chunky Amy Winehouse slash of black here, it’s got to be subtle. With your eyes looking straight ahead start the line from the outer edge of your iris and keep it super close to the lashline. This will open up your eyes and make your lashes look denser and more lush. To dress it up a bit, thicken the line at the outer corner of your eyes and do a super fine one along the bottom lashline. Flick it out at the edges for a touch more glamour.”

What are your top three beauty tips?

“1. Curl your eyelashes every morning. As Troy Surrat (Maybelline NY Makeup artist extraordinaire) explained it to me, it’s like opening the awnings on the windows of your eyes - you let the light in and they look bigger and brighter. I love the Utowa Eyelash Curler ($45 from Mecca Cosmetica).

2. Learn to love oils - they’re the original emollient (meaning it stops water from evaporating from the skin) and are incredible nourishing all over. I massage rosehip oil into my damp skin after cleansing - every night. After a shower I’ll massage a body oil into damp skin (if you do it while you’re still damp it traps the water in your skin and keeps you hydrated longer) I like Be Genki Body Oil (from $30 from Be Genki) - a delicious organic range which have the most amazing aromatherapy combos. I like Creative Nail Design Solar Oil (from $5 from Creative Nail Place) for my cuticles and cleansing oils for my face.

3. Get thee a can of dry shampoo. They’re cheaper than chips (almost) and are available at your local chemist. Try Klorane (around $12). I estimate they save me, oh about 75 minutes a week in hair styling time. They’re perfect for when you don’t have time to wash your hair or for when your blowdry is looking a little flat and limp. Or when your hair is too clean and all it wants to do is flop in your eyes and look silly. You just spray it into your roots and the magic powdery substance absorbs any oils and adds ‘guts’ to your hair so that it stays where you want it too. Ah love love love love.”

What are your beauty predictions for winter and beyond?

“Mineral is a trend that’s here to stay, as is organic. I think we’ll see a lot of mainstream brands getting a cosmetic conscience and taking out nasties, and using their powers for good not evil. (e.g. being environmentally sustainable and nixing the animal testing etc etc).

Makeup-wise I think we’ll see a return to bright graphic eye colours and bright statement lips are here to stay - but not in the predicable red, it’s all about orange, watermelon, hot pink etc. Thankfully the perma-tan is dead and maybe we can all embrace the skintone we were born with. Maybe”

What’s in your handbag right now?

“My wallet, a notebook, a pen, my diary, mobile phone, keys, my Mason Pearson ‘Handy’ hairbrush ($145 from department stores) and makeup bag which is stuffed full of the following: Chanel Irréelle Soleil Bronzing Powder in Sierra ($75 from department stores), a Stila Eyeshadow Palette (see Mecca Cosmetica) in various shades of bronze, brown and kitten (my favourite!), M.A.C lipglass in Sunny Boy ($34 from M.A.C), Revlon Colorstay Liquid Liner ($24.95 from pharmacies), Lancôme Crayon Kohl in Noir ($41 from department stores), Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer ($45 from selected Myer and David Jones stores), a fat, fluffy Clinique bronzing brush, Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Dark Chocolate and Peppermint Lip Butter ($3.95 from pharmacies - tastes exactly like after dinner mints, yum!), a hair elastic, four bobby pins and a whole lotta love.”

What would we find in your bathroom cabinet?

“Oh my god. What wouldn’t you find? It’s like a department store in there. Okay the ones that come immediately to mind… Eve Lom Cleanser and muslin cloth ($120 from The Blonde Room), SK-II skincare (from department stores), three bottles of rose hip oil, Mario Badescu Drying Lotion ($44 from Kit Cosmetics), Oral B electric toothbrush, and floss, Chanel Précision skincare (from department stores), Palmer’s Firming Gradual Tanning Lotion, St Tropez Whipped Bronze Mousse ($59.95 from Adore Beauty), about five different flavours of Body Shop Body Butter (new fave? Moringa Flower - $27.95 from The Body Shop), three different flavours of Be Genki Body Oil, Shiseido Body Creator Firming Lotion ($75 from department stores), Megan Gale Jet Set Tan ($35.50 from Adore Beauty), Tom Ford Black Orchid Finishing Oil Spray and Hydrating Emulsion ($80 and $75, 1800 061 326).”

What fragrance are you currently wearing?

“Narciso Rodriguez for Her (from $116 from selected Myer stores). Three years on and I’m still obsessed.”

What’s your best beauty bargain?

“Pure lanolin - available from the chemist. I use it on lips and cuticles - and have done since I was a kid.”

Any final words of beauty wisdom?

“Beauty should be indulgent and enjoyable. It should never feel like a chore - and if you’re using the right products and techniques it never will. With the demands of family, work and friends, ‘me time’ is so important. Try and give yourself some lovin’ at least once a day - whether it’s taking that little bit of extra time to massage in your body oil or having a bath instead of a shower - and you’ll feel calmer and more balanced 24/7.”

STEPHANIE DARLING, BEAUTY & LIFESTYLE DIRECTOR, MADISON

How did you get where you are?

“Through absolutely loving what I do.”

What has been your career highlight so far?

“There are have been many highlights – getting my first job at Vogue, working on Harper’s Bazaar and working on the launch of the fabulous madison.”

What are you most excited about in beauty right now?

“I have to say I am very excited learning about the new frontiers on the cosmetic surgery front. There is a new filler on the market that is used for rhinoplasty. Amazing.”

What would be your beauty philosophy?

“Sunscreen at all times.”

Who’s your beauty icon and why?

“Julie Christie because she was beautiful then and still is now.”

What is your main beauty concern?

“I guess keeping the ravages of sun damage at bay.”

And how do you deal with them?

“Sunscreen at all times and regular visits to the derm.”

If you had a beauty signature it would be …

“Black eyeliner and nude lips (for this week anyway).”

What are your top three beauty tips?

“Sunscreen, primer and mascara”

Any beauty sins?

“Have occasionally gone to bed without removing makeup, yikes.”

What are your beauty predictions for winter and beyond?

“Well cared for, porcelain-like skin.”

What’s in your handbag right now?

“Shiseido Hydro Liquid Compact ($76 from department stores), Bobbi Brown Creamy Lip Color in Honeysuckle ($44 from selected David Jones and Myer stores), Lucas’ Papaw Ointment (around $4 from pharmacies), Nars Cream Eyeshadow Duo in Madagascar ($74 from Mecca Cosmetica), Revlon Makeup Eraser Pencil ($19.95 from department stores and pharmacies), Lancôme Crayon Kohl in Noir ($41 from department stores), nail file, Chanel Inimitable Mascara ($50 from department stores).”

What would we find in your bathroom cabinet?

“More product than you could ever imagine.”

And in the shower?

“Kérastase haircare (1300 365 552 for info), Dermalogica Conditioning Body Wash (from $16, 1800 659 118 for info), a body brush.”

What fragrance are you currently wearing?

“Kiehl’s Original Musk ($76, call 02 9326 9980).”

What’s your best beauty bargain?

“Lucas’ Papaw ointment.”

And your biggest beauty splurge?

“La Mer The Eye Concentrate ($350 from David Jones).”

What are your all-time classic beauty buys?

“Clarins Beauty Flash Balm ($57 from Adore Beauty), La Prairie Cellular Eye-Makeup Remover ($90 from selected David Jones stores) and so so many more things that I can’t list them.”

And any other must-have new beauty products to look out for?

“Always love the beauty trinkets for Dior and YSL. This month Dior has come up with Golden Dior Luminizing Makeup Jewel in Or Lamé ($100 from department stores). So good you can even wear it as a necklace.”

Any final words of beauty wisdom?

“Wear sunscreen.”

KATE LOVELACE, BEAUTY EDITOR, GOOD HEALTH & MEDICINE

How did you get where you are?

“I’m English and grew up in the UK, so my first job was as SHE Magazine in London. I knew I wanted to get into magazines so, after I finished my `A’ Levels, I decided I’d try and get a job on a mag that summer (and if I didn’t the fall-back plan was a journalism degree at uni). But luckily I got my break at SHE as Assistant to the Competitions Editor (I was itching to work and not so keen on the idea of more study!). This involved sourcing prizes, organising competition finals and lots of other fun activities. It was a great first job and I learnt lots about the general workings of a magazine. I stayed for three years at SHE, and when I left to go travelling to Australia, I was working there as Picture Researcher.”

What has been your career highlight so far?

“Travelling to New York to visit the fascinating world of the Estée Lauder cosmetic laboratories, and to Avène in France to discover an amazing dermatological spa were definitely highlights.”

What are you most excited about in beauty right now?

“I think the area of anti-ageing is fascinating. Technology is so advanced these days we are seeing face creams that really can make a difference. ‘Soft options’ for facial rejuvenation are very exciting too, as it’s now possible to significantly improve skin tone and texture without having to suffer pain or down-time.”

What would be your beauty philosophy?

“I think your state of mind strongly affects how you look, so keeping happy and healthy is top of the list for me.”

What are your main beauty concerns?

“Dark circles and puffiness under my eyes.”

And how do you deal with them?

“I go for a run every morning to get my circulation pumping. In emergencies I turn to cooled chamomile tea bags (for puffiness). Becca Compact Concealer ($58 from Adore Beauty) takes care of the dark circles.”

If you had a beauty signature it would be …

“I suppose it would be my long, straight blonde hair. I am very boring with my hair style and have had the same one for years!”

And the secret to it is …

“After years of trying to make my poker straight hair do things it didn’t want to, I realised the best thing was to let it do what it wants to do naturally. So my secret is to do virtually nothing – just let it dry naturally, then tip my head upside down and give the roots a quick volume lift with the hairdryer before I go out. I owe the colour to my wonderful hairdresser Helen Cornish though – she does the best highlights ever.

What are your top three tips?

“1. Learn how to use concealer correctly and you’ll never have to look tired again.

2. Try an eyelash perm and tint – lashes look amazing 24/7 and you don’t even have to wear mascara.

3. Take a little time out each day to do something that truly relaxes you – be it yoga, mediation, or even a good old bath.”

Any beauty sins?

“I hate to admit it but I do love the sun (sssh), and find it hard to keep away from the beach during summer (can’t help it, it’s the English in me!). Not very PC for someone who’s always writing about the dangers of UV rays… but I do protect my skin diligently with SPF 30.”

Any final words of beauty wisdom?

“If you feel good, you look good, so do invest some time and effort on being healthy and happy, as this is what’s most important. Then all you have to do is follow the beauty pages of your favourite mags (and website, of course!) for tips to help you look your best!”

RACHAEL MANNELL, BEAUTY EDITOR, CLEO

How did you get where you are?

“Lied.”

Um …?

“No I actually didn’t lie but the explanation is long and not very interesting. To cut it short I was involved in working on the launch of a monthly magazine. It was just me and the deputy and I ended up writing about 70% of the mag, so you could say it was like an intense internship. I had expressed my interest in beauty and fashion so after all the hard work I was given the role of fashion and beauty editor on Women’s Health magazine. I even styled the covers which was really rewarding.”

What has been your career highlight so far?

“Travelling to Africa, Bali, Fiji and Greece to shoot summer stories once a year.”

What are you most excited about in beauty right now?

“I love the eco movement. It’s great when big cosmetic companies listen to what customers want and right now they want chemical free products.”

What would be your beauty philosophy?

“I’ve stolen ‘A tan is a scar’ from someone along the way. Why spend big $$$ on anti-aging products when you can stay out of the sun and prevent the damage? I also believe in a balanced, wholesome diet. Cutting out food groups isn’t the way to go. I feel at my best when I eat fresh, healthy food (meat, fish, vegetables, salad, fruit)– my skin reflects what’s going on internally. When it comes to makeup I like to fine-tune what I do already, which means I try EVERY product that lands on my desk. I’m rarely satisfied with a product but if I am, I use every last drop.”

Who’s your beauty icon and why?

“I would love to say I only admire women who age gracefully but the truth is I admire those who age cleverly. Demi Moore looks so hot for her age- whatever she is doing, it works.”

What are your main beauty concerns?

“I definitely fall into the ‘do the best with what you have’ category. I think the most toxic thing you can do in life is compare yourself to others. Work with what you have and be happy with it. Don’t obsess, don’t go overboard and don’t judge. SO many girls draw attention to their bad bits. I NEVER do that and I seem to get positive responses from people about my looks. Having said all that, the eyes are the first to go, so my tip? Don’t look in the mirror when you laugh (then invest in a hard core eye cream).”

If you had a beauty signature it would be …

“I’m not sure I have one but I do like to rock out a winged eye.”

And the secret to it is …

“Angle your wing out to the corner of your eyebrow - don’t just follow the lash line or will make your eyes look droopy.

What are your top three beauty tips?

“1. Match your foundation to the colour of your chest. In fact you should have about four shades of foundation and mix them for the right tone.

2. Don’t apply bronzer indiscriminately over the face, it looks much better use either a lighter colour across cheeks for a sun-kissed look or a darker colour to shape cheek bones.

3. Use illuminser on the high planes of your face, it makes you look younger.”

Any beauty sins?

“Not washing my makeup off at night.”

What are your beauty predictions for winter and beyond?

“Try a dove grey eye shadow but be sure to use a good concealer under the eye and a good coat of very black mascara on the top lashes only.”

SHONAGH WALKER, FREELANCE BEAUTY WRITER

How did you get where you are?

“I started as fashion assistant at Woman’s Day in its hey day under the reign of Nene King in 1989. A lot of hard work, perseverance, determination and love of my job has brought me to a place where I have been able to take on a task as though it was a weekend recreation. In other words, I am lucky enough to love what I do, therefore am happy doing it. I think that is the secret to success.”

What has been your career highlight so far?

“I think being able to travel to amazing places to interview people who are doing groundbreaking things, or even simply living their dreams. For instance, as I write this I am currently in Colorado writing four travel articles and interspersing them with beauty stories quoting some of the world’s best spa directors, such as Lisa de Koster from Vail Mountain Lodge and Spa, whose clients include the likes of Cameron Diaz.”

What are you most excited about in beauty right now?

“I am loving where cosmeceuticals is heading. For instance, the Priori range (see True Solutions) just keeps getting better and better. I love that science and the beauty industry are finally merging and realising they can work together and not against each other. I think the advances in materials such as hyaluronic acid, and Botox is amazing - not just cosmetically, but also for people with facial deformities.”

What would be your beauty philosophy?

“Believe in yourself and only listen to the positive. You are as beautiful as you believe you are, and that should make you the most beautiful person alive.”

Who’s your beauty icon and why?

“I don’t want to answer with a typical celeb’s name here… too obvious. The beautiful friends I have around me are my icons. I love their uniqueness, their perfection, their flaws, their amazing strengths and their ability to admit their vulnerability. That to me is a true beauty icon. Having said that I’d kill for Cate Blanchett’s skin.”

What are your main beauty concerns?

“As I am in the snow right now, a slightly sunburned nose and lips from Spring skiing and dehydration.”

And how do you deal with them?

“By Terry Baume de Rose ($90 from Mecca Cosmetica) has SPF 15 and drenches my lips with moisture. True Solutions tinted sun block (from $50, see True Solutions) is saving my skin. Dr. Spiller Collagen Cream ($101, 1300 301 007) is quenching my parched dermis and saving my peeling nose, while La Prairie Cellular Radiance Gold Serum ($930, from David Jones) is keeping my skin super radiant there despite the late nights and early mornings out on the mountain! Klorane Dry Hair Shampoo (about $12 from pharmaices) is a life saver. It means I can go straight from skiing with a helmet to après with just a quick brush and a spritz and not have to blow-dry my bad helmet hair!”

If you had a beauty signature it would be ?

“L’Eau D’Issey by Issey Miyake (from $114, from department stores). Everyone tells me it is my smell. Whenever they smell it, they think of me. It’s been my all time fave scent since it was created and I will never love another fragrance the same way.”

What are your top three beauty tips?

“Don’t smoke, drink plenty of water and sleep, sleep, sleep.”

Any beauty sins?
“I drink too much red wine.”

Any beauty predictions?

“I can see bold eye and nail colours remaining big for a while, but I think natural will always remain a classic, modern trend, if that makes sense - highlighting your best assets using natural shades and contouring.”

What’s next on your beauty shopping list?

“I am addicted to and obsessed with scented candles. As soon as I get home will be heading to Mecca and Kit to stock up for cosy nights in during winter.”

And any other must-have new beauty products to look out for?

“It’s all about the new By Terry VIP range from Mecca Cosmetica in my book right now. I am so excited by this range!”

Any final words of beauty wisdom?

“Don’t take it all too seriously. Everyone is unique and beautiful. Just enjoy what the beauty world has to offer and pamper yourself as much as you can/want to!”