Name: Louise

From: Live in Melbourne but originally an Adelaide gal.

Beauty Signature: Dark locks and olive skin – I am a bit of a wannabe Bronzed Goddess. I recently went overseas and it was pretty handy as wherever I went I was mistaken for a local!

Beauty Icon: Jennifer Aniston – she is a perfect combination of relaxed chic, intelligence, talent and a zest for life, which I find makes her stunning. She is not a classic beauty, a lot would argue, but she is accessible and relatable and carries herself in a way that is inspirational and achievable. The effortless waves, subtle bronzed skin, chic clothing style and green eyes coupled with her poise and strength makes her my number one beauty icon. 


All Time Top Buy: Becca 3 Step Foundation System (see Adore Beauty) – I am addicted. I have not looked back since starting 3 years ago. For me it is the epitome of the Australian aesthetic – natural, radiant, and relaxed, sophisticated chic. And yes, if it was possible, I would probably marry it.

Other Beauty Essentials: Dr Hauschka Cleansing Cream ($37 from Adore Beauty) – this stuff is heaven in a tube and makes my skin glow - it was my cleanser of choice on my trip overseas. Aesop Parsley Seed Antioxidant Face Serum ($62.50 from Aesop) – a miracle in a cool looking bottle. I apply it at night as the last stop on the beauty train and I am greeted with smooth, clear, ‘plump’ skin in the morning. And blush – after getting over my “Isn’t blush for Nannas?” complex, I have fully embraced this and am never without. My top picks are Nars from Mecca Cosmetica (Divine, divine, divine and worth every penny – my faves are Luster, Mata Hari and the cult Orgasm) and for a Crème blush I adore Becca’s range (see Adore Beauty), especially the Beach Tint in Watermelon and the Crème Blushes in Frangipani (the crème version of Orgasm, I promise you!) and Rosebud. Paired with my beloved Nars Laguna Bronzer, my face is a very happy place indeed.

Next on the shopping list: I want to go blonde! I am channelling a lovechild of Jennifer Aniston and Sarah Jessica Parker as my inspiration. No doubt this will result in a bit of an overhaul with hair products and also make-up looks!

Best Beauty Bargain: The Body Shop Eyelash Curler – at under $10 this is an instant pick me up and takes your eyes and face from looking a bit ordinary to “Wow, you look great, but I can’t put my finger on it!” It comes with a few refillable pads as well. I have gone through so many of these since I was about 15!

Biggest Beauty Splurge: If I had to choose one it would probably be good quality hair products… Kérastase (call 1300 365 552 for salon details) has attained cult status for a reason. My top picks and constant fixtures in my bathroom are the Bain Satin and Lait Protein, the Ciment Thermique leave-in - incredible, incredible, incredible - an amazing fresh smell that protects my hair and in conjunction with their Oléo Relax it makes walking to work a regular hair runway. The great thing is that even though they cost more at initial outlay, I actually spend less as they last longer and you only need a small amount (A habit I had to get into though!) I also adore Terax Hair Crema (from $14.95, from David Jones) and Al’chemy Macadamia and Wheat Conditioner (from $13.50, from health stores and David Jones) and use these all the time – if my hair is looking good, it’s going to be a good day!

Top Beauty Tip: Without wanting to get too “Coombiyah”, love yourself, respect yourself and your body and embrace yourself and you will be beautiful. My mother installed in me about taking care of the “whole package”, everything from hair, skin and makeup, clothes that make you excited to get up in the morning, jewellery and shoes and bags that enhance this even further, and feeding your mind body and soul with good food, good movies, good books, your passions, and laughter. For me, this encompasses what the Australian aesthetic is, and by giving yourself to it and recognising what a wonderful, multicultural place we live in, and how unique each of us in individually, you will never be anything less that beautiful.

Latest Trend to Love: Centre hair parts (though I will be rocking an off-centre part – broken noses are not forgiving) and also the nod to 70s pull back hair and long flowy waves. I am also loving the bright lips that are out and about – such as using Estée Lauder’s Bronzed Goddess range (I have the Lip Gloss in Fuchsia and the Lip Balm in tender Berry) with clear, subtly bronzed skin – ready for Summer!

Dirty Beauty Secret: I have naturally curly hair that I haven’t worn curly in….I can’t even remember! I really want to start embracing this more and get a cool wavy look, so let the research and product trialling begin! I have also never had my eyebrows done…Oops…

PS: Winners of last week’s St Tropez competition: Chris Beckett, Latisha G, Laura Marshall, Kelly Laidlaw and Maureen Hallett. Your sexy new summer bodies are on their way. Enjoy!