Gone are the days of 16-step skincare routines! We now know that a “more is more” approach doesn’t always yield results (and can often cause more damage than good). Post-covid movements like pared-back skin and skinimalism makeup tout a similar ethos but this years beauty reset focuses on rigorous consistency and those in-between steps to maximise your beauty efforts. Leading experts in each beauty category prescribe their routines, best tips and the game-changing treatments for feeling (and looking) like your best self, minimal effort needed.
Update Your Makeup Routine
From beachy days to balmy nights (and beyond), makeup artist Nicole Aquilina shares her top tips for foolproof makeup application.
“I’m all for radiance, but I would also love to encourage my clients to dial down the dewiness and embrace a touch of powder. It’s like a soft-focus filter, filling in those pores while keeping the glow real” says Aquilina.
Prep is key: “Always start with a great skincare routine,” says Aquilina. “Finding the right products that work for you will ensure you have happy, healthy skin and the best possible base to build on.”
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Hydrating Primer, $80 at Sephora
Opt for a hybrid: Multi-use products are key to creating a cohesive look. Aquilina’s go-to is a “trusty cream blush that can pull double duty as a lip tint or a soft eye colour”.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Stick Blush in Peach Caramel, $50 at Anastasia Beverly Hills
When on the go: “Westman Atelier Bronzer Sticks and Blush Sticks are a lifesaver for those on-the-go moments. They’re super easy to use and blend,” says Aquilina. “For a no-fuss approach, anything in a cream formula you can apply with your fingertips is a winner.”
Westman Atelier Face Trace Contour Stick in Truffle, $77 at Mecca
Follow the trends: “I’ve got a hunch that ‘Cloud Skin’ is going to be a major trend this year,” says Aquilina. “For those that haven’t heard this term yet, think of it as your ticket to that dreamy, ethereal glow that’s not too dewy, not too matte. I also feel that ‘no makeup makeup’ is here to stay, and for the eyes, we’re leaning into cooler, more enigmatic tones.”
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder in Medium, $73 at Charlotte Tilbury
Try this: Swap your gloss for a tinted lip balm. Dosed with hydrating ingredients, it’ll leave lips looking juicy and plush, sans the stickiness.
Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm in Vanilla, $38 at Sephora
The Best Tips For Modern Brows
Take cues from Benefit Cosmetics brow expert Tyler Kellahan.
Semi permanent brow treatments: Semi-permanent treatments like laminations and tints are a gamechanger. “These services help you to achieve a perfectly-styled brow without having to spend time perfecting them each morning,” explains Kellahan. “When lamination and tints are done correctly, there is minimal chance of damage.”
Up the at home care: Maintain the health of skin and brows between appointments with oil and serum formulas. “An oil will nourish the brow hairs and therefore create a more even tint, cleaner wax and a smoother lamination,” says Kellahan. “A serum like Benefit Hubba Brow serum will improve the health and volume of your brows, giving you fuller looking brows in a matter of weeks.”
Benefit Cosmetics Hubba Brow Enhancing Serum, $105 at Sephora
Perfect your brow routine: “Textured fluffy brows are here to stay a little longer. Achieve this look by applying a fine tip pencil to add hair strokes through the brow, followed by a brow gel to create texture and hold.”
Amy Jean Lamination Brow Gel, $44 at Sephora
Try ‘Skin Streaming’
Considered product use, curated routines and an emphasis on consistency – this is how you get the most out of your skincare efforts. Facialist and skincare expert April Brodie breaks it down.
Right for you: Understanding your skin type and individual goals is pivotal, explains Brodie. “This will help you choose the most essential products for your routine,” she says. “Rather than using a multitude of products, focus on selecting a few targeted and effective options that address your specific needs.”
Layer up: Apply products in the correct order to optimise their effectiveness. “Start with lightweight and water-based products and gradually move towards heavier or oil-based formulas,” says Brodie. “This helps ensure proper absorption and prevents any barrier that may hinder penetration.”
Targeted formulas: “Look for products with active ingredients to target your specific skin concerns,” says Brodie. “Ingredients like retinol, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and niacinamide can be effective in addressing various skin issues.”
Ole Henriksen Vitamin C Truth Serum, $99 at Adore Beauty
Summer Fridays Overtime Mask, $79 at Revolve
Exfoliate regularly: Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and improve the absorption of other skincare products. “Use a gentle exfoliator once or twice a week, depending on your skin’s tolerance, to reveal fresher and smoother skin,” says Brodie. “Personally, I’m all about that mild daily exfoliation using AHA and BHA products. I find them to be much gentler than physical scrubs.”
Time to purge: Less is more. “I’ve noticed that using an excessive number of products can sometimes lead to skin reactions or even interfere with the effectiveness of the products,” says Brodie.
Be Consistent With Skincare
To build an effective skincare routine, focus on these three key steps:
Cleanse: “ The foundation of any skincare routine is a proper cleansing ritual,” says Brodie. “This crucial step is not solely about what happens on the surface but also the magic that occurs beneath. Beyond removing makeup and impurities, it sets the stage for optimal skin health. Choose a gentle cleanser that effectively removes dirt, oil and impurities without stripping your skin’s natural moisture barrier. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid or ceramides to maintain hydration and balance.”
Augstinus Bader The Foaming Cleanser, $105 at Augustinus Bader
Hydrate: “A moisturiser is not just about providing hydration, it’s about nourishing and shielding your delicate skin,” explains Brodie. “Look for a formula rich in ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides or botanical extracts.”
Innisfree Green Tea Seed Hyaluronic Serum, $45 at Boniik
Protect: “Shielding your skin from harmful UV rays is an absolute non-negotiable,” says Brodie. “Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least 30 SPF or above that is carefully formulated for your skin type. Apply it generously as the final step of your morning routine. This is the ultimate defence against sun damage, and ensures your skin stays healthy, youthful, and shielded from premature ageing
Mesoestetic Mesoprotech Melan 130 Pigment Control SPF 50+, $96 at Skin Mart
Try this: LED light therapy
Boost your routine with the addition of an at home led device. It works to stimulate collagen production, reduce inflammation and improve tone, texture and complexion. For notable results, use it three to four times a week.
Currentbody Skin LED Light Therapy Face Mask, $585 at Current Body
The Not-So Humble Massage
Carve out some time for this quintessential self-care ritual. Important yet underrated, facial massage carries several health benefits including improved blood circulation, lymphatic drainage and depuffing. It will also enhance product absorption. “It’s great for overall skin health, to release muscle tension and change the posture of the muscles to give a more lifted look,” says Brodie. Incorporate dedicated massage tools like a gua sha or roller to further enhance your sculpt.
Try: A Buccal Fusion Facial. The slightly unorthodox technique uses massage from inside your mouth. With taut, rhythmic strokes, your facialist targets muscles deep within the cheek to release tightness around the jaw and cheeks, alleviating muscle tension, jaw pain and headaches.
Get it here: April Brodie integrated facialist, aprilbrodie.com.
These in-clinic treatments are a one-way ticket to your best skin yet
Best for plumping
What it is Renuva Advanced Resurfacing.
What it does A non-ablative laser (so no damage to the outer dermal layer) penetrates the deeper layers of the skin. The laser forms columns of heat within the skin tissue to naturally kickstart the body’s healing response and stimulate elastin and collagen production. It’s ideal for plumping lines and wrinkles, smoothing texture and evening complexion.
Number of treatments 3-6.
Price $399 per treatment.
Get it here Clear Skincare clinics, clearskincare.com.
Best for tightening
What it is Morpheus8.
What it does Using both microneedles and the deepest levels of radiofrequency, Morpheus8 is making waves for its ability to help treat skin laxity, lines, wrinkles and acne scaring. Able to get heat deep into the skin, this tech has impressive results in boosting collagen and tightening skin. Available now for the body, Morpheus8 is able to treat large areas, making it ideal for remodelling the stomach, thighs, flanks and bottom.
Number of treatments 3 for the face, 4-6 weeks apart, plus 1 a year for maintenance. For the body, 3-10 sessions, then 1 a year for maintenance.
Price $550-$1500 per treatment.
Get it here Face By SM, facebysm.com.
Best for resurfacing
What it is CoolPeel.
What it does This next generation CO2 laser uses new tech called Pulse Shape Design (PSD) to tackle issues such as sun-damage, wrinkles, uneven tone, acne scars and enlarged pores. Targeting the superficial layer of the skin, this treatment can be done in your lunch break without the downtime of previous CO2 lasers (most people will be slightly pink afterwards but ready to go back to life the following day). Able to be applied to the hands (great for car drivers), neck and chest as well as the face, this is a gamechanger for achieving fresh looking skin without having to block out your calendar.
Number of treatments 3-4 sessions, 4 weeks apart.
Price $600-$800 for full face.
Get it here Like Your Look, likeyourlook.com.au.
Best for reducing pigment
What it is Laser pigmentation removal.
What it does This treatment will help lessen the look of pigmentation by fragmenting the darkness and allowing it to be absorbed by the body. It can precisely target freckles and sunspots, and after treatment, pigment darkens and flakes away after about two weeks.
Number of treatments 3-4 sessions, 4-6 weeks apart.
Price From $149 for full-face treatment.
Get it here Clear Skincare Clinics, clearskincare.com.
Try Skincare-Grade Body Products
With myriad potions, lotions and nifty tools to choose from, Salt by Hendrix founder Kellie Collis reveals what works best.
Start in the shower: For supple skin, Collis recommends a body wash enriched with humectants (like glycerine and niacinamide) to balance skin and replenish moisture. “Every two to three days, I use an AHA-based body scrub … to not only reinvigorate and remove dead skin but also assist with the application and penetration of products”.
L’Occitane Almond Shower Oil, $42 at L’Occitane Australia
Skindrenching: Apply serum or cream on damp, post-shower skin to seal in moisture. “Hydration is such a fundamental part of skincare,” explains Collis. “Using skindrenching to prevent transepidermal water loss and provide nourishment is why we formulated Salt by Hendrix Daily Vitamins.”
Salt by Hendix Daily Vitamins Niacinamide; $49.95 at Adore Beauty
Cosmeceutical shift: High performing and targeted formulas are on the rise. “Customers are educated and want effective products to remedy specific body care concerns,” says Collis. “Antioxidant-rich formulas dosed with active ingredients are great for treating blemishes, bumps, dimpling and laxity concerns. ”
Tronque Fully Ripe Vitamin C Body Oil, $120 at Fenn Store
Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, $45 at Paula’s Choice Skincare
Barrier support: “Barrier supporting actives like biolipid complex, oatmeal and plant extracts support skin health,” says Collis. “It’s particularly important for dry and sensitive skin types and after AHA and retinol usage to prevent over-drying.”
Ochre Touch Body Oil, $45 at Ochre Touch
Lightweight layering: After exfoliation, Collis suggests “building with your more potent serums and oils first. Products like moisturisers … tend to be best applied once the oil or serum has had a chance to dry down.”
Try This: Dry Body Brushing
This technique is a winner for skin exfoliation and promoting lymph flow. Using a soft bristle body brush, move in circular motions upwards and towards your heart to invigorate skin and increase blood circulation.
Nimbus Dry Body Brush, $25 at Nimbus Co
Try Beauty From The Inside Out
Vitamins and ingestibles can be wonderful tools for wellness, but at the end of the day it’s your whole lifestyle that should be considered – as a sustainable way of living. Author and founder of JS Health, Jessica Sepel, shares her inside-out approach.
Day to day: “Your wellness journey is one that is ongoing,” says Sepel. “It’s rooted in the daily choices we make, from the food we consume to the time we set aside for rest and self-care. Life is so busy, I encourage everyone to carve out a little me time each day – even if it’s just 10 minutes for meditation, a few minutes in the sun at lunchtime, a night walk after dinner, or a bath/shower by candlelight. All of these can help us to reconnect with ourselves and clear the mind.”
Listen out: Supplements are not a one-size fits all. “Listen to your body,” says Sepel. “It often will tell you what supports its craving with subtle messages. Watch for the signs such as low energy, disturbed sleep, breakouts and so on.”
Start here: “Three supplements that I recommend most people invest in are a quality probiotic, magnesium and fish oil.”
More is less: With supplements, more isn’t always better. “Ask yourself what your top two to three health concerns or goals are,” suggests Sepel. “Look at solution focused supplements for these specific needs and use everyday health supplements to support you further. As a general guide, start with two to three targeted formulations plus daily health supplements, based on your current needs, for three to six months. I would always recommend seeing your health professional before starting any new supplements or making changes to your wellness protocol.”
Forgotten? “While consistency is key for long-term results, skipping a day or two of your regimen is all right,” says Sepel. “Wellness is not about perfection, but progress.”
Four ingestibles to get your body moving and skin radiant:
Best for digestive health: Jshealth Probiotic+ (60 Capsules), $69.99 at Active Skin
Best for skin hydration: Mud Organics Sea Buckthorn Serum, $74.95 at Mud Organics
Best for anti-ageing: Swiish Nrc+ Resveratrol (30 Capsules), $79.95 at Swiish
Best for brighter complexions: Vida Glow Radiance (30 Capsules), $90 at Look Fantastic
Oral Care Is The New Frontier Of Beauty
While pearly whites have always been on trend, the way we care for our teeth is fast becoming as considered as our skin-care routines. Product offerings are as efficacious as they are chic, and HiSmile’s professional partner Dr Reuben Sim, of Dental Boutique, shares his tips for boosting oral health.
Brush with care: Sim warns patients to be cautious when brushing. “Excessive pressure can lead to gum recession over time,” he says. “The best way to avoid this is to use a very soft bristled or an electric toothbrush with a pressure sensor which will guide you and let you know when you’ve accidentally exceeded the optimal pressure.”
Gentle reminder to floss: “Don’t underestimate the power of flossing. It’s essential for removing plaque and food particles from between your teeth and along the gum line,” says Dr Sim.
Hismile Smooth Mint Toothpaste, $13 at Hismile
Water intake: “I find people neglect drinking enough water,” says Sim. “Water intake will play a significant role in your saliva quality, which reduces your risk for both decay and gum disease. Having a strong saliva flow also means that staining foods and drinks don’t stay on your teeth for as long.”
Brighter Smile: “In addition to rinsing after consuming teeth-staining beverages such as black tea, coffee and wine, consider investing in whitening products and devices,” he suggests. Increasingly popular, purple serums harness colour-correcting technology to counteract yellow tones for a whiter appearance. Whitening strips are still considered a staple, and for more permanent results enlist an at-home LED teeth whitening device.
Hismile V34 Colour Corrector Serum, $35 at Hismile
gem teeth whitening pen, $19.95 at Myer
Try this: Get aligned
Straighter teeth have never been as accessible. Clear aligner company BiteSoft Co.’s high-tech business model provides teeth straightening services from the comfort of your living room. The seamless structure makes treatment significantly more affordable than traditional orthodontics. They utilise cutting edge technology to offer unique at home fittings (or a combination of at-home and in-clinic) for the duration of your treatment. There’s a maintained level of care (with regular phone, email and image check-ins) to track progress and alleviate any concerns. Bonus: they’re created with the ultra-comfortable material Zendura Flx for a barely there fit.
For more information: BiteSoft Co., bitesoftco.com. Always follow the directions for use.
