4 minute read
Beauty notes
Barely there
Does “less is more” ring true when it comes to beauty looks? Our experts share their thoughts on the rising popularity of simplifi ed make-up, skincare and hair routines
WORDS CHARLOTTE BRUNDRETT
It began as a fashion trend, but minimalism is now being embraced by the beauty community.
Not only does cutting back on products help bank balances, it can also make your beauty routine more efficient and effective.
It also means waving goodbye to skincare ingredients competing with one another, hair products weighing down your mane and excessive make-up contributing to cakeyness.
We break down the best advice for simplifying your beauty routine.
HAIR
Australians have shifted towards low-maintenance hair care and colouring services, according to hair education specialist and colourist Michael Kelly.
“The approach to colouring services has changed considerably over the past five years,” Michael says. “These days the average time between colouring appointments is roughly 10-12 weeks compared to the traditional timeframe of six to eight weeks.”
This is largely due to clients requesting softer highlights, natural-looking balayage and root shadows so regrowth isn’t as noticeable, all of which help to extend the longevity of colour between appointments.
“What’s happening in hair nowadays is a massive shift (compared) to what was popular in the 1990s and 2000s. Back then, clients were asking for heavily compacted highlights, which required far greater upkeep,” Michael says.
“Glosses are a great refresher between appointments, and that’s what I gravitate to for my clients. Less regular colouring is going to benefit the health and condition of hair, and you’re saving time and money in the process.”
Start simple
—JAMES VIVIAN
SKIN
Skincare education has improved greatly in recent years, with everyday consumers now familiar with powerful active ingredients such as niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. But the problem is there can be too much of a good thing, especially when it comes to what you’re putting on your skin. “A lot of people think that to get into skincare you have to have every single serum and every step covered, but that’s not actually doing anyone any favours,” dermal therapist James Vivian says. “Introducing a bunch of active ingredients at once isn’t a good idea. Not only can this cause hypersensitivity, if your skin becomes irritated then it’s hard to determine what exact ingredient is at fault because you’ve introduced multiple products at once.”
James recommends starting with the basics and working your way up, prioritising one skin concern at a time.
“When it comes to building a skincare routine, get your basics right first, which is to cleanse, moisturise and use sun protection.”
WE LIKE La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Anti-Ageing Serum 30ml, $60.99
WE LIKE Joico K-PAK Color Therapy Luster Lock Gloss Oil 63ml, $20.99
Switch it up “The great thing about make-up is you can adjust your look depending on how you’re feeling that day.”
—JADE KISNORBO
MAKE-UP
Using dual-purpose products is one way The House of Wellness beauty expert Jade Kisnorbo likes to simplify her routine.
“Multi-use products are a good way to simplify your routine. Products that come to mind are lip and cheek products,” Jade says.
But many other products may have unintentional dualpurpose uses.
“A coral or pink lipstick can also work really well as a cream blush. Bronzer can double as an eyeshadow base and you can even use it to line the lip with a small brush,” she says.
WE LIKE Trilogy Vitamin C Double Booster Pack, $47.99; Avene Day Protector Tinted BB Cream SPF 30, $27.99; Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Multi-Use Concealer, $16.49; W7 Honolulu Liquid Bronzer, $4.99; Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Waterproof Mascara, $21.49
5trends FROM AUSTRALIAN FASHION WEEK
SHADES OF PINK From baby pink shades at Alice McCall to neon fuchsia for Daniel Avakian, pink lips are well and truly back. For something understated but different, take cues from Sammy Robinson and try a mauve lip shade.
GRAPHIC EYES Designers explored a variety of techniques to achieve the ultimate unique eye look. These included bright colour blocking, inverse cat eyes, cut-creasing and even stickers and non-traditional make-up products.
1970s BLOWOUTS From Farrah Fawcett waves to soft, romantic curls and layered mullets, there was an abundance of 1970s-esque hairstyles. Ask your hair stylist for bevelled layers at your next appointment to achieve the looks at home.
COPPER TONES Warm coppery hues were a firm fixture on the festival runways, providing a much-needed departure from cool-toned shades. Perfect for the sunny months ahead, copper adds warmth to the face.
POLISHED BRAIDS Everything from box braids to rope braid ponytails were seen on the Christopher Esber, Rebecca Vallance and Romance was Born runways, and for good reason; they are one of the simplest ways to finesse your look.
