Maryse O'Donnell

To awaken my skin, I usually splash it with cool water. I like to let the previous night’s actives sink into my skin, so I rarely use a cleanser in the morning. The only cleanser I have used in the past 8 years is our Maryse Enzyme-Refine Cleansing Balm. I love the way it melts into the skin and its blue tansy scent. It helps remove any excess buildup from the day without compromising my skin barrier. A few times a week, I pair it with our Maryse Manuka Leaf Exfoliant to brighten and smooth. I love this combination as it doesn’t strip my skin in any way and helps all the actives I apply after really sinking in. My skin can become lipid dry (lack of oil), so I mix a few drops of our Omega Treatment Oil with the Moisture-Lock Hydrator and apply it to my face and neck. I love knowing the potent skin actives – Hyaluronic acid, Vitamin C, and Saccharide Isomerate are instantly replenished both morning and evening. My approach to skincare is ‘considered and consistent’.  Adapting my routine seasonally gives me the best results, as well as changing up skin actives. I have started using Synergie Priority B serum, and it has been really effective at evening my skin tone and boosting my overall skin health. In the evening, when my skin is feeling devitalised and needs a visible boost, I use a natural, non-reactive alternative to vitamin A.  I create my own formulation, combining a plant-derived extract, Bakuchiol, with some of my favourite and most potent botanical oils.  I love discovering natural alternatives to mainstream materials.  The sun in New Zealand is incredibly harsh, even in winter, so I apply SPF twice daily.  I can never settle on one SPF as the formulations keep adapting and getting better by the day.  Ultra Violette SPF 50+ is what I am currently using.  It’s lightweight, silky, and doesn’t leave any white, washed-out residue that so many SPFs can do.  Body care is something I am really trying to make the time for at the moment.  I have been having regular infrared saunas and ice baths, which I find incredibly energising.  After a treatment or a hot shower at home, I apply my favourite combination of our Multi-Vitamin Body Oil mixed with Sans Ceuticals Cellular Repair Body Lotion.

I keep it pretty pared back when it comes to my hair. My colour is completely natural, but after summer it can throw a lot of warmth, so I use a treatment at home to tone it down. Evo fabulous cool brown boosting treatment works well and makes my hair so soft and shiny. I chop and change with my shampoo and conditioners, I don’t give my hair as much attention as I do to skin.  Recently, I purchased an EVO – Ionic Paddle Brush which is so good for fine hair like mine.  It gives it some volume but keeps it smooth at the same time.  Most days, I just wear my hair down or tie it up with a Maryam Nassir Zadeh carnation scrunchie.

After applying RMS beauty UnCoverup concealer,  I blend in our Dew luminous finish on various points of my face.  It creates a post-facial glow even when my skin is feeling a little lacklustre. Depending on my mood, I choose one of our Mineral Tint colours for my cheeks & lips.  They are nutrient-infused and I consider them an extension of my skincare routine.  I like a flushed rosy look, so Apricot on the apples of my cheeks and our Lychee Lip Shine on my lips are a staple at the moment.  They are so easy to blend into the skin that I don’t even have to look in the mirror when I use them. Dune on the eyelids is a nice touch if I want a bit of definition on the eyes. I don’t wear mascara much, but I do wear Kosas Air Brow gel daily.  To finish, I apply our Treatment Balm over the top to set my brows in place.

I like to start each day with a glass of my go-to elixir,  The Beauty Chef Hydration Inner Beauty Boost. The combination of fermented hyaluronic acid and bio-fermented probiotics replenishes my skin from the inside out.  They also make these collagen chewables called Plumpers that I have just started taking.  They support collagen production and improve skin elasticity which I am all about.  The one wellness practice I am trying to make a regular habit this year is contrast therapy.  The infrared sauna and ice bath duo makes me feel incredibly energised and rejuvenated.

Something I like to do is go for a walk before the kids are up in the morning.  Even if its just for 30mins, this time for myself gives me clarity to start the day well.  The only wellbeing practitioner I see is my acupuncturist every couple of weeks.  It really resets and balances my body.

After I had babies I didn’t really like wearing perfume.  It all felt too intense and over-powering.  But recently I was given Regime des Fleurs perfume called Little Flower — it feels like a modern take on a typical rose scent.

I keep it pretty minimal…. Other than a cluster of Mineral Tints at the bottom of my bag, Treatment Balm is my go-to handbag essential for lips, brows, kids’ scraped knees… anything really. It’s packed with all kinds of botanical actives and high potency Manuka Honey.

Any time I am in Sydney I always book a facial treatment with Clare at FENN. It’s hand down the best I have ever had.  The combination of classic techniques combined with contemporary skin tools is perfection.