To me, beauty is most present in the imperfections, it’s what sets us apart from one another. I like the unusual and find it fascinating.
My personal beauty philosophy is self acceptance, lean into what you have been born with. Our bodies really are our temples and every scar, mark or blemish tells a story. I don’t try to hide or cover anything up as it is part of who I am and what makes me whole, I feel confident in my skin.In Nina's File
‘Unfortunately, I am a chronic loser of lip balms so I need multiples on my desk and in my bags at all times.’
‘Long lasting intense red.”
‘This makes my skin feel so clean and hydrated after cleansing with it.”
‘It has taken me a while to find one that doesn’t make me break out and I religiously use it.’
What does Beauty mean to you?
On Skincare
My morning routine is pretty simple. I usually cleanse with Emma Lewisham illuminating Oil Cleanser then apply an under eye and face vitamin C by Kiehl’s, followed by Emma Lewisham supernatural face creme and then a spf 50. I really like the Mecca brand sunscreen, it has taken me a while to find one that doesn’t make me break out and I religiously use it.
In the evenings I cleanse with either Elemis pro cleansing balm or 111 Skin enzyme cleanserTwice a week, I use a high strength retinol cream. On those nights I usually follow it with an overnight mask or the Elizabeth Arden 8 hour cream as the retinol can be abrasive.
On the other 5 nights, I use the Augustinus Bader serum and face oil , Perricone MD eye cream. I also really love the 111 Skin black diamond eye cream.
After I shower I use the Nivea rich body lotion which I have used my entire life. My mum used it on me when I was little so it always reminds me of her, the scent is nostalgic.
I have hand and lip balms scattered everywhere in my home and in the studio, I’m constantly reaching for them. I like the Weleda skin food and Aesop hand balm for hands and the Lesse soothing lip balm for lips. Unfortunately I am a chronic loser of lip balms so I need multiples on my desk and in my bags at all times.
On Haircare
My hair is medium textured and slightly wavy.
Much like make-up, I also can’t style hair well and put very little time or effort into it outside of my regular 6 week hair appointment. I adore my hairstylist Pete Lennon. He cuts my hair so well I really don’t need to do anything aside from wash and dry it off in between appointments. I use olaplex shampoo and conditioner and once a week I apply a moisture mask. If my hair is feeling a bit dry on the ends, I run some Sans [ceuticals] Activator 7 through it.
On Make-up
I don’t really wear make up with the exception of lips. I think this is partially because I never really learned the art of makeup application so I just go without. But lips are easy!
During the day I like to use the Fluff lip oil in blackberry and the Imbibe collagen lips in plum honey.
For evenings or events, I tend to focus more on skin prep so my skin looks hydrated and balmy. The Augustinus Bader rich cream is great for this, it adds glow to my complection. I love a red lip and my favorites are the Dior Rouge Dior and Chanel Rouge Allure L’extrait.
On Health and Wellness
I love working out! I need it for mental clarity as much as my physical health.
I run three days per week, it is a form of meditation for me.
I also do reformer pilates at Studio Mouvoir, my friend Erin’s pilates studio which is across the road from my gallery. Super convenient! I also do a hiit class once a week.
I enjoy a well balanced diet but I try not to be too restrictive as I really enjoy eating, it allows me to spend time with those around me and dinner is my favorite meal of the day.
In winter, I really enjoy going to the bath house with my husband and friends for a sauna/ steam, cold plunge and mineral pool. I usually try to do a late session to wind down and sleep so well after and I love the social aspect. I don’t bother as much in the summer as my body doesn’t really crave it. In summer I hit the beach a bit but it has to be super hot for me to swim as I am unlikely to get in the water if it is under 30 degrees outside.
On Rituals
Wear sunscreen and drink water!
On Fragrance
My favorite scents are the Maison Louise Marie Antidris Cassis. I received it a few years ago from my now departed friend so whenever I wear it, I think fondly of her and have replaced it many times since she gave it to me.
I have Le Labo Tuberuse 40 sitting on my desk and spritz myself daily with this.
Both of these scents are rose heavy, the smell of roses has always been a favorite of mine. I like the classics.
Nina's Directory
Venustus (Sydney) – for the SLOW facial treatment
Les Bains Du Marais (Paris) – for the Turkish bath house hamman
All Saints (Sydney) – for the Hydra Facial
‘Leaves my skin hydrated and plump.’