TRY: SLIP Double-Sided Silk Face Covering in Kiss, $45; slip.com.au
Treating In
During lockdown, many of us splashed the cash on devices that promise to bring the salon into our homes. Add these to your virtual shopping basket.
TRIPOLLAR Stop Vx (approx $1000; net-a-porter.com/en-au) is a radio-frequency collagen stimulator that can help tighten and firm skin from the inside out.
DR DENNIS GROSS’ Spectralite Faceware Pro ($696; mecca.com.au) aims to do it all, from smoothing wrinkles to clearing acne.
The BEAUTYBIO GloPro Facial Microneedling Regeneration Tool ($319; mecca.com.au) can boost collagen production and give any serum impressive added penetration.
ANGELA CAGLIA’s Rose Quartz Eye Mask ($224; mecca.com.au) calms puffiness, reduces dark circles and deeply relaxes you while you use it.
All Praise Our Hair Experts
One of the lessons of lockdown has been that we shouldn’t take our hair professionals for granted. Here’s the long and the short of what went down.
With no hairdressers to call, our roots grew out, our greys started to show and split ends became an issue. Some of us got desperate and snipped our own hair (even if only for the Insta Reels). But for many of us, it was a return to our natural texture and longer lengths. “We’ve seen more and more women learn to embrace their natural hair colour and cuts,” says Leigh Dole, founder of The Blow Bar Co, which has increased its offering of styles that embrace our hair’s natural movement.“We’ve brought back [into our menu of looks] hair tools such as the diffuser, which enhances the natural curl.”
When it came to colour, we weren’t afraid to try DIY. “We saw people get adventurous with bright and experimental colours,” says Bearzi, adding that semi-permanent hair colour sales more than doubled from 2019. “Colours with significant growth were turquoise, pink, purple and lilac.” For the rest of us, the focus was on making colour last. “To allow for more time between sessions, I’ve been doing a lot of natural-looking colour that takes longer to grow out,” says Simon Bright, colourist at Jonny + June. He cites the root shadow technique, which involves applying a darker shade at the root for a natural grown-out vibe.
TRY: DYSON Supersonic Hairdryer with Diffuser, $549; dyson.com.au
TRY: R+CO Balloon Dry Volume Spray, $44; adorebeauty.com.au
TRY: BRITE ORGANIX Semi Permanent Colour in Pastel Pink, $10.99; priceline.com.au
TRY: JONNY + JUNE Original Purple Shampoo, $29.95; jonnyjunehair.com.au
Nips and Tucks
While the health of our skin may have improved, those ubiquitous Zoom calls provided an (sometimes confronting) insight into how we look when we talk to others. For many of us, it led to a desire to improve things on a deeper level. “Patients had more time to look in the mirror or see themselves on video calls, so skin tightening treatments are definitely on the rise across all age groups,” says Dr Zacharia, who has seen an increase in demand for tightening around the brows, eyelids and, in particular, the neck.
Zacharia’s signature neck lift is a popular surgical procedure to tighten up the jawline but if you’re not ready to go under the knife, he recommends the Ultraformer laser treatment (from $2500). “It’s a non-surgical, preventative treatment that can treat the face, neck and body.”
Nailed It
With manicures missing in action, many of us had nude nails for the first time in a long while. “I have noticed fewer gel polish manicures and a growing understanding of the importance of the integrity and health of the nails,” says Petroni, who is also an official Chanel manicurist. “People have more time to research and understand the elements of their nail care routine; they’re looking for less of a quick fix.” Petroni has seen increased demand for the Naked Manicure at her Sydney salon, which uses keratin to generate shine. “It treats and repairs nails without any polish at all,” she says. If you want a current hue, Petroni suggests a shimmery metallic. “The new Chanel Le Vernis in Chaînes D’Or is my absolute favourite for summer.”
TRY: MAVALA Scientifique Penetrating Nail Hardener, $19.95; mavala.com.au
TRY: CHANEL Le Vernis in Chaînes D’Or, $42; davidjones.com.au
Makeup Pare-Back
There is that saying that during a crisis, lipsticks sales rise. But the theory doesn’t necessarily hold for a pandemic in which masks are a requirement. In fact, even the most ardent makeup wearer saw the opportunity to take on a low-key look. “Face masks are changing the way people use makeup,” says Hands, who adds that there has been a definite shift towards focusing on the parts of the face we can see, namely the eyes. “Lip balms, eye shadows, foundations, lash treatments and mascara have been popular [on Net-a-Porter],” she says.
It seems we’re also snapping up any products that will help us glow. “[We’re seeking] pared back and super-natural makeup with glassy skin, laminated brows and even faux freckles,” says Tony Baumann, head of artistry at Mecca. “Masking, exfoliating and at-home skin care devices really had a moment this year.”
Now, months on, colour is back. Statement bright lipstick – even if just for a Zoom call – paired with crystal-clear skin is our newest beauty goal. “Brighter shades have taken over safe neutrals,” says Baumann. “[People] want to make a statement with colour.”
TRY: MORPHE Hint Hint Skin Tint, $26; au.morphe.com
TRY: DR. BARBARA STURM Glow Drops, $222; mecca.com.au
TRY: CLARINS Lip Comfort Oil in Candy, $35; clarins.com.au
TRY: LANOLIPS The Original 101 Ointment Multipurpose Superbalm, $16.95; lanolips.com.au
Wellness Warriors
These two newcomers to the Australian market tackle both inner health and outer glow.
Moon Juice
The ultimate in self-care, this brand is all about function and unadulterated, traceable ingredients.
TRY: MOON JUICE Plump Jelly Hydrating Serum, $93; mecca.com.au
Goop Beauty
The brainchild of actor and businesswoman Gwyneth Paltrow, this Cali brand offers clean ingredients and can-do skincare.
TRY: GOOP BEAUTY GoopGlow 15% Glycolic Acid + Fruit Extracts Overnight Glow Peel, $72 for four; mecca.com.au
This story originally appeared in the March 2021 issue of marie claire.
