WITH BEAUTICATE’S SIGOURNEY CANTELO
In awe of the amount of beauty products that needed to be analysed, styled and photogrpahed when starting out in magazines, Sigourney Cantelo knew which direction her journalistic career was going to take. From beauty write to Vogue’s beauty and health director to the editor and founder of Beauticate, Sigourney has literally travelled the world reporting on the best products and learning from industry experts.
So when Sigourney starts talking about the products we should be investing in during our harsh summers, and where in the Eastern Suburbs we should be indulging in for beauty treatments, we are scribbling it all down so that you too are in the know.
WITH SUMMER UPON US, WHAT TIPS CAN YOU GIVE US ON PROTECTING OUR SKIN THIS SEASON?
It’s hard to find the perfect sunscreen – and I’ve tried (see my great sunscreen search). For the face I’m a fan of physical sunscreens (zinc dioxide and titanium dioxide that actually form a barrier on the skin) but you do have to be vigilant and reapply as soon as they smudge or sweat off. The best option is a mineral makeup or tinted moisturiser like Synergie Mineral Whip or Invisible Zinc. When I’m at the beach or exercising I’ll use a chemical sunscreen as they are generally lighter weight and more water resistant – Ultraceuticals Alpha H and Dermalogica do great SPF 50.
TELL US YOUR TOP BEAUTY HOTSPOTS IN THE EASTERN SUBURBS FOR SOMEONE WANTING TO SPLURGE A LITTLE?
The most splurge-worthy facials can be found at Melanie Grant and Jocelyn Petroni (her hands are heaven – she actually meditates while she does your facial massage).
I’ve recently started a cosmetic section on the site, so I’ve been interviewing great doctors about the little tweaks we can make to turn back the clock. The best injectors are Dr Joseph Hkeik and Dr Anoop Rastogi – both are in Double Bay and know how to create a beautiful subtle look so no one has to know you’ve had anything done. Joseph’s new salon All Saints Skin Clinic is like something out of a dream – the chic monochromatic Blainey-North-designed space feels more like going to a friend’s private home than a doctor’s office.
WHAT’S THE BEST BEAUTY HACK YOU’VE EVER BEEN TOLD AND BY WHO?
Rosie Huntington Whiteley taught me how to put on fake lashes properly (which is great when I’m off the lash extensions and need a bit of help!) The trick is to wait until the glue is tacky – not too wet and to look down into a mirror when you’re placing them, it opens up the lid area and allows you to see the lashline where you want to position them.
WHAT’S THE ONE PRODUCT YOU CAN NEVER LIVE WITHOUT?
BB Cream with SPF for day to day – I love IT Cosmetics and Dr Jart both from Sephora. They have good sun protection and great coverage with a hint of luminosity – but both feel like you’re wearing nothing at all. Great when you’re not going to be in the sun all day and you just want skin that gleams.
TELL US YOUR TOP FIVE HOTSPOTS IN THE EASTERN SUBURBS FOR GENERAL BEAUTY UPKEEP AND MAINTENANCE?
- For a quick, clean and super well executed mani I head to The Nail Lab in Darlinghurst.
- I get my hair cut and coloured at Edwards and Co with the lovely Joel.
- For quick blowdries I’ll often duck in to Barney Martin BM2, which is literally around the corner from my office – as is Vaia Beauty.
- Vaia Beauty does a great facial but she’s also a herbalist, does spray tans and has a wonderful detox Infrared sauna.
- I’m also very partial to lash extensions – they are the best beauty tip in summer! You can swim and skip the makeup but feel ‘done’ 24/7. I have been going to Love Those Lashes in Paddington for years – the girls are amazing there.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD WE BE GETTING A FACIAL/EYEBROW WAX?
The French would say facials every month, but to be honest I do a lot of skin maintenance at home with microdermabrasion and at home peels. Also, if your skincare is active enough you don’t need too many facials.
They say you should ideally have a brow wax every four to six weeks but again, it’s all dependant on how often you can escape to the salon – my brow go-to girls are Kristin Fisher and Amy Jean. Being a mum, I tend to maintain a lot of things at home myself when it’s too crazy to get out.
WHAT IS A BEAUTY APPOINTMENT A GIRL SHOULD NEVER MISS?
Hair colour is probably the most universally un-missable beauty appointment – particularly if you’re a bottle blonde or at war with your greys (like me!)
WHAT BEAUTY TRENDS CAN WE EXPECT TO SEE IN 2018?
- The trend of personalising your beauty is interesting and will increase next year – like the local brand Hop and Cotton where you answer a quiz and you’re sent your own routine tailored to your skin.
- We will also continue to see Korean Beauty but Japanese (and Japanese inspired) brands are back in the spotlight like Kanebo, Shiseido and Tatcha.
- On the cosmetic front, treatments that require less downtime but give considerable results like Ulthera and Thermage are set to be on the rise.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR BEAUTICATE?
We’re working on some really exciting initiatives for 2018 – we are extending our Go-To’s Spa & Salon Directory and working on making the site more shoppable. I’ve got new staff starting too, which is exciting, so we’ll have some fresh voices cropping up on the site. And we have some amazing celebrity profiles lined up, which I can’t wait to share.
SIGOURNEY CANTELO’S EASTERN SUBURBS FAVOURITE..
CHEAP EAT?
Grill’d Darlinghurst (Chilli Addict on a Low Carb Super Bun)
HIDDEN GEM?
Joe’s Kitchen – it’s a hole in the wall next to my office, he does sandwiches but also the most amazing Asian fusion food.
COFFEE SPOT?
Side Part Café at Wildlife Hair and Beauty in Milsons Point (love that salon – it has rockstar views!) because Vee make’s a mean almond latte with my favourite Milk Lab almond milk.
RESTAURANT?
Chin Chin. The Pork Roll Ups and poached chicken salad are delicious.
HOT LOCAL TIP?
The new water park at Centennial Park is ah-mazing for kids.
AUSTRALIAN TRAVEL DESTINATION?
Wolgan Valley because it’s so luxe. Everything is done so well and the setting is so quintessentially Australian.
Words by Sitchu Team