Australia’s top beauty gurus share their best makeup and skincare tricks for 2023

A panel of beauty industry experts have spilled their top tips for nailing radiant and glowy skin year-round using the best skincare ingredients and makeup application.

Skin scientist and founder of Synergie Skin Terri Vinson, renowned makeup artist Rae Morris and the ladies behind podcast Cosmechix and Fayshell spoke to 100 women at the Very Important Beauty seminar on Tuesday, hosted by Maria Thattil.

The virtual event touched on the importance of loving your skin at every age but did offer proactive advice for those who wanted to fight pigmentation and sun damage, or generally learn how to layer their products to achieve their best skin yet.

So what did the experts suggest?

SKIN SCIENTIST TERRI VINSON

One of the most controversial topics Terri touched on was the misinformation surrounding hyaluronic acid and collagen, which are marketed as a cure-alls for all manner of ageing ‘issues’ and hydration loss.

‘As we mature we produce less collagen, less elastin, the melanin is deposited in an uneven fashion, there is less water retention and hormonal changes,’ she said.

‘Traditional hyaluronic acid and collagen are massive molecules so they don’t penetrate the skin itself.’

And when it comes to those collagen supplements you’ve been told to take in a powdered form to strengthen your skin, hair and nails, they’re not telling the entire truth either.

‘Your body has to break down those collagen molecules into amino acids. If you eat a collagen supplement there is only a one in 20,000 chance that it will become collagen on the other side. Just eat a good quality protein supplement instead.’

Terri swears by Hydroxypinacolone retinoate as her favourite form of Vitamin A in skincare because it’s the most potent on the market without getting a prescription.

‘If you can’t tolerate that go for an encapsulated version. It helps with pigmentation and can reduce DNA damage from sun exposure,’ she said.

Then she always incorporates Vitamin B3, otherwise known as Niacinamide, into her skincare routine each night because it’s such a great barrier repairer and it’s a ‘dream’ to formulate with.   

Vitamin C in skincare is more potent than taking a Vitamin C supplement so Terri ensures she’s using L-Ascorbic acid mixed with water or a serum.

All of the research papers done on Vitamin C in skincare where done on this acid and, Terri claims, there are ‘a lot of rubbish derivatives out there’ that don’t actually achieve anything.  

Zinc, which blocks UVA and UVB from the sun, is Terri’s favourite ingredient in a physical sunscreen and she also swears by pre and post biotics skincare.

Makeup artist Rae Morris (pictured)

MAKEUP ARTIST RAE MORRIS

Renowned as one of the most influential makeup artists in the world, Rae Morris is not only a number one best-selling author but also four time Australian Makeup Artist of the Year, the longest serving Makeup Director for L’Oreal Paris and has been inducted into multiple Halls of Fame.

Her top tip for those looking to master their makeup is to find someone who walks the red carpet who looks like you – with a similar hair colour and skin tone – and follow their makeup lead. 

‘Some makeup tricks will make you look older. Red eyeshadow can make you look tired and sore. If you’re in a rut, less is more. If fine lines are a concern, take the shimmer away,’ she said.

Rae doesn’t put a lot of moisturiser on the eyelids before she starts the eyeshadow process because the area is ‘the oiliest’ on the face. This will help avoid creasing. 

‘Primers can work on some people and not work at all on others. Maintenance and reapplication is the trick. If you are going to get a primer opt for a blurring variety,’ she said.

‘Buy a foundation with heavy coverage but apply less of it.’

If you find that your skin barrier has been compromised Rae swears by Avene Cicalfate+ for healing redness and light irritation.

ELLA JAMES AND KATELIN GREGG AT COSMECHIX

Ella and Katelin are the proud owners of Sydney clinic FayShell and hosts of Cosmechix – a beauty podcast that educates millennials on all things cosmetic enhancements, skincare, and beauty. 

Through conversations with over 100 industry experts, they are the go-to gals for the latest beauty treatments and trends.

Fayshell’s exemplary business model encourages individuals to incorporate monthly facial treatments as a part of their ongoing beauty maintenance, like you would with a nail or hair appointment.

Ella and Katelin are the proud owners of Sydney clinic FayShell and hosts of Cosmechix – a beauty podcast that educates millennials on all things cosmetic enhancements, skincare, and beauty

There are two subscription options to choose from with each visit to the clinic is totally customisable depending on what your skin needs, so you don’t have to sift through pages of vague treatment options.

And that was their best advice during the seminar: Make sure you’re customising both your skincare and skin treatments. 

‘You really need to find a facialist who will tailor the treatment to your skin and your goals,’ they said.

‘We look into your treatments and products but also your gut health, what you’re eating, drinking. Your skincare journey will require consistency in all areas of your life.’

They also pointed out that the sudden popularity of LED is no surprise given one 20 minute session a few times a week leaves the skin glowy and flushed.