Australian model Jessica Kahawaty is the master of balancing a busy schedule, whether it be hosting Project Runway Middle East, acting or jetting overseas with UNICEF on humanitarian missions.
But despite her commitments, the stunning 29-year-old is always able to maintain a stable beauty routine and improvises her workouts no matter where she is in the world.
Speaking to FEMAIL ahead of storming the runway for Kookai on Wednesday evening, Jessica revealed her top beauty and health secrets and the advice she has for young models wishing to follow in her footsteps.
‘For me it does get a little tricky to stick to a routine because I am travelling every seven to ten days,’ Jessica said.
Australian model Jessica Kahawaty is the master of balancing a busy schedule, whether it be hosting Project Runway Middle East, acting or jetting overseas with UNICEF on humanitarian missions
Speaking to FEMAIL ahead of storming the runway for Kookai (pictured) on Wednesday evening, Jessica revealed her top beauty and health secrets and the advice she has for young models wishing to follow in her footsteps
‘But there are a few key things I try and stick to as much as possible.
‘One thing I do try and do often is sleep until around 10am – I am not a morning person at all and I prefer to stay up very late to around 1am or 2am.
‘I find that my most creative ideas come at this time so I’m often on the phone to my manager and team in different countries at all hours.’
With her beauty routine, Jessica says she’s ‘very strict’ and likes to maintain it no matter where she is in the world.
‘For me it does get a little tricky to stick to a routine because I am travelling every seven to ten days,’ Jessica said
‘One thing I do try and do often is sleep until around 10am – I am not a morning person at all and I prefer to stay up very late to around 1am or 2am,’ she said
‘I never sleep with make up on and I wash twice a day with activated charcoal cleansers – morning and evening,’ she said.
‘I use all natural products and love using jojoba oil mud masks, dead sea masks and DIY masks – I love using sugar and cinnamon, especially on my lips.’
She has also revealed previously that she uses rose flower water as toner and SPF 50+ every day.
Jessica also has warm water with Manuka honey from New Zealand in it every morning without fail – something she credits for her glowing skin and improved immunity.
‘I never sleep with make up on and I wash twice a day with activated charcoal cleanses – morning and evening,’ she said
‘The degree is a part of me and I’ve got such a deep knowledge now of everything I am passionate about. I have so many plans and can’t wait to do more work with UNICEF on an international scale,’ Jessica said
‘I have actually never tried coffee in my life (shocking I know) but I find the Manuka honey water gives me all the energy I need for the day,’ Jessica said.
With her diet, Jessica is all about moderation and describes herself as a ‘massive foodie’.
‘I won’t lie, I love food and I cook a lot. Because we are a Lebanese family we always cook up big feasts and while I enjoy everything I just focus on keeping the portions small,’ she said.
‘In the lead up to a runway show like this I do try to eat healthier and follow a low carb diet and low gluten to prevent bloating but I am a huge chocolate fan so I never cut that out!
Jessica also has warm water with Manuka honey from New Zealand in it every morning without fail – something she credits for her glowing skin and improved immunity
‘In the lead up to a runway show like this I do try to eat healthier and follow a low carb diet and low gluten to prevent bloating but I am a huge chocolate fan so I never cut that out!’ She said
‘The key for me is doing what my body responds to most so I find that I respond better to carbs in winter and at other times my body tells me to eat healthier foods.’
The one thing she rarely eats, however, is plane food.
‘I really dislike it and avoid it where I can,’ she said.
With her workout regime, Jessica says it changes from location to location.
‘Workouts are the hardest to maintain as I have a highly intense schedule for example at New York Fashion Week recently I didn’t exercise at all because I had way too many shows and event appearances,’ Jessica said
Speaking about the Kookai SS 17/18 runway on Wednesday night, Jessica said it took a little more preparation than an editorial shoot
‘This is the hardest thing to maintain as I have a highly intense schedule for example at New York Fashion Week recently I didn’t exercise at all because I had way too many shows and event appearances,’ Jessica said.
‘I use hotel gyms where I can but I do love swimming as much as possible, I used to be a professional swimmer and it’s one of my favourite forms of exercise.’
Speaking about the Kookai SS 17/18 runway on Wednesday night, Jessica said it took a little more preparation than an editorial shoot.
‘I actually miss runways as I don’t do them as much anymore – there is so much more adrenaline and it’s exciting,’ she said.
‘It was important to me to really rehearse my walk so I could embody the feel of the collection which was all about vacations to locations like the Amalfi Coast and fun, summery bright prints – very much my personal style.’
Jessica, who has a Bachelor of Law and Finance, said her degree has been hugely helpful in her career – but for now, doesn’t plan on practising law.
Jessica, who has a Bachelor of Law and Finance, said her degree has been hugely helpful in her career – but for now, doesn’t plan on practising law
‘It’s about ethics as much as it is about looks. Looks can help you get a foot in the industry but what gives a model longevity is how had she works and the impression she leaves behind – we all have a story,’ she said
‘It’s a complement to what I do as I studied human rights law and it really helps with my charity work and the issues I advocate for,’ Jessica said.
‘The degree is a part of me and I’ve got such a deep knowledge now of everything I am passionate about. I have so many plans and can’t wait to do more work with UNICEF on an international scale.’
Jessica said her advice for young, up and coming models is to simply work hard.
‘I started at 14 and have worked ever since, and I’ve worked very very hard,’ Jessica said.
‘I started because my mum was a model and she had an incredible work ethic too. It’s also really important to be kind to people you work with and to leave a really good impression.
‘It’s about ethics as much as it is about looks. Looks can help you get a foot in the industry but what gives a model longevity is how hard she works and the impression she leaves behind – we all have a story.’