With a longstanding career as a beauty editor and founder of Beauticate, you could say that Sigourney Cantelo knows a thing or two when it comes to beauty. Over the years, she’s been lucky enough to get her hands on some of the most sought-after beauty prods going around—and there’s no doubt she’s tried and tested everything from the weird to the wonderful.
It’s been a while since we’ve chatted to Sigourney here at Amodrn, so we managed to pin the mum-of-two down for some good old makeup talk ahead of the Architects of Beauty event kicking off in Melbourne today.
Consider this your exclusive backstage pass:
What changes will you be making to your skincare regime as we head into winter?
I’ll be switching up my cleanser from a foaming to an oil or melting balm texture. I’m currently loving Farmacy Green Clean Meltaway Cleansing Balm. I’m also a big fan of the Eve Lom Cleanser but I never have enough time to do the whole muslin routine, although it’s a lovely idea.
SHOP Farmacy Green Clean here.
I’ll also start steaming my skin with essential oils—I find it’s great to do when you’ve got a cold or flu—I just use a Conair facial steamer—and you can add a few drops of eucalyptus or tea tree oil which clears your airways while decongesting your skin. It’s nice to do before a mask, then some massage with facial oil—I’m obsessed with Subtle Energies Facial Oil—it’s Ayurvedic Aromatherapy and it has the most heavenly smell. I also keep one next to my bed for when I’m too tired to do the whole routine at the sink.
You’ve been in the beauty industry for many years. What are some brands/products that you keep going back to and why?
For high strength cosmeceuticals I always fall back on Rationale, Ultraceuticals and Synergie Skin but I like to mix it back with classical, indulgent skincare—Lancome and La Prairie products really suit my skin. Dermalogica and Clinique are great too as they’re generally fragrance-free formulas that won’t irritate and are still potent. Makeup, I love Armani, Chanel, Tom Ford, MAC, Nars and By Terry.
Best budget buy?
Moo Goo—it’s an amazing Australian range and that are perfect for sensitive skin and scalps. I swear by their shampoo but also all the eczema creams and sunscreen. They’re priced really well. I also love Sukin, Milk Baby and fake tans by Le Tan, Minetan and Sunescape.
SHOP Aesop Resurrection Hand Wash here.
Ultimate splurge?
Currently loving La Prairie Crème Extraordinaire Illuminating Cream—the texture, the smell, the packaging is next level. Also adore Aesop Resurrection Hand Wash and Rejuvenate Intensive Body Balm body creams and Byredo Candles (Woods and Altar are beautiful for winter).
What does your morning beauty routine look like?
- Splash face with water and pat dry—I don’t cleanse in the morning. I’m always in a rush getting the kids ready or trying to fit in morning exercise/meditation and I don’t think it’s hugely necessary.
- I’ll use a couple of drops each of Rationale Immunologist and Super Antioxidant serums followed by their Photo Dynamic Day Cream SPF 15 if I’m going to be inside or Bioderma Photoderm BB SPF 50+ if I’m going out and about.
- For face, if I want some coverage but don’t want to wear foundation I’ll use IT Cosmetics CC Cream—it’s so easy, blends beautifully and the coverage is enough that you don’t need anything else.
- Then some concealer under the eyes—currently loving By Terry Click Stick as the teardrop shaped head gets right into the inside corners and makes me look more awake. Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk foundation and a light dusting of Chanel Les Beiges powder—it’s a really natural looking bronze and I have three shades depending on the season and how dark my body is. Tap on some RMS Luminiser.
- I’ve got lash extensions (Love Those Lashes in Paddington are great) so I don’t generally bother with eye makeup (it’s my best busy-mum hack) but if I have an event I’ll use Charlotte Tilbury or Urban Decay eyeshadows, Chanel or Lancome eyeliner, Dior Mascara—the works.
- I’ll slather on some body cream—currently loving Diptyque Fresh Lotion for the Body from Mecca (smells so beautiful) or L’Occitane Melting Shea Butter in Wonderful Jasmine. The texture is spot on for scaly winter limbs. A swipe of Mitchum Powder Fresh if it’s a hot/stressful day and Erica Brooke Neroli and Vanilla Deodorant Cream or Moo Goo if it’s not.
- Then a spritz of perfume—currently Grandiflora Michel and I’m out the door.
SHOP The Beauty Chef Inner Body Powder here.
What does your night time beauty routine look like?
- Remove makeup with either Burt’s Bees Cleansing Oil or Farmacy Green Clean if I don’t have lash extensions. If I do, I’ll use Dior Hydralife Micellar Water or Bioderma Sensibio H2O, then I’ll do a second cleanse with Ultraceuticals Ultra Brightening Foaming Cleanser and once a week use the Clarisonic Cleansing Brush to really feel squeaky clean.
- Then I’ll use Rationale Catalyst Serum followed by Lancome Absolue Precious Cells Revitalizing Rose Lotion—it smells amazing and has rose petals in it (the Rose Mask is incred too).
- Then it’s Ultraceuticals Vitamin A Serum followed by Alpha H Essential Hydration Cream. If my skin is freaking out I’ll use Dermalogica Calm Water Gel to settle it down. If I have a shower I’ll use Weleda Relaxing Body Oil or Sodashi Serenity Oil on damp skin to lock in the moisture and—when I’m feeling generous—do a little self massage. It’s such a delicious way to unwind for bed. Lanolips Rose Hand Cream and The Nail Lab Cuticle Oil are the last things I do before the lights go out.
What is one thing your mother taught you about beauty and what is one thing you’ll pass on to your daughter?
Be hyper vigilant with the sun. I’m not as good as my mum (she shrouds in hats, scarves, gloves, the lot) but I always protect my face. I keep hats in the car in case I’m caught out. I’ll teach Lulu this but also teach her the importance of getting outdoors early in the morning for a little vitamin D and to get some exercise, even if it’s just a quick walk. I want to teach her to meditate too. There’s nothing more beautiful than a happy, relaxed person.
What is the biggest beauty mistake you made as a teen?
I went through a henna hair dye stage—my hair was a weird dark red colour that I thought was very cool and indie but in retrospect was rather strange. Oh also blue eyeshadow and frosted pink lipstick—I wore that combo with an aqua blue lurex dress to my formal! Actually, it was Zimmermann—which is cool—I love that an Aussie brand has stood the test of time so well.
SHOP The Super Elixir by WelleCo here.
Are there any particular foods you eat for healthy skin/beauty from within?
I make kombucha at home and drink a glass every morning and sometimes a glass at night in a wine glass instead of wine when I’m trying to be good. I also eat a bunch of sauerkraut (I’m addicted to The Goods Chilli Saurkraut—I have it with avocado or eggs on toast in the mornings). I also like The Beauty Chef Protein Powder for my smoothies post workout and Super Elixir Greens Powder – it’s a little sweet and can help (a little) to curb my Lindt ball cravings in the afternoon. Oily fish and sea vegetables are also great—we order salmon Fish Bowl or Poke Bowl with wakame a lot in our office!
What beauty trend are you loving right now?
Loving the new cushion compacts for foundation—it makes so much sense as we all want that dewy liquid look but no one wants to lug around liquids or get their fingers dirty on the run. La Mer and La Prairie have just launched the most indulgent cushions and the Chanel Les Beige one is beautiful. I also like ribbons and scarves tied around a ponytail or bun—it looks so fresh and pretty.
SHOP La Prairie Skin Caviar Essence-In-Foundation here.
What beauty trend can you just not get on board with?
Coloured eyeshadow. I’ve tried but I just can’t go there. It’s always bronze, nude, chocolate shadows for me. Some girls can totally pull it off though. I love that makeup opens the door for creative expression and I love seeing women embrace that.
Do you have any at-home, natural beauty remedies or ingredients that you swear by?
I’m loving topical magnesium sprays—I’m currently using Sid & Jac #calmyourspray on my shoulders and the soles of my feet before bed and I’m a huge fan of aromatherapy—I pop a few drops of lavender in a diffuser half an hour before bed, pop a little melatonin and it’s been a big help for my insomnia. Swearing off tech and picking up a book also helps.
Learn more beauty hacks from Sigourney and other beauty thought leaders at Architects of Beauty from 10-13 May 2018 at Highpoint Shopping Centre. Bookings are essential, visit www.highpoint.com.au.
