Beauty is so much more than skin deep. It's why Elyse Knowles starts her beauty routine on the inside, not the outside. Practicing mindfulness and gratitude is essential and looking after her gut health is key - in fact she's now an ambassador for Two Good yoghurt.

We spoke to Elyse about her routine and what she does to pick herself up when she's rundown. For her it's all about ocean swims, long walks, staying moisturised and burning endless tea candles.

What is your morning beauty routine?

At the moment I love to start the day with a long walk. The fresh air on my skin feels soothing and awakening. A post walk swim in the ocean offers another dose of natural goodness for my complexion! When I’m back home I jump in the shower and use the MAAEMO Rejuvenation Clay Cleanser. It’s super gentle, packed with Aloe Vera and Certified Organic oils and extracts. To finish, I moisturise and apply SPF and I’m good to go!

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Image: Maaemo; Instagram.

What is your night beauty routine?

I’ve been reminding myself lately that my night time routine needs to be more than skin deep to deliver an effective and consistent result. While there are beautiful products I use, I prioritise some time to practice mindfulness and gratitude. This might sound a little cliche but I cannot stress enough how beneficial it’s been for the health of my skin.

I usually stop everything in time for the sunset and make sure to simply just enjoy the view and take in the world around me. Remembering to embrace nature’s beauty minimises any feelings of stress or angst and allows my mind to slow down and chill out. Personally, stress has a direct effect on the condition of my skin so is absolutely paramount for me to take some time out each day to just be in the moment and sincerely appreciate the moment.

When a zen like feeling washes over me, it’s into the shower! I’ll use the MAAEMO Rejuvenation Clay Cleanser again and follow up with the Vitalize Face Elixir before bed. The Elixir contains hempseed oil which offers healing properties. It’s a lovely, silk like product to end the day with.

If I’m particularly overwhelmed or exhausted, I’ll have a hot bath and use the MAAEMO Elimination Mask. As its in more of a paste form, the weight of it allows the mask to it sink in and work its magic.

I’ve been getting a lot of headaches of late, so I’ve started to use a stone roller to gently massage my face in bed. Its now my favourite night time ritual, and Josh’s.

Image: Instagram; Kneso; Instagram; Maaemo.

Describe what you do for a living? What does a typical day look like for you?

I work with a collection of brands who align with my core values and my lifestyle. Together the aim is to expand awareness and convey useful, educational information. No day is the same! I have clients across a few different industries so I move around a lot… it keeps me on my toes!

What is the supermarket/ drug store/ chemist beauty product(s) that you use and love?

My skin in particular is very sensitive and prone to breakouts if I’m not careful. For this reason I tend to use products who are Certified Organic or brands who really focus of natural or plant based ingredients. They are usually more gentle and they don’t aggravate my skin or cause unwanted redness or inflammation. Brands such as MAAEMO and Aveda are so nicely suited to me. They’re widely available and I’d encourage people to give them a go if they’re interested in a more holistic style of skin and haircare.

What is your main form of beauty body maintenance? What products do you use on your body?

I’ve been using Est skincare on my body for a number of years now and I’d highly recommend them. Their body butter is one of the only products I’ve found that deeply sinks into my skin and offers a level of hydrating moisture that is unlike anything else.

Image: Est; Instagram.

How do you keep fit and healthy? Does exercise form a large part of your routine?

Exercise makes me feel mentally motivated and happy. Since being pregnant my workout regimes have been quite minimal compared to usual. Morning sickness during the first trimester was pretty chronic for me and I was literally unable to leave home … or the bed on most days! Now that my energy levels are growing again, I’m loving long walks. People should never underestimate the power of walking for both the mind and body. It gets your heart rate going, your circulation and it forces you to get outside and breathe in fresh air.

I’ve also been riding my bike to the Byron lighthouse where I’ll hop off, go for a walk and a swim before riding back home or getting into some pilates. Both are pretty beautiful ways to start my day. To be honest, every week is a little different right now. It just depends on what I can feel my body needs and is capable of.

Images: Instagram; Instagram.

Are there any foods or supplements you love?

I'm all about buying locally and supporting as many Australian farmers as possible.

Currently my go to snack is Two Good yoghurt. It’s fresh, yummy and well balanced. In each tub, it contains 11g of protein, only 2g of natural sugar and no nasties! Without the excess sugar, it’s the perfect snackaroo to get me through the afternoons. Two Good also source their milk from farmers in Kiewa, Victoria which is an aspect of their brand I admire… it’s Aussie support at its finest.

What procedures or professional treatments do you have as part of your beauty routine?

I keep it quite minimal nowadays. A few years back it was a very different story. I would try anything & EVERYTHING to heal my skin. But unfortunately I learned the hard way & found that a lot of what I was using was having adverse effects on my skin. After a while skincare just became a viscously, negative cycle for me.

Treatment wise I have a facial every now and then at places such as Little Company who use organic product lines. Other than this though, I tend to do my own facials at home.

Images: Instagram; Bodha Smokeless Incense; Instagram.

What do you do when your body needs to recover?

For me physically, rest and recovery is all about switching my brain off and just being calm and present. It’s a lot easier said than done! Personally I have to focus on eliminating all forms of technology, make time for a big walk down at the beach and just allow myself to chill out in the fresh air.

I’ve never been very good at letting myself relax and just do nothing. I have to (we all do!) prioritise this. Life is short and it’s not a race. If we don’t recharge we burn out. It’s as simple as that.

You’re tired or rundown: what is your beauty hack?

Usually I’ll give my hair a good wash and put some relaxed beachy curls in it. I rarely do anything too fussy with my hair, so even just giving it a bit of extra TLC helps! The Aveda range is so beautifully botanical, using their range feels like escaping to an exotic spa!

Images: Aveda Smooth Infusion Shampoo; Instagram; Instagram.

What is the one non-negotiable in your beauty routine?

Every day I’ll apply essential oils to my skin as a natural perfume. I’m addicted to natural scents! As well as my skin, I add droplets to my diffuser to fill my home with beautiful scents and burn endless tea candles and burn incense too.

I usually choose a scent based on my mood. The effect of essential oils is like no other.

Do you have a beauty icon? Who are they and why?

I’ve always admired Miranda Kerr. I think I started to look up to her when I was younger and just starting out in modelling. For as long as I remember she’s been a massive advocate of natural skincare and the power of positivity and mindfulness. I think she lives by some wonderful values.

What is the best advice on beauty you’ve received?

Let your inner beauty shine through! People should never feel as though make up is there to cover them up like a mask. It’s there to accentuate our natural and unique qualities. Self confidence is better than any serum or foundation…we need to embrace the skin we’re in.

What is the best advice on health you’ve received?

A lot of skin issues can begin internally and be caused by hormones, diet and stress levels.

Consulting a naturopath can really help as they go as deep as the health and condition of your gut. They assess more than just the top few layers of your skin, which dermatologically speaking, can have profound effects on the condition of your complexion.

What is the one product you can’t live without?

Est Lip Balm. I carry one of their glass tubs in every single bag I own! There is a tub next to my bed, in the car and in the lounge room. I am a little addicted!

Images: Instagram; Est. Lip Balm; Instagram.