Maddison Brown is a woman of many talents. She acts, she models, she's an activist, and half the genius behind Australian sun care brand, Outside Beauty and Skincare.
Australians are known globally for their progressive approach to sunscreen formulation, and Outside Beauty and Skincare fits neatly into this category with its signature tinted mineral primer. The brand, co-founded alongside her sister, has gained a cult following since it launched, and confirmed Brown as someone who know's what she's doing, skincare-wise.
On that note, Brown is very much a beauty girl. She loves her Airwrap, is diligent with her LED mask and touts the magic of Tom Ford Shade & Illuminate. She's always protected against UV rays, and her immaculate complexion is proof. She's also more than obliging to share the intricacies of her bathroom habits. Get acquainted with them below.
Tell me about your introduction to beauty?
I started modelling when I was 13, and I think that’s as good an introduction as any. I've worked with a lot of really experienced makeup artists who were so knowledgeable about skincare and skin health, long before it was a mainstream topic on social media.
What was the first beauty product you ever owned?
I can’t remember exactly but I have to imagine it was probably mascara! I remember stealing my older sister’s mascara and putting it on before school. I must have been in year seven?
How would you describe your approach to beauty now? Has it changed?
Honestly, I think I was quite lucky to be taught about skincare and skin health from a young age. In fashion they don’t love a full glamorous makeup look, so I think I always prioritised healthy skin and a fresh face over makeup. My approach to beauty has evolved to be very holistic, as well. I'm dedicated to daily skincare and SPF. I also try and keep my stress levels manageable, get a good amount of sleep and maintain a good diet. I eat well, look after my gut health. All of this brings out the best in my skin.
Tell me about Outside Beauty and Skincare? Where did that idea come from?
My older sister always told me I should start my own brand, I’m very creative, decisive and love executing a vision. We are both pretty tapped into the beauty and skincare space. We just realised one day there was a gap in the SPF space for a brand like
Outside Beauty and Skincare.
What was the vision for the brand?
We really wanted to create the
Aesop of sunscreen brands. We felt inspired by minimalist, elevated brands like
Matteau. It seemed that sort of aesthetic hadn't been applied to something as useful and functional as sunscreen. We wanted a product and experience that was as high-quality and elevated as our daily skincare. It also had to look chic in the bathroom, or handbag, but still tick all the boxes for a functional SPF.
What was the brand building process like — where did you start, and what did you learn?
We have learned a lot, and that’s putting it lightly, but it’s made us so much smarter. We learned pretty quickly we’d have to be adaptable, but building a brand is truly a brick-by-brick process that takes a lot of dedication and commitment. But because of this, is so rewarding when you start gaining momentum and seeing results.
How about the mineral SPF specifically — it’s known as a tough one to get right...
Thank you so much! It is. Honestly, I think it comes down to ingredients. The main active ingredient is zinc oxide, which is a potent antioxidant that calms skin inflammation and has UV protection qualities. It’s a medical-grade, TGA registered sunscreen — this aspect was more important to us than anything else, ensuring that anyone using it was properly protected. Sunscreen is the most important step in your skincare routine.
What does the rest of your daily skincare routine look like right now?
What about your day to day makeup routine ?
What about your going out routine? Any other steps or products you rely on to really turn things up a notch?
I prep my skin by cleansing and following with a good moisturiser to hydrate, it helps to mitigate that crepey look that can sometimes happen when you wear makeup. I keep it pretty simple with a good base and a little blush, sometimes I’ll do a winged liner or bold red lip. But my overall approach to
makeup is often guided by my the whole outfit and accessories.
Who’s makeup serves as your blueprint?
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley is the blueprint, closely followed by Hailey Bieber.
Do you have a signature fragrance or prefer to choose based on your mood?
Honestly it depends on my mood! Lately I’ve been loving
Gris Dior, it’s a nice unisex fragrance.
What’s the best beauty tip you’ve learned on set?
Makeup artist
Victoria Baron told me when I was 14 or 15 to comb my brows as soon as I get out of the shower when they’re still wet as it’ll help them set, and it changed my life.
Who does your hair? You've got such a great colour...
Renya Xydis at Valonz does my colour, I love balayage because it’s so low maintenance. Right now I’m trying to grow a lot of my natural colour in and I see her every couple months for a trim and a gloss to keep it shiny.
What’s your haircare routine look like right now?
I do a mask every time I wash it, use a heat protector plus regular trims to keep it healthy!
How do you style it day to day?
Every time I wash it, blow dry it with the
Dyson Airwrap, I think it's the best investment I have ever made in my hair. I got it four years ago and am still obsessed. Otherwise I just brush it out when I wake up and good to go! I love my
Mason Pearson brush.
Your weirdest beauty habit?
I recently tried heatless curls, influenced by TikTok, and they actually turned out pretty good! I still prefer the Airwrap though...
Last question: Where do you love to shop for beauty?
I love going to
FENN in Sydney, my favourite place to get a facial or treatment too. Clare Hazel is a master, whatever she says I need, I buy it!
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Images: @maddisonbrown
