A star on the rise. Actress Megan Smart’s career is just beginning. From a lead role in Channel 7’s Between Two Worlds, working on an upcoming ABC TV series to starring alongside Hugo Weaving in an adaption of Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure - the actress’s plate is full.
Here, we spoke with Smart on her obsession with skincare, her main tips for maintaining your mental health and wellbeing and why spending a lot of money on beauty treatments is unnecessary.
What is your morning beauty routine?
Since COVID I have seen my beauty routine growing longer and longer (sorry to my boyfriend who I share a bathroom with). I was introduced to Korean beauty by a friend a few years ago and since then I have deep dived into the world of skincare and become a little obsessed.
In the mornings I’ll skip cleanser because I have quite dry skin and just rinse with water and follow with COSRX AHA/BHA toner. I usually use the Vitamin C or Buffet serum by The Ordinary and top off with a moisturiser and sunscreen.
What is your night beauty routine?
I don’t use the same products every day but rather tailor them to my skin, i.e if it is dry, I will use a hyaluronic serum and finish with Morrocan Argan oil or sleeping mask (I love iUnik Propolis vitamin sleeping mask).
If I’ve had a full face of makeup I will do a double cleanse, an oil one first and then the JJ Young Black Cleansing stick (that comes in a solid form in a cool windup tube which is super handy for travelling).
Describe what you do for a living? What does a typical day look like for you?
As an actor my days can be incredibly varied! Last week for example I recorded an audio book, put down a few self tapes, read some scripts and went to see Lawrence of Arabia on 70mm film at my favourite cinema in Sydney, The Orpheum.
What is the supermarket/ drug store/ chemist beauty product(s) that you use and love?
Cancer Council Face Day Wear Moisturiser Matte SPF 50+ because it’s invisible and not oily.
What is your main form of beauty body maintenance? What products do you use on your body?
I used to get annoyed by how many ingrown hairs I got (thanks Lebanese ancestry) but I recently discovered the My Glow 2 glove and I will never go back to another body exfoliator.
How do you keep fit/ healthy? Does exercise form a large part of your routine?
Yes and sometimes I love it, sometimes I don’t. I was an acrobat as a kid so I have an affinity for yoga, pilates and barre.
What cosmetic procedures/ professional treatments do you have as part of your beauty routine?
I think that if your weekly skincare routine is solid enough (and you don’t have any major skin concerns) you shouldn’t need a facial. My favourite treat-yo-self is a blow dry, it never fails to make me feel anything less than a million dollars. I go to Murphy Gozzard in Paddington.
What do you do when your body needs to recover?
I listen to it! It’s very important to not push past those warning signs and take the time to rest and sleep and do whatever else your body needs to recharge its batteries.
You’re tired/ hungover/ rundown: what is your beauty hack?
A Cosmetea Peppermint Green Tea face mask is so refreshing and wakes me up! And drink 20 million litres of water.
What is the one non-negotiable in your beauty routine?
Moisturiser! And taking off makeup.
Do you have a beauty icon? Who are they and why?
Perhaps Monica Bellucci for absolutely owning her sex bomb vibes.
What is the best advice on beauty you’ve received?
Prevention is better than cure. And just because it smells amazing, doesn’t mean it’s good for you…
What is the best advice on health you’ve received?
Two things for mental health:
- Throw away your bathroom scales. For me it was like waking up and starting your day with bad news or anxiety, it made me obsess. I was so much happier after I got rid of them five years ago!
- Avoid the 24hour news cycle. The important stuff will be talked about tomorrow, next week, next month and by then the information is usually much more complete and accurate.
What is the one product you can’t live without?
A pretty awesome product that I have just discovered are Subi Pimple Patches from Style Story! They are incredible and the only thing I have found to actually work on the beasties.
