Melbourne-based model, Nikita Taltavull - otherwise known as Kit - knows that power comes from within and that feeling your best doesn't equal looking your best.
What is your morning beauty routine?
My routines definitely vary depending on if I’m stressed, in cycle or hydrated enough, etc. But usually, when my skin is good, the routine is usually just an Aesop face wash in the shower and some moisturiser on after. Maybe a little cheeky eye cream too, a touch of mascara and I’m done!
I always aim to use organic, cruelty free, vegan products as i don’t like putting chemicals or “bad energy” (as i like to call it) on my face. I find Sukin moisturiser works the best for me... a little goes a long way.
What is your night beauty routine?
Usually the same as above, (minus the mascara). However I tend to put on a clay mask rather than moisturiser. The clay mask helps rejuvenate my skin after a long hard day and makes me feel shiny and light. Also use the Sukin clay mask. If not the mask, I generally substitute it with rosehip oil, only to the cheek areas.
Describe what you do for a living? What does a typical day look like for you?
Well, besides modelling, I bartend, each day is so different. It really depends on what’s planned or what I feel like doing in the moment. I’m a very go with my flow type person.
However a typical working day (modelling or bartending) would definitely start with having a good nights rest, getting up early (early** might vary on shift times), practicing yoga and meditation. Having a very big boogie (I allocate at least 30 minutes a day to grooving), getting ready, then hopping on my motorbike and heading over to said destination.
Coming home I like to take a breather and reflect on the day. Then proceeding with whatever I feel I need to do. Which could be anything from reading, writing, playing guitar, or painting, to meditating again. Practicing breathing techniques or just drinking wine in a hot bath... it varies.
What is the supermarket/ drug store/ chemist beauty product(s) that you use and love?
Drug store/supermarket winner has to be Sukin!! BUT if we’re talking a little off grid, I’m a HUGE fan of Lowanna skin care. They are indigenous owned, natural, vegan and cruelty free!! Also, it’s made from native ingredients the First Nations have been using for centuries! (And that’s what i call good energy).
What is your main form of beauty body maintenance? What products do you use on your body?
I do a body scrub at least once a week But for the most part, it’s just absolutely slapping that moisturiser on, and listening to what my body needs!
How do you keep fit/ healthy? Does exercise form a large part of your routine?
I’m big on keeping fit and healthy, not only physically but mentally. I’ve recently (thank you ISO) picked up yoga and I have felt that it has helped me move so much pent up energy trapped inside my body. I also go to the gym.. well, used to.. have they reopened yet? I also enjoy getting my exercise through unconventional things. Like skateboarding, rollerblading, rock climbing and dancing!! Keeping fit and healthy doesn’t have to be boring!
What cosmetic procedures/ professional treatments do you have as part of your beauty routine?
I (and i know this is sad) don’t actually really get procedures or treatments. To be honest, I don’t ever think I've ever gone to a spa or had a professional facial treatment... anyone want to take me? I feel like I'm missing out on something great.
What do you do when your body needs to recover?
Meditate!! Your mind is so powerful. It can manifest and create so many wonderful things, but everything starts with you. Your mindset, how you perceive yourself and the world etc... or take a long bath/ stretch it out, whichever works best for you xx.
You’re tired/ hungover/ rundown: what is your beauty hack?
Tough one! Definitely an eye serum for my poor puffy eyes the morning of, and lots and lots of water!!! And honestly minimal makeup, I find when you’re hungover/tired you tend to work up a sweat much easier and breakouts can come back twice as deadly!
So if I can, I will spend an extra minute or two on shut eye and totally skip the makeup routine or if you must, a very light coverage... You may look a bit like a walking zombie, but trust me it will help the following day.
In these situations I also try to reiterate to myself that I AM beautiful, strong, intelligent and powerful, (even if I don't necessarily feel like it in that moment). And that I don’t always have to look my best, to feel my best.
What I usually find with that, is the better you feel (mentally) the better you look! So shine bright baby, and go get em xx.
What is the one non-negotiable in your beauty routine?
Primer/moisturiser preferably one with a little sunblock in there too!
Do you have a beauty icon? Who are they and why?
Honestly, it’s any woman I see feeling radiant in their own skin. I think that's so powerful, and so beautiful, that it doesn’t matter to me whether they’re wearing makeup or not.
What is the best advice on beauty you’ve received?
Less is more!! (thanks to my Ma for that one). Oh and also, a soft brown eyeliner on the outside, not on the waterline, for a big eyes effect!
What is the best advice on health you’ve received?
Look after your mental [health]. Fuel your soul with good foods, stay hydrated, and go with the flow, baby. No need to stress, life is way too short, enjoy the trees, sunshine, flowers. Stress causes breakouts. Frowning causes wrinkles. No, thank you!
Pro tip: unlearn your societal influenced behaviours of comparing yourself to an unhealthy standard. You are you, you are unique, and you are intelligent, resilient and gorgeous.
What is the one product you can’t live without?
You really saved the hardest for last didn’t you? I’m going to have to say (an organic) lip balm, because I feel like you can also sneakily fix your brows, add a bit of a glossy cheek and fix ya eye bags if tired. The limit does not exist!
Also, just in case anyone needs to hear this:
LOVE *clap* YOUR *clap* SMOOCHING *clap* BUDDIES *clap*. No one likes kissing a chapped lip, take care of them!
