Beauty is all about confidence and independence. I don’t think I truly found it until I was 45 — before that, I struggled. I work all day in front of a full-length mirror [in salons such as Valonz], which doesn’t help. I have an inner strength now and I like who I see.

For years I had jet black hair, but it made my skin look blue. Then I had balayage for a while but it wasn’t quite right for me. When I landed on pink, I knew I’d found my shade because it just makes me feel happy. To keep it looking healthy, I use Wella Fusion shampoo ($34.50) and conditioner. 

I’m careful with heat tools, because I want the S-bend without the damage. Dyson’s Corrale ($699) is a gamechanger because the copper plates capture the strands and allow you to style hair quickly at a lower heat, which ensures it feels strong and really shines.

I’m 54 now and see a dermatologist [Dr Van Park] regularly. I get skin tags zapped (which are an annoying part of ageing), a little botox between my eyebrows and advice on how to care for my skin. For me, it’s just like going to a hairstylist.

Now that my kids are grown-up, I have time for my skin. In the morning, I apply a Cosmedix cleanser with a Foreo cleansing brush, and at night I massage Chanel’s Huile de Jasmin face oil into my skin with a gua sha amethyst tool. I also love the facials at ONDA [ondabeauty.com.au].

When you’re older, make-up needs to be hydrating, so I use Chanel foundation and blend with a big Laura Mercier brush ($110 for a set). Then I add colour — I have more fun with it now than I ever did when I was younger.

I’m a freak for lipstick. I’ve got lilacs, pinks, orange and so many shades of red. My favourites are always from Gucci Beauty ($53) or Charlotte Tilbury ($50).

I don’t like wearing perfume, so I add scent to my hair. I go with Jo Malone’s Pomegranate Noir ($110) occasionally, but mostly I rub in bergamot or orange essential oils from the health food store. There’s always one knocking around in my bag.

Text: Bauer Syndication