TIMELESS GLAMOUR

“As soon as I put on a red lip I feel transformed and instantly dressed-up,” says actor Antonia Prebble of her 1920s-inspired beauty routine.

It’s not too hard to tell that Antonia Prebble appreciates a certain vintage glamour. “The 20s are my favourite era of beauty. And I really do mean that,” says the actor, who has experimented with many different styles throughout her career. We saw her progress from the soft beehives and eyeliner of the 70s to the fierce mullets of the 80s playing Rita West in Westside, but this year, she says her new role as chief costume officer for Napier’s Art Deco Festival “feels like a match made in heaven”.

From February 15-18, Prebble will embrace the exquisite glamour of her favourite decade during the four-day festival, set against Hawke’s Bay’s iconic landmarks – like the famous Art Deco Masonic Hotel. She’s even gone all-in with a vintage photoshoot to inspire visitors to dress up.

“I love how the 20s look is simple and effortlessly glamorous. There is a timeless elegance to it, which is why it still stands up as a go-to look today. I don't wear makeup during my day-to-day, but if I’m going out in the evening, as soon as I put on a red lip I feel transformed and instantly dressed up,” she says.

Simple and effective is how Prebble sums up her overall approach to self-care. “If something has too many steps or takes too long I soon start cutting corners or don’t do it at all. So in the morning I wash my face in the shower, then apply a couple of serums, some moisturiser and always suncream, even in the winter. Protecting my skin from the sun is something that has always been fundamental for me. Because I’m pale I burn really easily, so I actually find being in the sun quite stressful. You’ll almost always find me lurking in the shadows under a wide brimmed hat.”

Beyond a sun hat, these are the beauty staples Prebble is never without.