Wright STUFF
How Tandi gets glowing good looks
Multitalented Tandi Wright is one of New Zealand’s most hardworking actresses, kicking off her small-screen career as Nurse Caroline Buxton in ShortlandStreet’s golden ’90s days. Since then, the natural beauty’s racked up almost 40 TV and movie roles, most recently starring in Daffodils, the Kiwi-made movie-musical.
As well as lighting up our screens, she’s also mum to daughter Olive. She chats to Woman’sDay about the skincare brand she’s been completely converted to and the beauty wisdom she’s handing down to her girl.
Tell us about your first experience with beauty.
The first time I wore a lot of make-up was when I was 17 and living with a Thai family for a year. They dressed me up to go on a parade float and slathered me in make-up. I looked in the mirror and didn’t recognise myself. I had become someone else entirely. It was alarming and intriguing. I realised I have a face that, with the right make-up, can transform completely and that is very useful for my job.
Run us through your morning and evening skincare routine.
I am a complete Environ convert. I apply the brand’s AVST5 moisturiser and RAD Sunscreen in the morning. At night, I use the Pre-Cleanser and Cleansing Milk, then AVST5 again along with Youth Essential Eye Gel. I also love its Mela-Even Cream.
What three products will we find in your handbag?
The only product you will find in my handbag is a Hurraw! Moon Lip Balm. You’ll also find a rogue Brazil nut and three retractable pencils because I have a fear of being without a writing implement, so I hoard them.
What’s the best tip you’ve learnt sitting in the make-up chair?
Working with a great makeup artist is a gift from the gods. They transport you from one world to another. Be kind and honest with your make-up artist. Let them know what you love or fear, otherwise they won’t know. They’re collaborators, not mind readers.
What beauty wisdom will you be passing down to your daughter?
I tell my daughter beauty is a quality of the heart and mind. I want her energy going into
living a curious, joyous life without a thought for her looks. There’s freedom and power in that. I feel lucky that growing up, my mum wasn’t interested in beauty – the topic just never came up. Mum was more interested in cutting a dash in a crazy outfit or hauling us off on some protest march – and she still is!
What’s your biggest beauty regret to date?
I regret nothing! My (appalling) mistakes make me stronger.
What’s your signature scent?
I don’t wear perfume at all. I’m allergic to it. We are so over-fragranced as a society. What are we hiding from? This is my plea to everyone – please use less fragrance. Otherwise, me and all the people like me, might sit next to you and start sneezing. And if we are stuck on a plane together, I will be sneezing for a long time. On that note, do you have any idea how hard it is to find fragrance-free or naturally fragranced hair product? Shout out to Holistic Hair – its Hydrating range saves me on a daily basis.
How do you look after yourself and stay in shape?
I spend money on eating really well. It’s expensive, but it’s cheaper than medical insurance. I try to look for joy in things and to laugh a lot. I do word puzzles and I love walking around the neighbourhood, listening to podcasts. When comprehensive bike lanes exist, I will be there. As seen on