Bright TALENT Her beauty routine steals the show!
Somehow Anna Jullienne makes being a busy mum-of-two look effortlessly glam. The actress is most famous for playing Nurse Maia Jeffries on Shortland Street, but since leaving the soap she has lit up both stage and screen with her sparkling and seriously talented ways. Currently starring in Mean Mums2 on Three, she chats to us about her skincare and beauty routine, and the advice she’d give to her younger self.
What was your first experience with beauty?
I loved watching my mum get ready for nights out. A total babe in full ’80s glam – hot rollers, big clip-on earrings and black body suits.
What’s your morning and evening skincare routine?
I love Dermalogica skincare and have been using it for well over a decade. I cleanse, tone and moisturise with its products morning and night. My ride or dies are the Special Cleansing Gel (cleanser), Antioxidant Hydramist (toner) and Skin Smoothing Cream (moisturiser). In the morning, I add the Solar Defence Booster and in the evening, the Sound Sleep Cocoon.
What three products will we find in your handbag right now?
I have such a mum handbag these days. It’s more toy cars, muesli bars and spare kids’ undies, but I do have a M.A.C lipstick in Kinda Sexy, pawpaw cream and some Lypo-Spheric Vitamin C sachets.
What’s your best tip from sitting in the make-up chair at work?
I’ve picked up lots of tips over the years – make-up artists are such magical creatures. The importance of eyebrows was a biggie and the difference a good, strong brow makes. Also contouring – using a darker foundation or a bronzer around the jawline, cheek bones and hairline to shape the face. Both are now part of my everyday make-up routine.
What’s your one luxury beauty indulgence?
I love Dermalogica’s Skin Hydrating Booster – it’s a light serum that works wonders, especially in winter when everything gets a bit dry. I also spend quite a bit on good vitamins. Zinc, in particular, is really good for my skin. At the moment I’m using BePure Zinc Restore.
Do you have regular beauty treatments?
I adore the Dermalogica IonActive Power treatment facial at Bare in Belmont in Auckland. Pure bliss!
Who is your beauty style icon and why?
I don’t really know that I have a style icon; there are lots of women I admire and I find inspiring and beautiful: my mum, my sister, my friends, so many women I meet through work, both actors and otherwise – kind, clever, talented, beautiful women. Style icons the lot of ’em. Oh, and my celeb pick would be Olivia Colman. I heart her.
What’s your biggest beauty regret to date?
Probably not being more vigilant with sunblock on my face in my 20s. I’m just starting to notice a bit of pigmentation on my forehead.
What is your signature scent?
I’ve been using Narciso by Narciso Rodriguez for the last few years, but my sister has just started using an Aesop fragrance, which is so divine that I think I might have a change coming!
How do you stay in shape?
Exercise is really important for me, just as much mentally as physically, especially since having children. I need to move my body in some way every day, primarily so my mini dictators don’t drive me around the bend! I do a variety of things, depending on time, work hours or childcare – walking, running, yoga or my new favourite, hot Pilates.
Would you have any beauty advice for your younger self?
Don’t over-pluck your eyebrows; wear sunblock and go braless more. Your boobs aren’t going to look that good forever. Trust me!