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Sigourney Cantelo, Editor & Founder

“I created Beauticate because I wanted to empower women.

As a beauty and health director working in glossy magazines, I could see how much confusion and intimidation there was around cosmetics. Aisles of products and hundreds of launches each week, all claiming to take you one step closer to perfection. It’s no surprise that the beauty industry is criticised for being superficial. And sure, parts of it are: the fantastical campaigns and the flawless, airbrushed imagery are all designed to sell a dream. But the real value of cosmetics goes much deeper than that. What I love about beauty is its power to transform, not just the way you feel physically, but emotionally too.

It’s those little things, like the boost you get from a bold lip on a dreary morning; the confidence you have walking into a room with a glossy blow-dry; a new fragrance that inspires compliments from strangers, or the more private, full body “ahhh” you feel when you slip into a hot, fragrant bath. These things are seriously empowering.

Cosmetics give people the tools to change the way they feel about themselves. But tools won’t do much without the skills to use them. The real transformation comes when you master the techniques – when you get a handle on the HOW-TOs.

Over the years in my career, I’ve been lucky enough to meet some incredible industry professionals and personalities who have their beauty routines seriously down pat. I wanted to tell their stories, in their spaces, to demystify their beauty and make it accessible.

And so the idea for Beauticate was born: a fusion of the words “Beautify” and “Educate”. I wanted to create an indulgent escape, a website with heart that also gave us the tools

Beauticate is a website devoted to these inspiring individuals (The WHOs) and their techniques (The HOW-TOs); that celebrates anything that makes us feel beautiful – whether it’s how we style our hair or where we go for a facial; a new miracle product we’ve discovered or a can’t-live-without fragrance. We also keep you up to date with the latest beauty and health news and product reviews.

My favourite part of my job has always been connecting with my readers, so above everything, I want this to be your site. Somewhere you can escape and indulge, but learn something at the same time. I encourage you to comment on the stories and share your experiences, everyone loves learning what other women do with their beauty routine. And ask us a question, any time! After all, beauty is meant to be fun. I love every minute of working on this site and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.”

Sigourney x

Sigourney has worked as a Beauty journalist for 20 years and was most recently Beauty & Health Director at Vogue Australia for nearly six years. Throughout her career, she has been awarded six Star Beauty Awards and five Jasmine Awards including winning the coveted Jasmine Award for Journalistic Excellence twice.

MEET THE TEAM

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Jayde Balderston, Marketing, PR and Partnerships

With over 20 years in public relations, Jayde has worked with leading fashion, beauty, and lifestyle brands, building deep, collaborative relationships with media professionals. She is known for her energetic and engaging approach, swiftly developing trust-based friendships with collaborators. She excels at generating earned media across all platforms and has honed specialist skills in podcasting, from production to publicity.

After launching her own podcast Clueless Confessions in 2021, Jayde went on to manage and market top-ranking podcasts, including Beautiful Inside by Beauticate. She now handles marketing and public relations for Beauticate and assists with partnerships and collaborations. As the founder and director of her own agency The Grey Consulting, Jayde continues to drive success with her passion and innovation.

Beauty Loves: IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream SPF50 (literally my skin, but better), ELEFFECT The Tint (for the perfect glow), LUMIRA Bois D’Epices (like a journey through Zanzibar) and anything Glossier (prior to its launch in Australia, I had a PO Box in San Fran just so I could buy and ship!).

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Zoe Briggs, Beauty Editor

It can take our features writer Zoe a little while to work out where she’s going, but it does mean she’s doubly thrilled when she arrives. Case in point – it took both a law degree and working as a paralegal to decide law wasn’t for her, before she made her passion for stories (and aesthetics) a priority as the Real Weddings Editor for US blog Snippet & Ink. Behind the scenes, skincare was turning from an interest into an obsession, and she couldn’t feel luckier to get to call it work now that she’s here at Beauticate. When she’s not wishing she had fifteen other faces with which to try all the things, she’s making neighbours uncomfortable by stalking their dogs, and making her husband uncomfortable with her true crime podcast obsession.

Beauty loves: Biologique Recherche P50 (the one and only), Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm (the spa-like scent, the luxe feel, the glowing results), Tom Ford Lip Colour in True Coral (let me count the ways).

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Kristina Zhou, Beauty Writer

Kristina’s media portfolio spans TV broadcast and print media, including The Sydney Morning Herald, Channel 9 and The Daily Telegraph. She has experience in media management and corporate communications within the legal, finance and high-education sectors. Kristina holds a Bachelor of Media (Communications and Journalism) from the University of New South Wales and graduated with Distinction in 2020. She is currently pursuing a Juris Doctor degree at the University of Sydney. Since pivoting to the legal industry, Kristina has produced Copyright Law reports and guidance for the Department of Copyright and Information Policy at the University of Sydney. Additionally, she has conducted legal research for Australian barristers across diverse practice areas – including Public Law, Corporate Law, Criminal Law and Wills & Estate Law.

Beauty loves: Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour cream (applied under foundation, it instantly adds a dewy sheen) and Shu Uemera Eyelash Curler (it gives the perfect lash lift).

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Mikaela Lezcano De Orléans, Beauty Assistant

Mikaela has lived in six countries and moved to Sydney to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Media Communications & Journalism at UNSW. Currently completing her master’s degree in Commerce at the University of Sydney, Mikaela’s true passion lies in the world of beauty. In her role as a beauty assistant, she thoroughly enjoys covering events, networking, and finding continuous inspiration from everyone she meets. The mantra of empowering women, which is at the core of Beauticate’s mission, was what drew her to join the team. She firmly believes that empowering women is the initial step towards achieving anything.

Beauty Loves: Kerastase Elixir Ultime (Absolutely life-saving for bleach blondes!), Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginsen Renewing Emulsion (The perfect moisturizer for combination skin, it absorbs easily and feels lightweight), Armani Eyes To Kill Eccentrico Palette (The presentation alone is stunning, almost too pretty to touch! This eyeshadow palette offers perfect rosy, shimmery tones suitable for every occasion, whether it’s for blush, eyeshadow or highlighter.)

Tess

Tess De Vivie De Régie, Contributing Editor

After obtaining a double degree in law and arts, majoring in French, and working as a paralegal, Tess moved from Perth to Sydney and joined Beauticate. After a long stint as our Features Editor, Tess recently relocated to Brussels, Belgium and now contributes European content to the site as well as beauty WHOs and HOW TOs.

Beauty Loves:  A classic red nail polish like Essie Bordeaux (chic all year round), Chanel’s Bois des Îles perfume (the cosiest, most luxurious scent I know), and Japanese sunscreens.