Country Getaway – Sigourney’s Edit

I dream about the country a lot. I have fantasies about big farmhouse tables and gumboots lined up by the door. Wildflowers and herbs plucked from my garden in a milk jug on the bench… I’m not sure where this romanticized view comes from. Both my parents grew up on farms and as a child we used to go back to my Nanna’s farm in Wyalkatchem on the central wheat belt of Western Australia or down to wine country to visit my grandmother in Rutherglen, Victoria, so I know the reality of drought and snakes and flyblown sheep. But there’s something about that wide expanse of space that I find so appealing. And the fact that things don’t change. The seasons inevitably roll in, and batter the landscape, but year in and year out I know that the old tractor that my great grandpa built is still out by the dam gathering rust, and probably will be forever.

I was recently lucky enough to escape to Mudgee in Central Western New South Wales with my dear friend Georgie Abay, our little ones (Max and Arabella, two and Lottie, five months), photographer Julie Adams and makeup artist Sarina Zoe to do a shoot for Georgie’s stunning website The Grace Tales. We stayed in my fantasy rustic-chic farmhouse, Trelawney Farm, enjoyed catering by Rachel McCartney and wines from Logan Wines (the cab merlot was my pick) by the fireplace. Naturally, I brought with me a swag of decadent new beauty booty to test out in the beautiful claw-foot bath and some old favourites that I always pack when I go west. Here, the ultimate country beauty edit.

For the bath and beyond…

Jo Malone English Pear & Freesia Dry Body Oil: Dry oils hydrate without leaving a greasy slick everywhere. This sweet floral and slightly tart pear concoction is a gorgeous fresh way to wear fragrance that won’t overwhelm. Villa Lodola Eco-Organic Daily Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner is Italian organic hair deliciousess. Another amazing body oil, This Works Skin Deep Dry Leg Oil is more unctuous for night time moisturizing and leaves skin scented with rose, tuberose and evening primrose. Light yet creamy and scented with almond milk L’Occitane Firming and Smoothing Mild Concentrate could be the perfect body cream.

Classic lines…

If you’re not into sweet or floral scents, this delicious combination is for you. The latest launch from British perfume house Jo Malone, Wood Sage & Sea Salt conjures up the rugged English coast with herbaceous and oceanic notes. Breathe new life into tortured tresses with Aesop Rose Hair & Scalp Moisturising Mask – a super hydrating, delectably-scented conditioning treatment. Your strands will thank you. And comb it all through with the Mason Pearson Comb: as much a tool of practicality as one of beauty. This classic tortoiseshell style comb has wide teeth, perfect for gently spreading product through hair.

Everything is illuminated…

Trick your loved ones into thinking you’ve been baking with the mouth-watering Archipelago Caramel Soy Candle. The dessert-scented wax can be smelt even when it’s not lit and when lit it burns for hours. Keep skin supple and spirits soaring with Sodashi Samadara Ultimate Age-Defying Elixir – a delicious blend of oils and layer it with Rosehip Plus Organic Cold Pressed Rosehip Oil – use straight after cleansing on damp skin to lock in moisture. Repair parched paws with Grown Alchemist Persian Rose & Argan Extract Intensive Hand Cream.

Bathing beauty…

This super natural New Zealand line boasts a high percentage of certified organic ingredients in lush textures and gorgeous packaging. A perfect daily option for the face is Antipodes Rejoice Light Facial Day Cream: it absorbs quickly and contains antibacterial manuka honey and avocado oil to hydrate and leave skin clear and de-clogged.

About face…

Maximise down time with supremely hydrating skincare. A mask like La Mer The Intensive Revitalizing Mask begs to be slathered on during a long hot bath – the steam will help it infuse. Follow with Eau Thermale Avene Hydrance Optimal Hydrating Serum – it’s perfect for the most aggravated skins, even those with eczema. By Terry Brightening Aqua Balm is a cushioney gel that – like most of her products – contains rose, while Diptyque Protective Moisturizing Lotion for the Face smells like freshly cut flowers.

Rub a dub-dub…

Brightwood Dry body brush, similar available from Bodecare.com. Dry body brushing before your bath or shower boosts circulation and lymphatic drainage to help clear our toxins and stagnant fluid. Look for one with firm bristles and a strap so that it fits neatly in your hand. Ren Moroccan Rose Otto Sugar Body Polish available from Mecca; A super indulgent, all-naturally fragranced sugar scrub that leaves skin scented with rich red roses. Totally decadent.

If you could only pack one product to do it all it could be Philosophy Field of Flowers Peony Blossom Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath – perfect for all types of cleansing from top to toe, this peony scented gel lathers like a dream. (See above picture)

Photography by Julie Adams, Styling by Georgie Abay and Sigourney Cantelo, Makeup by Sarina Zoe.