• Elyse ensures she has no-phone zone times to stay connected to her boyfriend, Josh, and gorgeous pup, Isla

  • She takes a laid-back approach to beauty, opting for a natural and beautifully bronzed finish.

  • Her skin survival guide is based on hard-working skincare, veggie-packed diet and regular facial treatments.

  • Elyse tops up her already green-filled daily smoothies with natural supplement powders

  • She might be a rising star on the local and international fashion stage, but Elyse is still a down-to-Earth Aussie girl at heart

  • Home is definitely where her heart is

  • She takes collagen-boosting supplements to keep her youthful skin in tact

  • Fronting ultra3 makeup is not just lip (or face) service for the model; her beauty stash is filled with her favourite products by the brand.

It’s hard to miss Elyse Knowles - tall, svelte and with honey-dipped limbs, it’s no wonder she has become one of Australia’s most popular models. And, more recently, stolen the show as the winning contestant (along with boyfriend, Josh) on home reno reality program The Block. With that, her portfolio is now packed to its glamorous brim; she has faced ulta3 and Guess Denim, been an ambassador for the ATC Sydney Autumn Carnival and has worked for big brands such as MyerBillabongBras 'n' Things and ModelCo. She too boasts an Instagram following of over half a million, a big feat for the blonde bombshell. However, a stiletto-step away from glossed up pages, Miss Knowles is a quintessential Aussie girl. She is laid back, unperturbed and a self-confessed tomboy, who sports a backwards cap and bikini in favour of gown and heels. In short, we love her.

On a recent trip to Melbourne, the bubbly Elyse welcomed us into the home she shares with Josh and their playful pooch, Isla. We captured some of the magic that has skyrocketed her star and chat openly about makeup, modelling and morning smoothies.

“I was always the one pushing my brother and sister out of the way in a photo…

…standing there with a big cheesy grin. Although I was a very shy kid, my mum saw through that [and she] was actually the one that got me into modelling. I started when I was ten, so she was my modelling taxi for eight years until I got my licence. I went to hundreds of castings, including travelling overseas at the age of 15 and 18, trying to get my break. I have always been very motivated to succeed, but given l started so young it’s been a lot of hard work to get to where l am now. And I still have a long way to go.

ELYSE WEARS ONE OF HER FAVES: AN ALICE MCCALL BLACK AND WHITE PLAYSUIT
NOT AFRAID OF COLOUR: POPS OF FUCHSIA AND PINKY-REDS MAKE AN APPEARANCE ON SPECIAL OCCASIONS.

If I wasn’t a model, I would have been a makeup artist.

I’ve always loved beauty. I love the creativity and that you can express your personal style through makeup. I love finding new products. I love experimenting even though my drawer of make up is exploding, especially since coming on board as an ambassador for ulta3. I’m like a kid in a candy store! But, there is a fine line between too much make up and being just right. Light and beautiful is the way to go.

I’m all about bronzed, glowing skin.

When I’m working, it’s all about contouring, highlighting and a smoky eye. I always have to go with a clean face and hair, so l make sure that l am cleansed and moisturised. If I’m going out, I like to go heavier to make my eyes pop and make my contouring and highlighting more dominant. Whereas on the weekend, it’s minimal.

On a day off I’m usually at the beach…

…so a CC cream, a touch of volume & curl mascara with a little bronzer is all I need. My face is usually a lot lighter than my body so my ulta3 big bronzer is my best friend. – natural, bronzed and edgy when I need to stand out.

ULTA3 KEEPS HER DOWNTIME LOOK BEACHY, BRONZED AND NATURAL.
ELYSE WEARS SLIM BACK CAMI AND CUT OFF SHORTS BY LIFE WITH BIRD

My brows are one of my favourite features…

…so l spend a lot of time on them. I love them to be thick and bushy, so eyebrow gel or wax is key.  I love doing my eyes; I’m in love with the Eye Shadow palette in Choc-Ice. I blend with matte browns – they really make my blue eyes pop.  My eyes are actually getting bluer over time, so it’s such a bonus!

A cotton tip can save all mistakes and help create clean lines when applying mascara.

I use single eyelash extensions; I never use the full strip ones as it’s just too heavy. I use products that have moisture, it gives a dewy effect and I always have clean brushes. Buy a range of brushes because they all do different things and blend, blend, blend!

HER FAVOURITE MAKEUP STAPLES SPILL FROM HER CHLOE BAG, ALONG WITH DIOR SUNNIES AND A CHIC WATCH
MEDIK8 AND ULTRACEUTICALS MAKE UP HER SKINCARE REPERTOIRE.

First thing I do for my skin is jump in the shower and cleanse my face…

…with Medik8 products including gentleCleanse foaming cleanser. Then I head to the kitchen – it’s not just what you put on your skin, it’s also what you put into your body to help your skin.

GLOWING INSIDES; HER PROPLENISH SACHETS, MALIN + GOETZ CANDLE AND A BODY SCRUB SHE BOUGHT AT THE PRESTON MARKET

I started having skin problems in my twenties.

So it’s been a constant struggle to find a product that helps my breakouts over the years. Hormones have had a big role to play, [which] is so hard to get under control.

My hair is very important to me.

It constantly gets damaged by people curling, straightening, brushing and yanking my hair all day. It’s all part of the business, so when I get home from work it’s straight into damage control. Using a good shampoo and conditioner is crucial.

HAIR CARE IS A PRIORITY AS CONSTANT STYLING ON SHOOTS AND THE CATWALK CAN CAUSE MAJOR HAIR HAVOC.
HAIR LOVE; ELYSE IS AN ELEVEN LADY

I use Eleven Hydrate My Hair products and good old coconut oil.

I soak it over night and wash my hair in the morning. It’s also important to get a regular haircut. [I go to] Joey Scandizzo Salon for all my haircuts and colours. Another favourite is the Eleven Miracle Hair Serum which l use after washing my hair, applying to the ends when wet. Then I let it dry naturally – it creates a barrier, nourishing the hair and strengthens.

Lemon water is always a good way to start the day…

…or apple cider vinegar with some water – it really kick starts your body. Then it’s onto a Vitamix cranking smoothie with all the vitamins and minerals I need in a day to keep me going.

FRESH FRUIT IS A KITCHEN BENCH STAPLE ALONG WITH WELLECO’S THE SUPER ELIXIR

AN ARRAY OF NUTS, SEEDS AND RAW MUESLIS MAKE UP HER GO-TO SNACK STASH

I try and eat as many fresh veggies and fruits as possible.

I eat a lot of fish and also add in some tofu. I try and minimise processed sugars. Sometimes it doesn’t all go to plan, especially when I’m travelling or on a work trip. But I always have healthy snacks on me just in case, like: almonds (raw, toasted or tamari), bananas, sometimes a raw treat – either homemade or a bought protein chocolate ball – and raw muesli bars in my bag. I make time during the week to go to the market to get fresh fruit and veggies. Most importantly I try and keep a positive mind. Keep happy and always think of the bright side of things, and smile!

My phone never stops, so I have to create phone free times…

…where Josh, Isla and I can relax at home in peace. We either go for a walk or snuggle up on the couch. I relax when I’m finally home; no more airports, pulling around a suitcase, stressing over work and, most importantly, when my phone is turned off.

DROP DEAD GORGEOUS IN THE MANNING CARTELL FLYING START MINI DRESS
SPENDING QUALITY TIME WITH BOYFRIEND JOSH AND PUP KEEP ELYSE GROUNDED.

Exercise is my time.

I always make time for my body. I dedicate time every day to exercise. If I don’t, I feel terrible. I allow an hour for exercise, but even a quick 30 min walk with the dog [is great]. I’ve been hitting F45 training in Brunswick. It’s one of the best workouts I have ever done. It’s a high intensity, big calorie burner; I’m lifting weights and keeping toned. I alternate between going with Josh at 5am or I go a little later at 7am. Then I walk Isla when I get home if I have time.

On the weekend I’m chilled, relaxed and a tad tomboy.

During the week I’m much more playful – a bit more chic and sophisticated. I love playing with trends and changing up my style.

I love playing around with pastels – it suits my complexion.

Zimmermann is a big favourite of mine at the moment. I always love to represent Aussie labels; I know how hard it is to get a brand up and going and then to be noticed, especially at a high level. It’s important to me to support our local designers. My favourites are Manning CartellAlice McCall and White Suede.”

SCENTS TO MATCH HER STYLE: ILLICIT BY JIMMY CHOO AND SI BY GIORGIO ARMANI ARE HER FRAGRANCE FAVOURITES

Story by Chrisanthi Kaliviotis; Photography by Ed Purnomo; Makeup by Mae Taylor; Hair by Lauren MacKellar; Fashion styling by Simone Farrugia. All clothing, shoes and accessories from Chadstone – The Fashion Capital.

Comment (1)

  1. March 25, 2016
    larmelli

    I am 48 and have had breakouts. I so agree. Proplenish has done wonders for my skin.Less inflammation and it clears it up. Laraxx