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It’s no secret that supermodels were blessed in the genetic lottery of looks. But that doesn’t mean the rest of us must be left out in the cold. When the ‘born with it’ doesn’t come into the aesthetic equation, thankfully we’ve got a plethora of cover-up, blemish-blurring, flaw-hiding products at our disposal. And, best of all, we have such wonders as Melanie Grant – a saviour to skin, with a penchant for making the everyday woman a supermodel. Well, an everyday woman with supermodel skin, anyway. Here are her tips, tricks and tonics for a flawless face…

IMAGE: INSTAGRAM @DOUTZEN

DISCIPLINE IS KEY

As we’ve established, there’s no shortage of good genetics for models. It accounts for those long-limbs, high cheekbones and Amazonian height, even sans stiletto. But, when it comes to skin, they’re job is one big hazard and it takes a lot of dedication to the process to keep it camera-ready. And, it starts at home. “The core of my work is devising a great home skin care regime that adjusts according to weather, travel and work commitments,” says Melanie. So, something we can all relate to. “Models are incredibly disciplined with their home care. [But] they are also very consistent with professional treatments to maintain a flawless complexion.”

MAKEOVER YOUR LIFESTYLE

While products, beauty regimes and salon visits are vital, how we live our lives has an adverse effect on your skin – from sleep to snacking, how you treat your body is what will shine, or show, through. “This is not only using great skin care and having skin treatments, it’s a lifestyle,” says Melanie. “Eating well, getting good sleep and avoiding sun exposure, stress, alcohol and cigarettes [all help].  Also, not all models are genetically blessed with great skin…” Try to not get discouraged at your super food salad when you see yet another Instagram image of a smooth-skinned model mid-In-N-Out Burger. “For the one per cent that seem to subsist off Big Macs, champagne and cigarettes – the ninety-nine precent are working at really earning their skin,” says Melanie.

PRODUCT APPLICATION IS AS IMPORTANT AS PRODUCT CHOICE…

While a wonder cream may have worked for your best friend, it doesn’t mean it’ll be of use to you, and vice versa. But, according to Melanie, it’s less about the products themselves and more the way products are used that can affect their efficacy from person to person. “I use the same products I use on everyone’s skin, from peels to masks to potent antioxidant boosters,” she says. “Stick to a simple regime with your skin care. Layer an antioxidant serum underneath a moisturising SPF during the day and after cleansing at night apply a treatment serum underneath a Chanel’s La Solution 10 Sensitive Face Cream  to calm and hydrate skin.”

KEEP SKIN CARE SIMPLE

It’s easy to feel bombarded by the promises of skin care products and to buy them all. But schlepping on every serum, eye-cream, mist, moisturiser and oil can cause more harm than good to your skin. “I think it’s really important to not overwhelm the skin with too many products,” says Melanie. “Stick to a simple regime with your skin care and focus on preventative approach to managing environmentally factors.” She continues, “This is certainly my approach with a model’s skin.” So, fewer products with greater efficacy and lighter on the credit card? We’re in.

ASK NOT WHAT YOUR FACIALIST CAN DO FOR YOU, BUT WHAT THEY DO FOR THEMSELVES…

We couldn’t pick Melanie’s beauty brain without also peeking into her own beauty repertoire. To our delight, she practices what she preaches, and with her flawless complexion, we’re willing to follow with devout devotion. “I use both an oil cleanser along with either an AHA cleanser or a milk cleanser depending on the season,” she says. “I always use Chanel Hydra Beauty Micro Serum in the morning and a retinol serum at night – unless I’m travelling or in super cold climates, in which case I’ll use an oil or a restorative serum.” She continues,“And I always love a really nice night cream and eye cream. I love at-home peels and masks as well as exfoliating water and a good scrub from time to time.”

AND LASTLY…

She’s not always the one handing out the advice. “I stopped drinking champagne and switched to vodka soda on [a model’s] advice…. I still don’t look exactly like them, but it’s a step closer.” Cheers to that.

Story by Rikki Hodge-Smith; Interview by Sigourney Cantelo

Comment (0)

  1. August 16, 2016
    Jennifer

    Great interview and tips. I am intrigued by ‘exfoliation water’. What exactly is that? Is it a toner? More information please!!

  2. August 17, 2016
    Carolyn

    Herb Ritts not Ritz!

  3. August 18, 2016
    Shelby

    Love all the info, more articles like this please!

  4. August 18, 2016
    Jordyn

    Glad vodka soda is a model’s choice since that’s all I’ve been drinking lately, good to hear 🙂 Great tips!

  5. August 18, 2016
    Macey

    Agreed that discipline is the key to good skin!!! I used to only do my facial skincare routine a couple times a week whenever I had time and now I do it every day religiously and I’ve never seen my skin more healthy!

  6. August 18, 2016
    Rhonda

    How often should you go to the salon to get a facial? I know it’s an important step for good skin, but I never know if I’m going too much or not enough – how often do you recommend? Love the tips in this article! Thanks for the info X