We’ve all heard the term WAG – the wives and girlfriends of sportsmen. But, we’re not buying the homogeneous connotation. They're businesswomen, professionals and brands unto themselves. (Who just happen to also be dedicated mothers and wives). Silvana Philippoussis is one such woman. Ever-present in support for her husband, Aussie tennis legend, Mark ‘The Scud’ Philippoussis, she’s not shy about her love affair with domestic bliss, particularly after the birth of her 3-year-old son, Nicholas. But, she’s also an actress, a model (shot for Gucci, Chanel and Oscar De La Renta to name a few) and is using her public platform to bravely speak out about her struggle with mental health. She's an ambassador for women’s mental health campaign, Liptember - where proceeds of lipstick purchases go to mental health organisations – and natural haircare range My Organics. So, we were eager to speak about mindful beauty with the Romanian-born San Diego-based blonde while she recently spent time back in Australia. Here, we chat about her favourite beauty buys, finding blessings in times of heartbreak and how she truly lives by the words ‘beauty comes from the inside, out’.
“Having a family of my own has given me a new meaning to life.
Motherhood has taught me so much; It also taught me to stop and breathe it all in because the days, then weeks, then months fly by too fast. I thought I knew what love was until I had my son, Nicholas and that love meter soared well beyond what I ever thought was possible. It has taught me a life of selflessness, humbleness and peace within myself. He’s given me purpose.
My father passed away unexpectedly in 2014, at the same time I had my son.
Nicholas was only 3 months old, and my dad only 54. I was overseas so I never got the chance to say goodbye and he never met his first grandson. I’m not sure which was hardest to deal with, it was mentally the most testing time of my life. That’s why I’m an ambassador for Liptember – a campaign that sells official lipsticks during the month of September with proceeds donated to the Centre for Women’s Mental Health and Lifeline.
I felt a light within burn out…
…I remember trying to make sense of the fact that I had been given the gift of life yet at the same time taken away my first love – my rock, best friend, biggest support and inspiration. My dad always said, ‘Don’t worry, be happy. Life’s too short, focus on what you’re doing and don’t do anything you don’t have your whole heart into.’It amazes me how strong one’s mind actually is, but I can confidently say that I’m proud of my journey and the woman I’ve become.
My beauty philosophy is quite simple. It’s all about the mind, body and soul.
My mum told me that a smile will never go unwanted and to be your beautiful, natural self and you can’t go wrong. She always taught me to not try too hard when it comes to beauty, and to just to stay grounded. She also taught me a lot of natural remedies to use on my skin and hair – from using olive oil as an all body natural moisturiser to egg yolk as a hair and face mask.
The first thing I try to do in the morning is cleanse my face.
I follow this with a spritz of Divine Woman Soothing Rose Toner to refresh and wake my skin up. I love using it on my décolletage too. I let that dry before applying my Divine Woman Illuminating Day Cream with sunscreen and then of course it’s coffee and beach time for a little grounding – it’s my idea of a perfect start to the day.
Nicholas loves to get involved when I do my makeup…
… he’ll literally drop anything he’s doing to help apply makeup for me. I sit him up on the counter top and he’ll go through the whole bag of products – eyeliner, lipstick, cream – it’s quite cute. We do a lot of creative art work on paper so I think he thinks it’s the same, only it’s on my face.
…I love that it’s lightweight and leaves my skin looking radiant and fresh. I apply it using my fingertips, that way I feel like I can control the areas of application. Dior Blush Light and Contouring Wand is one of my most favourite products, I use it as a blush, highlighter and on the odd occasion for contouring. I love YSL Touche Eclat – every single girl I know owns this product. I call it my little magic wand. I like to use it as a light concealer under my eyes. It instantly brightens my face and hides any signs of fatigue I get from travelling and a hectic schedule. I have been using Rimmel Exaggerated Liquid Eyeliner for as long as I can remember, I’m obsessed with it. And MAC Prep & Prime Transparent Finishing Powder stays all day and leaves a beautiful finish. I like to apply to the oily parts of my face, which is mainly my T-zone.
My favourite hair products are from My Organics.
I love the shampoo, it has sweet fennel and aloe and the conditionerhas yoghurt. I use the Organic Angel Potion with Goji straight after showering – it helps detangle my hair and also give me volume. I then sparingly rub in the Reconstructing Fluid Potion with Argan Oil. I just put a few drops in the centre of my palm, rub my hands together and run my fingers through the ends of my hair for added nourishment. There’s so many benefits to using the range.
I try to fuel my body with fresh organic produce…
…but moderation is key. As corny as it sounds, I generally like to stick to this rule. I cook quite clean and healthy but occasionally cave into a burger and fries and not feel guilty. I’ll then just balance it off with a super healthy eating day. I do have a sweet tooth and find that although we eat fairly clean I crave a little sugar each day. This generally comes in the form of a little chocolate. Sodas are banned in our home due to their high sugar content and lack of nutritional value.
I love practicing the art of grounding…
…so, walking barefoot and connecting with the earth. I’m all about capturing the beautiful positive energy that emanates from the soil, rock and sand. It recharges my energy levels and I feel the happiest when connected.
I used to compete nationally in cross-country [running]…
…and was enrolled in Little Athletics. I’m all about moving my body and keeping active and fit, especially now I have a 3-year-old boy. These days, I love nothing more than running around after my son and playing all types of sport with him. I also try to fit in a cardio workout a few times a week which helps deal with any stress or post-flight tension.
I would describe my style as classic/bohemian.
I live in flowing linen pieces and bohemian inspired dresses. Or, when traveling, I like to go all out for comfort – a t-shirt, leggings, sneakers and a trendy jacket or coat for warmth. Some of my favourite recent purchases are a white linen dress by Banana Blue Label (designed and made in Australia) and a pretty bohemian style dress from another Aussie favourite, Steele.”
Story by Rikki Hodge-Smith; Interview by Sigourney Cantelo; Photography by Neiyo Sun.
Molly
I’ve never heard of Liptember – love it! Thanks for bringing this to my attention! Xx
Jane
When applying oils to your hair (like Argan oil), should you only apply it to the ends of your hair?
sphilippoussis
Hi Jane, my hair gets particularly dry (depending on the season) so i actually like applying a small amount of oil to the roots also…i start from the ends and finish on top just gently running my fingertips along the finer hair that likes to stick up. Many hairstylist would reach for the hairspray to tame those unruly bits but i prefer a moisturizing lotion. My favorite’s the reconstructing fluid potion by My Organics. Hope this helps:)x
jessmcbeth
Interesting and the Divine products are by Miranda Kerr’s mother.