Louise Roe, TV Personality & Fashion Writer

Between her work as an international television presenter, model, and fashion journalist, you wouldn't think Louise Roe would have time to pen a comprehensive style guide. But the brunette beauty has done just that with her on-trend tome Front Roe. The book, which she is currently in Australia promoting (along with being a guest of Emirates at the Melbourne Cup and hosting an event with Furla in Sydney), is a compilation of her personal style, beauty, and inner confidence secrets. Louise recently welcomed us into her stylish Los Angeles abode, revealing a knack for decorating (as well as dressing!) and an impressive beauty routine.

Louise’s beauty philosophy is, of course, stylish, yet simple and low maintenance. She has no shortage of brilliant beauty tips and tricks gleaned from her years in front of the camera and generously let us in on her best secrets.

“I think my beauty look is quite natural.

I like to wear M.A.C strobe cream under my foundation, and strip lashes for filming. I stick to browns, bronzes taupes and golds around my eye. And I like to contour my cheekbones too. This word gets so overused in the beauty industry, but ‘dewy’ skin is the goal!

LOUISE SWEARS BY M.A.C STROBE CREAM FOR RADIANCE

LOUISE ROCKS SHORT HAIR

I feel prettiest…

with a tan and little makeup, in a long floaty dress on vacation, just as the sun sets. Wow that was pretty specific! I feel best when I’m relaxed and comfortable, and not hiding under loads of makeup.

With makeup trends now there seem to be two camps on the red carpet.

The natural, dewy look – like Cate Blanchett and Emma Stone etc, and the more made-up Kardashian-like faces. Both look incredible, but I think heavy contouring can look dodgy in real life and natural light. Better to stick with strobe creams and highlighters.

LOUISE REMINDS US THAT SIMPLICITY IS KEY

A FEW OF HER FAVOURITE BEAUTY PRODUCTS

I am lucky enough…

to be sent a lot of products to try, and I do enjoy using different brands and experimenting. I have a few old faithfuls, like Kate Somerville eye cream and SKII Midday Essence. I don’t wash my face in the morning, because it can strip too many natural oils. Instead I splash cold water on it, and then apply Kate Somerville serum.

My skin is always a slightly different shade,

depending on the season, and if I’ve been traveling, so I like to custom-make my base each day. I mix up a little Jouer primer, Lancome tinted moisturizer and M.A.C foundation, and make a base. It’s not thick – I always like to still see freckles through my makeup. I use Benefit’s Erase Paste to lose my under eye circles, followed by NARS dusting powder to lighten and reflect off the area. Then Lancome Bronzer, and M.A.C bronzer on my cheeks – plus a little dusting on my collarbone and jawline – a makeup artist taught me this, it makes those areas pop. Then I use Avon mascara on the top lashes, and Givenchy waterproof mascara on the bottom to make my eyes pop, and to stop the black from running

A PEEK INTO LOUISE'S MAKEUP COLLECTION

LOUISE LOVES LUCAS PAW PAW FOR SHINE

For lips,

I keep it natural. Mary Kay has a natural gloss called Sun Blossoms, or for a more plump lip, I line and fill in with Lancome’s Beige Rose pencil first. A dab of Lucas Paw Paw ointment on top is enough shine, and I prefer that look to gloss for the day.

For a night out,

Lancome’s Miracle Cushion (in 310 Bisque C) is great for that glowy look; its coverage but not too thick. I’ll usually line the waterline with brown or black liner too. M.A.C does an amazing golden bronzer that I put along my cheekbones for that extra shimmer, and I also love Ardell strip lashes. Laura Mercier Golden Gloss gives my lips a nice shine, and works with any colour you’ve got on underneath. Nars makes a body oilthat smells so divine, and gives your skin a really lovely glow.

LOUISE'S ECCLECTIC BAR FOR ENTERTAINING

A HANDFUL OF LOUISE'S FAVOURITE SCENTS

I have a few favourite makeup tricks and techniques.

First, using bronzer as an eye shadow, on top and underneath the eye. Also, applying false lashes and no mascara, for a natural but still glamorous eye. And mixing up a primer, tinted moisturizer and foundation for the perfect skin tone base.

base.

I rub tea tree oil into my scalp once a month,

it really clears all the build up of products. I also use Christophe Robin detoxing shampoo once a week. When I’m filming, hot curling irons and dryers really take the moisture out of my hair, so I use a Kerastase mask. Tresemme Seafoam is brilliant to get some natural volume before drying wet hair, and I always carry a baby can of Tresemme’s Dry Shampoo in my handbag, to give my hair a bit more life throughout the day. I run the straightener through my hair giving it one bend, for a laid-back look.

LOUISE HAS EASY TRICKS TO FIGHT PRODUCT BUILD UP IN HAIR

LOUISE ADORES FRESH FLOWERS

I treat myself to facials and massages,

that’s a priority for me. I go to Lena at Carasoin for massages and facials. Kelly at Kate Somerville and Arcona in Santa Monica for facials. In the evening, about twice a week I’ll do a gentle peel with SkinInc’s pure revival peel (I discovered this line in Singapore and it’s incredible). I also just got back from filming a show in Asia, where I was in the blazing sun all day and ended up with sun damage on my forehead.

My greatest beauty influence…

is Yasmin le Bon. I used to keep a copy of my Mum’s Elle magazine in the early 90’s, when I was too young to read it all, with Yasmin on the cover. Her thick eyebrows and brunette hair – I thought she is the definition of beauty. She still is.

LOUISE TAKES BEAUTY NOTES FROM YASMIN LE BON

LOUISE LAUGHS AT HER BEAUTY MISTAKES AS A TEEN

Growing up, my friends and I were total disasters…

but like most teenagers, thought we looked cool. We plucked our eyebrows into oblivion and wore all the wrong colour foundations, and had wobbly eyeliner. But it’s a rite of passage, I guess. I remember going around the house, when I was about 11 or 12, asking my Mum and two sisters for beauty hand-me-downs. I amassed a decent collection of half-finished blush, purple eyeshadow and very waterproof mascara. The results weren’t cute, but it was fun experimenting.

I find it a bit disturbing…

to see little girls dressed up like sexy women nowadays! I wasn’t allowed to wear makeup, or paint my nails, or get my ears pierced, until I was almost a teenager. I’m glad my Mum was strict about that. She did teach me to look after my skin in the sun too, because she grew up in Rio and would lay out all day on the beach without sunscreen.

LOUISE'S MUM TAUGHT HER THE IMPORTANCE OF SUN PROTECTION

LOUISE CALLS HERSELF A 'TYPE-A' PERSON

I’m learning how to meditate…

using the app Headspace. You’re supposed to do it for ten minutes every day, although I often forget. But I’ve noticed it helps me stay calmer, in situations when I used to get wound up. I’m definitely an A-type, so being tranquil is a work in progress!

When it comes to aging, I think each to their own…

Women like Glenn Close and, of course, Meryl Streep look unbelievable, and have aged gracefully. But no judgement on anyone who has work done. Look at Demi Moore! She looks incredible.

LOUISE'S GORGEOUS INSPIRATION WALL

LOUISE AT HER CHIC DESK

My favourite feature…

is probably my mouth. I’ve been told it’s very expressive (and big, haha)! I don’t really hate on any parts of myself, to be honest. Not that I think I’m perfect in any way, I still have insecurities like the rest of us, but I think it’s better not to call them out or dwell on them.

When I’m in LA…

I always start my day with exercise. I switch it up between reformer pilates, Soul Cycle, and Training Mate – which is a circuits class run by hilarious Aussies (Luke, who owns it, is an ex Wallaby) who make you laugh through the burn!

LOUISE'S TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

LOUISE AT HOME IN CALIFORNIA

I find it much easier to stay in shape…

when I’m in LA, following a routine. Traveling so much is tough, because you’re faced with jetlag and airport junkfood – but I do my best, even if that means ten minutes of sit-ups in my hotel room. But moderation is important; giving yourself a break if you’re shattered and can’t face the gym, or eating the doughnut if you’ve been good all week. I’m strict about exfoliating and applying face masks, particularly after a long flight. I fly every couple of weeks at least, so I get through a lot of face masks!

I have a healthy appetite.

When I’m filming long days I’ll usually have two poached eggs on pumpernickel toast with avocado for breakfast. I hate getting hungry again by 11am, and that brekkie keeps me fuelled up until lunch time. I eat at least one avocado a day, and I’ll even take them on the plane with me to spice up a boring in-flight salad. I have an iced latte everyday, and I eat a lot of seafood too. LA is great for fresh seafood.

A GLIMPSE OF LOUISE'S COLOURFUL DECOR

LOUISE'S BOOK, FRONT ROE

I’m a terrible cook…

but one thing I am okay at making is turkey burgers. The recipe is in my book, Front Roe, and they’re delicious. The secret is to add almond meal and lime juice, that gives them the perfect juicy texture. And I love to unwind with a glass of Malbec. I also take a magnesium supplement, because it’s supposed to be good for stress and help with sleep.”

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Comment (4) Cancel reply

November 4, 2015
Anita

She’s so beautiful! I love her style.

November 4, 2015
Clara

I love that trick of using waterproof mascara on lower lashes- my mascara always smudges so I’ll try that!

November 8, 2015
Eva

Thanks for posting these, Sigourney. Love Louise and the Miranda Kerr post– natural girls are the best.

January 20, 2016
Flicka _H

Louise seems like a lovely lady on TV. It’s lovely to know more about her and see that she keeps it real.

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