Want to the Secret to Radiant Skin? It's an Inside Job.

I absolutely agree that a wonderfully nourishing skincare regime and skilfully applied hydrating, cosmetic foundation helps the skin appear glowing. As a makeup artist, I love that we have these little enhancers to help even out our skin-tone and give us that youthful glow. My job would be near impossible without them however, makeup really can only do so much.

We all know the drill by now. Nourishing our bodies with fresh, unprocessed food and keeping our hydration definitely helps our skin glow from within.  From personal experience though, no amount of luxurious skincare and makeup we use, fresh food we consume and water we drink can combat what stress does to the appearance of our skin. Experiencing high levels of stress can make you more prone to acne breakouts, wrinkles, dry skin and even hair loss.  Sounds scary but it’s not all bad news.

The pinnacle of obtaining and maintaining glowing, radiant skin really is an inside job. 

Exercise, practicing mindfulness, gratitude and mediation are some of the strategies that will help calm your mind. No longer banished to the ‘woo-woo’ world, this inner work has been scientifically proven to reduce the effect of stress on your mind and body and is the secret to not only radiant skin but more importantly, your mental and physical wellbeing. 

Many of us are experiencing extra ordinary levels of stress these days so here are my four tips on handling stress that I make a priority every day.

1. Go for a walk.  Physical activity stimulates the release of dopamine and serotonin. These brain chemicals play an important role in regulating your mood.

2. Practice Gratitude.  Write three things you are grateful for every night before you go to bed. Even in these hard times there is always something to be grateful for. In positive psychology research, exercising gratitude helps us feel more positive emotions which improves our health and helps us deal with adversity. 

3.  Hang out with those friends and family members who make you feel good - even if it’s virtual. Smile and say hi to people you see on your walks. Research shows that social connections impacts both your mental and physical health.

4.  Live in the now. Thinking about the past can make you feel depressed.  Stressing about the future can make you feel anxious.  Easier said than done I know, but even taking 10 minutes out of your day to do some meditation or breath work can help keep you kick in your parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest) and help you stay that little bit longer in the here and now. 

So be kind to yourself and do the best you can every day. These practices have a cumulative effect so very step you take towards calming your mind, however small, will move you in the right direction towards learning how to deal with stress… long term.  Hydrated, clear skin will be the cherry on top to an overall grand prize of improving your mental and physical health.

So let’s get glowing friends!  

Are you ready for the spotlight?

For over two decades, I have swept my makeup brush over some incredible faces. People with fascinating stories, from actors, musicians, Heads of State, Board members, executives, and avionics technicians in the Australian Air Force, to unsung heroes in medical research. I have had the privilege of delving into their worlds for a moment in time. What I have discovered however, is a common thread. The importance of connection and feeling valued. From the most seasoned actors to a jovial truck driver, who has never been in front of a camera, no matter who they are or what they do, everyone loves to have someone in their corner.  

Within the small amount of time I spend with them in our preparation time to become ‘camera ready', I have seen people grow that little bit taller, feel that little bit more confident and no matter how nervous they feel, they know I am there to make sure they look their best. (you may have seen me lurking in the background armed with powder and hairspray). 

Many of the people I work with ordinarily do not need to wear makeup or style their hair for the role they play in their respective fields; and some are quite adverse to it…. in the beginning anyway. That is where I've found my role is so much more than applying a touch of foundation or grooming a male client’s beard. Through building rapport quickly, I have been likened to a coach who silently encourages and inspires clients to trust in themselves and the process. I help people:

1. Understand and accept what their roles require with a light-hearted approach;

2. Understand how acknowledging the art of self-awareness and gratitude enhances these new and sometimes uncomfortable experiences.   

3. Trust in the process.

4. Breathe.

The countless times I have heard ‘I wish you could help me get ready every morning’.  Harnessing my two decades of film, TV and photography with corporate experience, I have developed essential professional presentation workshops,  both online and face to face, where I help empower teams and executives with their professional appearance and for those who continue to work from home, setting up their home space to create that connection whilst maintaining professionalism with their online clients and colleagues. 

As working environments change, many corporate executives, team leaders, employees and self-employed individuals have found themselves thrust into the spotlight in a virtual working world.  With no lighting technician, camera department, wardrobe stylist and hair and makeup on hand to create that imperative connection with their audience, aka your colleagues and clients, most have had to, and continue to, pretty much fend for themselves. The unrealistic expectations to become and look like a professional presenter overnight can be daunting and the urge to turn off the camera icon is real.   

There is also the transition to stepping back into the office as restrictions have been lifted.  I have spoken with many execs and team leaders who demonstrate concern over the fact that their staff may have dropped the professional appearance ball.

The message we are all hearing is clear. The importance of turning up for yourself has never been more pressing than in these uncertain times. Never underestimate who is watching you and who you are influencing. Can we really afford to not have any control over how our employees are turning up for virtual work whilst representing our brands? Equally as important though, can we afford not to empower them to feel more confident and in turn more likely to enjoy the process?

In my workshops, I share my professional makeup, wardrobe and set design tips and techniques to help you and your employees put your best self forward so everyone can confidently connect with organisations and customers. My personalised workshops include virtual, interactive and practical makeup and hair lessons, together with larger group presentation workshops for all staff. 

Whether you like it or not, how you show up for work every day mirrors and inspires your employees, colleagues and customers. The more you make an effort, the more likely your team will do the same. 

Never underestimate the positive reciprocal connection between inner and outer beauty. Positive self awareness coupled with the power of presenting yourself professionally is an absolutely winning combination.

It may be the difference between sealing the deal or seeing it slip away. 

To discuss how I can help your organisation, please contact me at info@lilyfontana.com.au