My Beauty Lessons: Jenna Menard

I remember being four years old and going to visit a family friend and her newborn baby. The baby had beautiful, natural pink and purple tones on her eyelids, and I said to my mum, “Look, that baby is wearing make-up.” Of course, she wasn’t but I’d noticed the different in her skin tone immediately – and instantly thought it was eyeshadow. I guess it’s just something that’s really stuck in my mind over the years.

It was a loose bronzing powder and a sheer, frosty pink lipstick. It’s funny because I was using the powder when I was 12, thinking it did so much for me. I’ve since learned less is more!

I’m very lucky to be constantly trying new products but I do have some I always return to. One is my Surrat Lash Curler – they’re unlike any other tool on the market. I love my SAIE Super Gel too – a highlighter that can be worn on both the face and body. It feels great on the skin and makes you look as if you stick to a regimented skincare routine. The Jones Road Face Pencil is ideal for speedy touch-ups and gives you untraceable coverage. As for mascara, the one from Merit offers more of a natural lash. Bobbi Brown’s Colour Sticks are also so easy, and I really rate Monika Blunder’s Beauty Cover. It’s a foundation, concealer and bronzer all in one. Finally, I’m enjoying the Decorté Comfort Day Mist and the Tower28 Sunny Days Tinted SPF right now. You can find the other products I really stand behind on my shelf here.

Balance is key – if you’re doing perfectly curled hair, let your make-up be a bit messy and rough. Likewise, a strong, precise lip works well with skin that’s clean and fresh. It’s also worth matching your make-up routine to your lifestyle. For instance, if you’re limited on time, find one product you can put on four different ways to make life easier – I often use an eyeliner for eyeshadow and brows.

Stop following set looks. All of us are guilty of getting stuck in ruts due to old habits, but it’s so important to remember there aren’t any hard and fast rules with make-up. Sometimes, the rules are what stop you from finding new things that really work for you, so my advice is to experiment with something new.

I am into  Hairstory’s New Wash lately. It feels like a conditioner but it’s a shampoo. My hair loves it – it feels healthy and hydrated, and not weighed down. Normal shampoos can often strip my hair of everything, so I’m forced to add conditioner, oil, pomade, sea spray, conditioning cream to replenish it. This has streamlined my routine perfectly. A good powder is key to extend the time between washes. I usually have the best hair on days five and seven post-wash because it has more natural texture and I control the build-up of oil with TAKESUMI dry shampoo. I apply a light dusting into my roots and let it work its magic overnight. To give my hair an undone, separated look, I also use Jillian Dempsey’s Roadie which is easy to travel with. As for brushes, I don’t use one that often, but when I do, it’s always MANTA. They fit perfectly in your palm for total control.