From a childhood playing with face masks concocted from pantry essentials to now being on the precipice of opening her fourth international skin salon, Melanie Grant is undeniably one of the world’s most influential names in beauty right now. Lauded for her approach to skincare that is simple, luxurious and effective, as well as her partnership with Chanel and her coveted Paris Fashion Week residencies (at which the world’s most recognisable supermodels converge to ensure their skin is catwalk-ready), it’s hardly surprising that this Sydney-based skincare expert is held in the highest regard. Catching up with Melanie between fashion weeks and European holidays, we sought her advice on skincare for spring, non-negotiable wellbeing rituals, and her favourite products in her bathroom right now.
We’re coming out of winter here in New Zealand — what rituals, products and treatments should we be investing in for our skin right now? While it can be frustrating to navigate year in and out, seasonal skin changes present us with an opportunity to reassess our regimes and take note of what’s working and what could be improved. Rather than planning your skincare investments seasonally, I recommend looking at the bigger picture. If you’re working within a budget, you can reach for more cost-effective options for things like cleansers and moisturisers. Some of my favourite products are from the drugstore, products such as Bioderma Sensibio H2O or Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentre which I always have in my kit. Serums are the key element of a regime to invest in. They often contain the most concentrated amount of actives in the smallest molecular form, so they can penetrate deeper into the skin yielding a more significant result. In terms of treatments, coming out of winter is a great opportunity to have laser treatments and depigmentation peels before summer comes around again. I also love LED Light Therapy coupled with gentle peels to revive a tired, dull or compromised complexion coming out of the harsh weather of winter. LED is a great way to boost collagen and elastin production, promote circulation and flood the tissues with nutrients from within. It also promotes hydration, radiance and reduces inflammation — and all without any downtime. It’s a great way to repair a compromised barrier after being exposed to central heating, cold climates and harsh weather.
