Melbourne based makeup artist, Monica Gingold has been both recognised and mentored by Rae Morris and Nigel Stanislaus, leading her to be the chosen make up artist for “it” girls Steph Claire Smith, Elyse Knowles and Brooke Hogan and work with high profile celebrities Guy Sebastian, Samantha Jade, Bec Hewitt, Nicole Trunfio, Collete Dinnigan, James Blunt and Edwina McCaan. Here she shares her favourite skin tips and tricks

What is your morning skincare regime?

I cleanse with Aspect Dr Deep Clean Facial Cleanser, and use Societe Skin Hydration complex moisturiser

What is your evening skincare regime?

I cleanse all my makeup off, and rub 3 drops of Environ AC&E oil over my face

What are the three products you can’t be without?

Probably just those 3, especially the cleanser.

Favorite skin tips or tricks?

Get a magnifying mirror with a florescent light around it. Great for examining skin and eyebrows up close!

Favorite tips for travelling?

Stay in the shade. Preventing your skin from becoming damaged from the sun is better than trying to reverse it.

How do you maintain your skin whilst travelling?

Because I’m pretty lazy when it comes to skin care, I only have 3 products in my skincare regime, its very easy to travel with and can maintain my usual routine even when travelling.

What’s your everyday makeup regime?

Even though I am a makeup artist, I don’t wear a lot of makeup myself and its all about quick and effective makeup. For foundation I go between Georgio Amani Luminos Silk (which I use mostly in my kit) or Maybelline Dream Cushion foundation. I fill in my brows with a Benefit brow cream/gel liner and brush them into place. I use a Benefit Galifornia blush, and a quick dusting of bronzer. I use a By Terry bronze cream eyeshadow pen around my eyes and smudge it in with my fingers, and finish with Maybelline Colossal Big Shot volume mascara.

What regular treatments do you have to maintain your complexion?

I love having Hydra Facials, and collagen inducing Light Therapy treatment.

What does your diet look like on a day to day basis?

I avoid carbs and sugar, but have lots of protein and fats. I don’t drink coffee or alcohol because it doesn’t agree with me, but I think my skin is thankful for it.

Do you take any supplements?

I take magnesium tablets, and Glutagenics powder for gut health.

If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?

In the end, everything will be ok. And if it’s not ok it’s not the end.

What is one thing that all woman should own?

Skin cleanser. Clean skin is so important.

What is your summer skin care essentials? 

Tinted moisturiser with sunscreen.

What’s your number one makeup secret?

Expensive makeup isn’t always better.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

Time heals all wounds.

What’s one of the best tips you’ve learnt from being in the makeup industry?

Check your makeup regularly to make sure it hasn’t gone bad. Makeup should smell lightly perfumed or have no smell at all. If it smells at all bitter or tangy, its gone bad and time to throw it out. If you’re not sure, compare it to a new product. Powder makeups can last a long time time, but creams and gels can go bad quickly.

Another important tip is to use skin care products that are air tight, and distribute a small amount for each use, as opposed to a tub that you put your fingers in. Open tubs are more likely to get bacteria growing from putting dirty fingers inside. Pumps or bottles with small openings are much more hygienic.

What’s your biggest beauty indulgence?

Probably getting dermal fillers – I did it for my 30th birthday and again before my wedding. I had a little in my under eye troughs, cheeks and cheekbones. It made me look like I’d had plenty of beauty sleep, and felt really fresh. And not obvious at all.