Jul 26, 2012 3:21PM
Beauty Spot: Sarah De Bono
The new Kiehl's ambassador on her favourite beauty products.
Kiehl's are on a roll at the moment. They've opened their second Australian standalone store (at Chatswood Chase), signed The Voice star Sarah De Bono as an Ambassador (she's in good company, joining fellow celebrities like Julianne Moore and Pharrell Williams), and today they're launching a range of fragrances, body lotions and cleansers called Kiehl's Aromatic Blends. The Blends — available in Fig Leaf and Sage, Orange Flower and Lychee, and Vanilla and Cedarwood — represent a return to the brand's apothecary beginnings, with each product containing a higher proportion of key ingredients. In non-beauty speak, that means they smell REALLY good and last forever.
We spoke with Sarah as she was on her way to cut the ribbon at the Chatswood boutique. This is the first in a new series of posts called Beauty Spot, in which we'll ask all kinds of people about their beauty routines and habits.
Ariane Halls: I used to have the same colour hair as you, and there were so many shampoos and conditioners that I had to use. How often do you dye it?
Sarah De Bono: I dye my hair probably every few weeks, just because there is so much attention on my hair and make-up at the moment — being in the public eye. I use Majicontrast by L'Oréal, and I do it myself and I really like the result. It's easy to use — I don't mean to be giving them a shout-out, but it's true! [Laughs]
Do you use anything in between colourings, to keep in all that colour?
No, not really, to be honest. It's that much of a good product!
What other beauty products do you use?
Well I've actually been using Kiehl's, which has been amazing. Their Lip Balm is amazing. It just really helps your chapped lips. I feel like I'm always a bit dehydrated, so I thought, "I might try this product," and I was very impressed. And also Creme de Corps, the body cream by Kiehl's — it's beautiful. It's really silky and it keeps my skin nice and moist.
What about make-up?
I use a whole lot of different ranges of makeup. What did they use on me today? Shu Uemura! It's amazing, and these cool eyelashes with little pom poms. I've never had little pom poms before!
Are they furry?
They're wool or cotton or something. They're really cool!
Did you wear fake eyelashes before you started doing The Voice?
No, I'd never worn fake eyelashes before. I've always loved to play with make-up and stuff, but I've defined myself more as an artist through the course of the show, and it's all about bright colour. Being larger than life — just going with what you feel, and not holding back. If you want to be bright and crazy, then just do it.
How long does it take you to get ready?
To be honest? Not really that long. Deciding on what you'll wear and having that ready, then once you have that... And when you have to do your hair and make-up yourself — I've actually gotten quite good at doing my makeup in cars and at the airport, at the last minute. Obviously, with my hair, it doesn't take too long. It's always a lot easier when you have professionals looking after you! But yeah, I like a bit of pressure.
Do you think you're more into beauty and stuff now?
Definitely. I take a lot more pride in myself, because I know that everywhere I go I will be photographed. But I love beauty — I think beauty comes from within and if you feel good about yourself, that'll just generate and be positive energy to everybody else. I love doing my nails different colours, too. I've got an amazing collection of nail polish colours and I change my nails pretty much everyday. I'm always just painting them the last minute before I get out — today I've got orange and red ... My nails are quite damaged, because I had fake nails on during the show, but I love having bright-coloured nails and a feature nail. It's just fun. I also love jewellery and lots of crazy bangles and watches. Life is supposed to be fun, so when your accessorising, have fun!
I was driving down Crown Street a week or two ago, and I saw you on the side of the road — there was lots of red and a bunch of suitcases, plus you're quite tall, so you were easy to recognise. Is that full-on? Do you ever just want to wear a disguise?
I have actually gone out with a disguise before. That's so funny, did you really see me?
Yeah! I was outside Kawa, that coffee shop on Crown Street.
That's so funny. Yeah, that would be me ... I have gone out with the hood up, or hat and glasses. But you'd be amazed — going out to the shopping centre, people still recognise you.
How crazy. You should get a wig or a do-rag or something.
I actually posted a photo of my disguise once, and people were like, "Oh my God!" But yeah, it's lots of fun. I'm proud of where I am. You know, life is very different to how it was a few months ago, but it's really good.
Ariane Halls
