There's only been a handful of successful couples that have come out of the hit Aussie TV shows The Bachelor and The Bachelorette, and a couple we were rooting for from the get-go was Matty J (Matty Johnson) and Laura Byrne. Since leaving the reality TV show three years ago, the loved-up couple are still going strong - they've added a new member to their family with the birth of their daughter Marlie-Mae and have set a wedding date for 2020 after Matty proposed to Laura in Fiji during their babymoon last year.
The new mother certainly has her hands full at the moment, as she's also still the creative director of her jewellery label Tonimay and hosts the Life Uncut podcast with Brittany Hockley (a fellow The Bachelor contestant from a different season), so we knew she would have a few time-saving beauty hacks up her sleeve. Here's what we uncovered when we caught up with Laura for an exclusive interview:
On how her beauty routine has changed now that she’s a mum…
“I don't have nearly as much time as I used to, so now my routine is all about being efficient. I don't use a lot of products, but the ones I do use have to be really hydrating, glowy, cost effective whilst also making me look like I've slept.”
On her best trick to looking like she’s had a full night of sleep...
“Haha... to get a full night’s sleep! Drink lots of water and invest in a good concealer!”
On her favourite makeup hack…
“Instead of using an illuminator, I mix one drop of Bio-Oil into my foundation and put that along my cheekbones. It's the bee’s knees; if you have dry skin, try it.”
On the makeup products we’ll find in her makeup bag...
Benefit Precisely My Brow Pencil - I can't leave the house without drawing my brows on or I feel naked.
NARS Radiant Longwear Foundation - my melasma came out in full force when I was pregnant and it hasn't gone away. I love this foundation right down to its little pump bottle. It offers such good coverage for someone with pigmentation issues without looking cakey.
Maybelline New York Total Temptation Waterproof Mascara - [it has a] great brush, [is] never clumpy and won't end up down your cheeks.”
Benefit Precisely My Brow Pencil
NARS Radiant Longwear Foundation
Maybelline New York Total Temptation Waterproof Mascara
On her favourite body products at the moment…
“Bio Oil - I love using this as an all-over moisturiser. I used this all through my pregnancy and it's made a huge difference in my skin being more hydrated. Also pretty dang relaxing having a bath with a few squirts in the tub.
Go-To Exfoliating Swipeys - these guys are the bomb and help keep my face feeling clean and glowy.
Bondi Sands Self-Tanning Foam - I don't sunbake anymore, and really wish I had stayed out of the sun more when I was younger, but I do still like to look like I have a tan. Bondi Sands has a great colour and it doesn't streak.”
Bio Oil
Go-To Exfoliating Swipeys
Bondi Sands Self-Tanning Foam
On who looks after her hair…
“I'm pretty low maintenance when it comes to hair and over the past few years I've really embraced my natural curl. First off, get yourself a good hairdresser. I love Willomina in Surry Hills (Sydney); Chris, the owner, is a wizard and a gem of a human. For curly hair, one of the most important things is hydration. I love using a brand called Pure and the shampoo and conditioner is called Goddess; they are organic and cruelty-free and perfect for curly hair. I also love Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray to use when I need a bit more oomph at the roots.”
On her favourite beauty treatments...
“I've just started doing Laser Genesis which is a super light laser treatment which helps to rejuvenate the skin, and hopefully make me look like I have slept. I have been visiting a clinic in Bondi called Face Plus Medispa and the team there are so lovely. I'm only on my second treatment but I am loving it so far.”
On how she’s changed her lifestyle now that she’s a mother….
“I haven't had as much time for exercise as what I did pre Marlie and sometimes that can be a real juggle for me. It's difficult as I really need exercise to keep happy and feel motivated but it's often the one thing that falls to the wayside when I'm crazy juggling work and mum life. I try my hardest to at the very least get outside and take our pooch for a walk every day. You have to be proud of the small wins.”
On her favourite exercise…
“Going for a long walk with Matt, Marlie in the pram, and our pooch Buster. It's quality family time and exercise all wrapped up together.”
If you’re looking to up your exercise at home, here are the apps that are worth downloading.
Main image credit: @ladyandacat
Iantha is BEAUTYcrew's Beauty Editor, and has been part of the team since the site launched in 2016. Besides pinky-nude nail polish and wispy false lashes, she has a healthy obsession with face masks and skin care ingredients. Her previous work can be found in Virgin Australia Voyeur, Women's Health, and SHOP Til You Drop.
