Plus, our exclusive interview with the Aussie beauty
From starring in the TV show Neighbours as Paige Smith for three years to competing in Dancing With The Stars and now playing Tahlia Woods in the new Aussie series Playing For Keeps, Olympia Valance has become a fixture on our screens, and we're all for it. It's easy to see why Australians are obsessed with her: The actress/model/social media star has captured our hearts with her stunning facial features (all thanks to her Greek and Serbian background), as well as her to-die-for hair... which is fitting, as the brunette is the newest ambassador for L’Oréal Professionnel.
We recently caught up with the former Neighbours star when she stopped by Sydney to update her 'do. Yep, look no further if you're after some serious new hair inspo.
On her newest hair change...
"What is that age-old saying… a change is as good as a holiday? I’ve never been afraid to try something new when it comes to my hair. I know some people find a style that works for them and they like to stick with that, which is of course 100 per cent fine, but for me, I feel like life is short, do something different and have fun - your hair will always grow back! Changing my hair also really inspires and shifts my style too, which I enjoy. It can completely shift your confidence and attitude – I make regular trips to the salon, I love that feeling of leaving a salon with a brand new look and a spring in your step. The technique that Pete Thomsen used was a French balayage and gloss technique. The secret to great balayage is it should always look and feel natural... and of course, it’s all about that glossy finish!"
On her new fringe...
"I LOVE a fringe and the bangs are a strong vibe! The fringe originally came to fruition during the character development meetings for my character Tahlia on Playing For Keeps. When they were building her style and her look, a fringe was thrown out on the table and I immediately jumped at it. I think I had spent so long on Neighbours with a very simple cut and long hair that was either dead straight and out, or slicked back in a ponytail, that I liked the idea of audiences immediately accepting me as this new character via her aesthetic before they even knew who she was. It just felt like it was her too, when I started getting to know her. It was also such a nice change for me off camera, and honestly I don’t know if I would have thought to do it otherwise! The bangs this year, however, are slightly different. They’re more grown-out. They feel a little more grown up – serious and sophisticated, which I guess is also in line with the changes that have occurred in Tahlia’s life in the last six months since audiences left her. The change signifies a new chapter for her, and for me. I’m loving the different look for me to play with off screen, too!"
On how she styles her fringe...
"I don’t often have a lot of time to spend styling on a daily basis. The trick is to blow-dry it as soon you get out the shower, while it’s still very wet. Once it’s dry, I spray a small amount of L’Oréal Professionnel Tecni Art Savage Panache – it’s a powder spray that gives the most amazing texture and hold! Regular fringe trims are also key to keep its shape."
L’Oréal Professionnel Tecni Art Savage Panache
On her skin care routine...
"I believe good makeup is largely achieved by having healthy, well looked after skin, so they are intertwined. My skin care routine, however, is very simple and it hasn’t changed much over the years. I try and get a facial every six weeks and I religiously use my Aspect products, along with whatever serum my skin is currently asking for. This varies with the seasons – it’s currently winter in Melbourne so hydration is key!"
On her favourite makeup products at the moment...
"I have been in love with makeup for longer than I can remember and I actually did a professional artistry course before I got my role on Neighbours! I also had the pleasure of working with some of the most insanely talented artists in Australia so I’m always stealing their tips and tricks and a lot of my favourite products have either come from shoots or events where they have been used on me.
At the moment I can’t live without my Yves Saint Laurent Beauté All Hours Foundation – as the name would suggest, it truly takes me from day to night seamlessly which is so important when you’re constantly on the run and you don’t want to worry about or have time for a fresh face between work and dinners, drinks, etc.
For lips, I am loving my Mecca Max Gloss Boss in Glitterbug. It travels with me everywhere and provides me an instant lift and freshen-up. The colour is also such a nice neutral pinky/peach that it goes with anything and everything. It has totally become a staple – honestly ladies, do yourself a FAVOUR and add this to your kit!
For eyes, I have recently become a By Terry convert and their Mascara Terrybly is phenomenal. I hate that clumpy broken look, and this glides on perfectly, giving your lashes awesome depth and fullness."
Yves Saint Laurent Beauté All Hours Foundation
Mecca Max Gloss Boss in Glitterbug
By Terry Mascara Terrybly
On the biggest hair mistake she's ever made...
"I don’t even need to think about this. When I was a teenager I thought it would be an EXCELLENT idea to dye my hair a dark red/purple, paired with a sweeping side fringe… I don’t know if this was me trying to be cool or if I was in some weird emo phase but I remember thinking I was ROCKING it. Now those photos just make me laugh."
On whether she's high-maintenance when it comes to beauty...
"It’s funny because I think I am either at completely opposite ends of the spectrum. If I have nothing on and a few days to myself to just go to the gym, watch Harry Potter for the 12,000th time, or go for a walk around The Botanical Gardens in Melbourne with my friends, I will so happily wear not an ounce of makeup and leave my hair in its most natural state. BUT if I have something on for work, an event, or even just a fun night out with my girlfriends planned, I truly love getting all dressed up and doing my makeup. I think beauty is like a form of self-care – stripping things back and allowing your skin to breathe and giving your hair a break from heat tools feels like such a nice reset. But allowing yourself an hour or two in front of the mirror on a Saturday night, with a glass of wine and some music playing, maybe trying out that new hairstyle you’ve always wanted to try or taking the time to perfect your winged eyeliner is also an investment in yourself. When you look good, you feel good, and confidence is key."
On her go-to red carpet look...
"Oh there are too many to choose from! There is no way I could pick just one. I really love taking a risk and having fun when a red carpet opportunity comes up. I will normally work with my stylist (Meggy Smith) and we will decide on what the general vibe we are going for is and just run with it. I never like to do remotely the same thing twice so that definitely plays into things. I’m normally pretty up for anything – this job can be so much fun when it comes to things like this, so I want to look back and know I made the most of it!"
Looking for some more hair inspo? Check out the best celeb hair transformations for 2019 so far.
Are you looking to switch up your ‘do, either with a cut or a colour? Tell us more in the comments below.
Main image credit: supplied
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.
