Always flawless in the chicest attire, and reviewing the most sought after beauty products on the market, Stevie Ford of @topshelfbeaute knows everything and anything about how to look and feel your best. We sat down with the beauty guru to learn a little bit more about her day-to-day and what is being circulated the most in her beauty cupboard.
Tell us about yourself and what you do for a living?
I am 29 years old and reside in Freshwater on Sydney's Northern Beaches. My background is in fashion but I am also a qualified Skin Therapist.
I am founder of the IG account @topshelfbeaute and www.topshelfbeaute.com and also currently working as a stylist for one of Australia’s leading fashion brands and freelance in social media and marketing. I am working on a new business venture launching later in the year. I like to be busy!
I am a Capricorn and this is very evident by my work ethic. My passion in fashion and beauty is what motivates and inspires me.
What does a typical morning look like for you?
A bad habit but I check my emails and do a scroll through Instagram as soon as I wake. I start my morning with a coffee and always try to make time to be able to sit down and enjoy it. I will then jump in the shower and do my skincare routine. I normally mentally prepare my outfits the night before to save time. I also try to do pilates with Melissa Wood most mornings.
Do you have any special rituals that you commit to daily? (Meditation, goal setting, drinking lemon water etc):I love writing to-do lists- ticking them off is so satisfying for me. I always dry body brush before my shower and Gua Sha when I'm in the shower.
What is your version of self-care?Taking care of your mental health is self-care. Being aware of your yourself and taking time to care for your mind- It's so so important. I suffer from anxiety so I always make time to check in with myself, generally through meditation, a bath or going offline for a few hours. I also can't forget an at-home facial, always works a treat for me.
Current morning skincare routine:
My morning skincare routine is all about protecting my skin for the day ahead. I may change up brands but the ingredients I look for to wear during the day don't really change. I don't wash my face in the morning, I just cold compress with water and towel dry- with the Resoré face towel. I use Rationale #1 Serum and #2 Hydragel, Emma Lewisham Illuminating Brighten Your Day Cremé or Augustinus Bader, The Creme. I am also religiously wear sunscreen and apply SPF 50+ every morning- rain, hail or shine.
I'm a skincare girl all the way, so I always keep my makeup looking natural and glowy. I'll apply foundation, powder, blush and do my brows.
Your top 3 makeup products that are currently on high rotation?Kosas Cloud Set Baked Setting & Smoothing Powder, HOURGLASS Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil and Kjaer Weis Invisible Touch Liquid Foundation.
Most under-rated beauty tip?Don’t over exfoliate. As a skin therapist I have dealt with so many impaired skin barriers due to over exfoliation.
How does wellness play a role in your approach to beauty?I try my best to eat a balanced diet, exercise and I always drink plenty of water. I am religious with taking my vitamins in the morning.
Best beauty advice you ever received:
I have received a lot of advice over the years, but most importantly it is always 'what’s on the inside that counts and that will shine through'. Plus, 80% of ageing is caused by the sun, so always wear SPF!
What beauty products do you always carry with you/ in your handbag?Kosas Hyaluronic Lip Balm, Chanel La Creme, Maison Margiela The Fireplace 30ml.