Finally, I have another instalment of '5 Minutes With ....' and I'm so excited to feature a seriously glowing angel in Naomi, of @inskin_ on Instagram. Hailing from Sydney, Australia and currently waiting out yet another lockdown, Naomi has the most incredible eye for product shots, and did I mention her skin glows in every single photo? Now I get to find out why - let's dive in!
- Where did your love of beauty and skincare come from, has it always been there?
My love of beauty started young. I remember being in year 5 and my mum let me wear mascara to a school disco, and I felt palpably TRANSFORMED. My love for beauty continued to grow from there, I even passionately petitioned for girls in my strict religious school to be allowed to wear eyeliner, despite it not complying with the uniform policy (take that Mrs. Clay). In terms of skincare, that really became a passion / interest of mine in my late teens/early twenties when I was struck with some inflamed + unhappy skin.
- What are your favourite skincare ingredients, and why?
Ahh what a great yet difficult question. I feel like an obvious one is SPF, but that should be a given due to its anti-ageing + skin protecting superpowers. In addition to that, I really love scientifically efficacious products that are backed by research, it makes me feel like they’re doing what they say. So in saying that, I love a good retinol (vitamin a), it’s a weapon, great for increasing cell turnover, which diminishes fine lines and pigment and pumps up the collagen in our skin. I also love beta glucan, an incredibly healing and hydrating ingredient, really strengthens the skins barrier…controversial, BUT I think it’s better than hyaluronic acid (oops I said it). I could go on and on and list so many ingredients, they’re always changing depending on my skin / the weather, but I’ll finish with marula oil. I love how nourishing it is for the skin, it’s rich in fatty acids and prevents transepidermal water loss.
- What are your favourite beauty treatments?
Anything that is healing or results driven. I love an LED light treatment, skin needling, enzyme therapy. I’m not huge on a classic ‘facial’ type treatment although they’re really lovely. I love beauty treatments that allow me to see a difference in my skin afterwards.
- In regards to skin therapists and dermatologists, whose opinion or knowledge do you trust and believe in?
I’m going to go with both. I think dermatologists have a great understanding of the skin on a cellular level, they’ve studied for years and that should be acknowledged and respected, becoming a derm is hard hard work. But I also trust a great skin therapist who works day in and day out with clients and a wide range of products and treatment modalities. Also, skin therapists these days are so informed and have access to amazing education and products. They both have integral roles to play in the skin / beauty industry. Big respect for both.
- What's your thoughts on botox and fillers etc?
Full transparency, I love them. I recognise I am in an incredibly privileged position to be able to afford to partake in these procedures here and there. But I also don’t think they’re essential for having great skin. At the end of the day, it’s an individual’s choice and if you want a lil bobo or filler, go for it sis and if not, you do you. Disclaimer though, I think if you do partake in these more invasive treatments and someone asks you what you use to get such plump or tight skin, just own that you get Botox or filler. Also, always go to a reputable, qualified and experienced provider.
- What would you like to try next; product, service or treatment?
I would love to try PDO threads in different areas of my face. I would also love to do some laser genesis. I’d also love to try an at home laser hair removal device. I’m currently in Sydney lockdown and would genuinely love to just get a manicure, full head of foils and some laser hair removal (nothing wrong with body hair btw I just personally love being a dolphin). In terms of products… I’d really love to try the Mecca Athletica - Skin Perfecting Body Wash & Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt + the Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mask. Might be time for a Mecca splurge!
- What is your favourite beauty magazine, and/or who are you listening/watching to in podcasts, Instagram or Youtube?
In terms of publications, I LOVE The Cut and all the beauty content they produce. I love Fat Mascara, great poddy out of the US, they discuss all things beauty / cosmetics / procedures and also interview some of the biggest names in the industry. I also love Beauty Island, an Aussie podcast, she does great in-depth pods on peoples must have products. Beauty IQ Uncensored by the Adore Beauty girls is also great + hilarious. In terms of the gram, I love Emma Hoareau, Ali Whittle, Roj (The Roject), withsaj, imanogundeko, esteelaundry (for the tea/accountability of brands), whatsonvisfave, Byrdie (big fan!!). I think that’s probably enough haha.
What a babe!
*This post may contain affiliate links for which I receive a commission at no extra cost to you, which assists to support and maintain my freelance writing and this website.