Skin expert to the stars Melanie Grant reveals secret to celebrity skin

She’s the skin care specialist to the stars, and now Melanie Grant has revealed the simple way to achieve flawless celebrity-level skin.

As one of the judges for the first ever Vogue Australia Beauty Awards, Melanie Grant has always had a knack for knowing what’s big in beauty, first.

Now, sitting down to share her secrets as the winners of the Vogue Beauty Awards are announced, the Australian celebrity skin care expert and author shares exactly how you, too, can follow in her footsteps.

From humble beginnings to clients who now include the likes of Victoria Beckham and Dua Lipa, Grant tells all – including which products are actually worth investing in.

Melanie Grant.

Talk us through how you got to where you are today?

I always knew I wanted to work in beauty so I studied aesthetics straight out of school. I realised very quickly that my interest and passion was definitely in skin care.

I started my career working in traditional spas, where the focus was on high touch client care and complete relaxation. As my fascination with treating the skin continued to evolve, I needed to learn more.

So, I took various roles working with plastic surgeons, dermatologists, and in skin clinics where I could incorporate lasers and more advanced modalities into my treatment repertoire. I soon found that what I really wanted to offer my own clients was the best of both worlds – the uncompromising care and restorative experience of the spa world, with the results-driven technologies used in clinics. This is where my own approach of “clinical beauty” was born.

What are some misconceptions about your job?

I often hear clients mention how calm our studios feel and that it must be so relaxing being a skin therapist. This makes me so happy, because my team and I ensure no stone is left unturned when it comes to creating a peaceful environment for clients to have a moment of respite. But it does take a lot of work behind the scenes to keep things running seamlessly.

Melanie Grant.

How do you juggle being a mum and running a global business? Over the years I’ve tried to let go of the idea of “balance” when it comes to motherhood and work. I know many mums can sympathise when I say sometimes it feels like a manageable juggle, sometimes more of a struggle. The key for me is treating each day as it comes and just doing the best I can. I try to be present wherever I am.

What is it like working with celebrity clients?

I’ve had the pleasure of meeting so many incredible people over the years, and they’ve all enriched my career.

My team and I have an unwavering code of discretion and truly value the privacy and trust that’s earnt from the client-therapist relationship for all of our clients, including those with a high profile. For us, the most important thing is treating the person in front of us, so we never pressure clients for photographs or social shout outs.

You’ve always been such an advocate of skin health, rather than promoting skin appearance as the priority. Why is that?

There’s no point in going after an unattainable ideal of “perfect” skin. It’s not realistic or sustainable.

For me, celebrating the features that make us who we are – like some texture, a rosy cheek, lines from a life well lived and a sprinkle of freckles across the nose – are what make us unique and most beautiful.

My philosophy has always been that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Keeping the skin clean, hydrated and protected from the sun and environmental aggressors is enough alone to yield great results.

It’s important to remember that the little things we do each day add up over time and that this is what builds a resilient complexion; one that’ll truly stand the test of time.

Melanie Grant.

How can the average person get celebrity-level skin?

Every skin is unique, so it’s important to take the time to get to know yours. We each have our own set of concerns and conditions and with that a selection of ingredients or treatments that may be best suited to care for them. What works for one person may not necessarily work for another.

Take the time to educate yourself – read blogs, join a skin care forum, invest in a good book or speak to your facialist if you have one. Ensuring you’re using the right products for your particular skin is a must. After that, it’s all about consistency.

Beyond studio treatments, what are some products that we can invest in at home to keep our skin healthy?

I always recommend a double cleanse in the evenings – first with an oil or balm to break down stubborn makeup, sunscreen, grime and oil from the day. Then, with something a little more active that contains enzymes or AHAs to really deep clean the pores.

Prioritising antioxidants in the day time and actives like AHAs or retinol in the evenings allows you to work with your lifestyle and the skin’s natural rhythms. Antioxidants prevent accelerated ageing and collagen breakdown so are best applied during the day when you’re more likely to be exposed to UVA and UVB radiation, pollution and oxidative stressors. In the evening, retinols, AHAs and BHAs can work synergistically with your skin’s functions of cell metabolism, healing and regeneration overnight as you sleep.

Always be sure to apply a broad spectrum SPF as the final step in your regimen every morning and top up throughout the day.

Lastly, gentle exfoliation either with a chemical or physical formula will keep your skin bright, clear and your cells turning over, as well as ensuring that the other actives in your regimen are absorbing effectively.

What are your favourite skincare products under $50?

One of my favourite drugstore products is Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentre – it’s suitable for all skin types and so calming and plumping. You can use it as a cleanser, moisturiser, makeup primer and even a hydrating mask. I always have a tube in my kit along with Bioderma Sensibio H2O, which I use as a makeup remover and post cleanse refresh. The Ordinary also has some great active formulas at really affordable price points.

Melanie Grant.

Check out the full list of winners in the Vogue Beauty Awards in the June edition of Vogue magazine, on sale now, or at vogue.com.au

Melanie’s favourite products from the Vogue Beauty Awards

SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic Vitamin C Serum (RRP $236 for 30ml): Winner Best Serum

“SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic has been a mainstay in my morning regimen for years. It’s nourishing, promotes collagen synthesis and really brightens the skin while shielding against environmental aggressors that can wreak havoc on the complexion.”

Augustinus Bader The Cream/The Rich Cream (RRP $437 for 50ml): Winner Best Night Cream

“I’ve been using Augustinus Bader creams on my own skin and as a finishing product in my treatments for more than five years now. These two classic formulas are the original and the best – they really nourish, plump and build skin resilience and adaptability over time.”

Tom Ford Brow Sculptor (RRP $92): Winner Best Brow Tamer

“Bare skin and a tidy brow is my go-to look for daytime. This brow pencil gives subtle, natural definition and streamlines your kit with its double ended spoolie.”

Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer (RRP $599): Winner Best Hair Tool

“For someone with naturally wavy, unruly hair like mine, this hair dryer has been a godsend. It smooths the hair cuticle and gives long wear volume without the need for excess heat or over processing.”

Chanel La Creme Main (RRP $87 for 50ml): Winner Best Hand Cream

“My hands and cuticles often seem to be a little on the dryer side, so I always keep one Chanel La Creme Main in my bag and one on my bedside to top up hydration and lipids, or to incorporate into a DIY manicure.”