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Pilates icon Bernadette Sukkar reveals insane beauty hack

The pilates instructor to the stars has revealed the surprising use she has for one very common bedroom item — and it’s not what you’d expect.

Bernadette is the brains behind one of the most sought after pilates studio in Sydney, Body By Berner. Picture: Instagram @mrsbernadettesukkar
Bernadette is the brains behind one of the most sought after pilates studio in Sydney, Body By Berner. Picture: Instagram @mrsbernadettesukkar

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In just two years, 35-year-old Bernadette Sukkar has transformed her luxurious Bondi studio, Body By Berner, into the most coveted pilates destination in Sydney.

Her classes are so sought-after she even counts Hollywood A-listers Natalie Portman and Rita Ora among her clientele.

Yet for all her celebrity connections and entrepreneurial success, it’s the smaller moments that still leave this newlywed starstruck.

Her biggest ‘pinch me’ moment? Discovering that radio icon Jackie O was following her on Instagram. “I was so excited because growing up as a girl I’d always hear her on the radio – oh my gosh, I was fangirling,” she laughs.

Checking Out With Bernadette Sukkar

Now Bernadette is spilling all of her secrets, from the sweat-proof makeup that survives her toughest sessions to the eye-watering price of her skincare routine. Plus, the one unconventional beauty hack she swears by — and it’s nothing we’ve ever heard before.

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP FITNESS BUYS?

“The best deodorant is from Aesop – it’s natural, it actually works and it smells amazing.”

Aesop Herbal Roll-On Deodorant, $43 at Myer

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Bernadette’s go-to deodorant is this roll-on from Aesop. Picture: Myer
Bernadette’s go-to deodorant is this roll-on from Aesop. Picture: Myer

“I love Oribe, it’s a dry shampoo and also adds volume. So if you’ve had a blowout or you’ve done your hair, you just put it through your roots and it adds a really nice amount of volume.”

Oribe Gold Lust Dry Shampoo, $83 at Adore Beauty

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To save her tresses after a long sweat session, Bernadette opts for this dry shampoo from Oribe. Picture: Adore Beauty
To save her tresses after a long sweat session, Bernadette opts for this dry shampoo from Oribe. Picture: Adore Beauty

“I always need a good grip sock and Swanky is my favourite because they sit so low and look good with my sneakers.”

Yoga socks, $26.95 at Swanky Socks

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The pilates queen swears by these Swanky Socks for her workouts. Picture: Swanky Socks
The pilates queen swears by these Swanky Socks for her workouts. Picture: Swanky Socks

“If I’m teaching pilates, I love a baggier pant. I’ve really been loving PE Nation at the moment and they also just look really nice on the arse.”

Man Down Track Pants, $165 at THE ICONIC

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For baggy pants that “look really nice on the arse”, look no further than PE Nation. Picture: THE ICONIC
For baggy pants that “look really nice on the arse”, look no further than PE Nation. Picture: THE ICONIC

“If you are going from pilates to coffee or brunch and you want to look cool, Nagnata is the way to go.”

Nagnata Retro Short 2.0, $335.28 (down from A$355.60) at Revolve

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For a more elevated look, Bernadette will reach for her Nagnata shorts. Picture: Revolve
For a more elevated look, Bernadette will reach for her Nagnata shorts. Picture: Revolve

“ … and then I think out of everyone, Upside do the best track pants.”

Monte Pant, $199.99 at THE UPSIDE

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Bernadette’s ultimate trackies are from THE UPSIDE. Picture: THE UPSIDE
Bernadette’s ultimate trackies are from THE UPSIDE. Picture: THE UPSIDE

“In terms of a sports bra, I have quite small boobs so there’s not much to support. But I love Crop Shop Boutique, their cuts are super sexy.”

Freedom Contour Crop $69.99 at Crop Shop Boutique

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For support and a touch of “sexy”, Bernadette reaches for her trust CSB top. Picture: Crop Shop Boutique
For support and a touch of “sexy”, Bernadette reaches for her trust CSB top. Picture: Crop Shop Boutique

“Aim’n have really great tights and the way they frame the derrière is REALLY good.”

Macchiato Shape Seamless Tights, $99 at Aim’n

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Bernadette is a particular fan of the seamless tights from Aim’n. Picture: Aim’n
Bernadette is a particular fan of the seamless tights from Aim’n. Picture: Aim’n

“Lululemon tights are also fantastic and they keep really well too.”

lululemon Align™ High-Rise Pant, $129 at Lululemon

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The fitness guru can’t go past a trusty pair of Lululemon tights. Picture: Lululemon
The fitness guru can’t go past a trusty pair of Lululemon tights. Picture: Lululemon

“I love On, they’re the best. They’re so supportive. Even when I’m running around the studio, they’re one of my favourites.”

Cloudsurfer Max, $280 at On

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Bernadette has a clear favourite sneaker – these Cloudsurfers from On. Picture: On
Bernadette has a clear favourite sneaker – these Cloudsurfers from On. Picture: On

WHAT’S THE BEST WORKOUT EQUIPMENT FOR BEGINNERS?

“A booty band is amazing. You can do your arms, your glutes, your core – there’s so many incredible ways to use it. And they’re also really inexpensive, which is nice if you are just wanting to test it out and see.”

Booty Bands Set, $29 at Your Reformer

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According to Bernadette, booty bands are a great start to anyone’s fitness journey. Picture: Your Reformer
According to Bernadette, booty bands are a great start to anyone’s fitness journey. Picture: Your Reformer

The Mat 5mm, $109 at Lululemon

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These Lululemon yoga mats are also an essential part of the Body By Berner studio aesthetic. Picture: Lululemon
These Lululemon yoga mats are also an essential part of the Body By Berner studio aesthetic. Picture: Lululemon

WHAT PRODUCTS ARE IN YOUR MAKEUP BAG?

“Today I’m just wearing tinted moisturiser with a Glossier blush. They’ve got these little tubes that you just tap on and if you go overboard, you can always put it on your lips.”

Cloud Paint, $41 at Glossier

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As she’s always working out, Bernadette sticks to a simple base of tinted moisturiser with a dash of blush. Picture: Glossier
As she’s always working out, Bernadette sticks to a simple base of tinted moisturiser with a dash of blush. Picture: Glossier

“I love to use an eyelash curler, it really helps to lift and open. And then I just use a L’Oreal mascara.”

TWEEZERMAN Neon Great Grip Eyelash Curler, $28.55 at Amazon Australia

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Bernadette’s secret weapon is a good eyelash curler. Picture: Amazon Australia
Bernadette’s secret weapon is a good eyelash curler. Picture: Amazon Australia

L’Oreal Paris Volume Million Lashes Volumising Panorama Mascara Black, $19.80 (down from $32.99) at Amazon Australia

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The Bondi socialite keeps it simple with a coat of her favourite L’Oreal mascara. Picture: Amazon Australia
The Bondi socialite keeps it simple with a coat of her favourite L’Oreal mascara. Picture: Amazon Australia

WHAT PRODUCTS ARE IN YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE?

“I use a Sisley night cream and eye cream. That’s my bedtime regime.”

Supremÿa At Night Anti-Aging Cream, $1150 at Sisley Paris

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While it’s certainly an investment, Bernadette swears by the Sisley Paris collection. Picture: Sisley Paris
While it’s certainly an investment, Bernadette swears by the Sisley Paris collection. Picture: Sisley Paris

Supremÿa At Night The Supreme Anti-Aging Eye Cream, $530 at Sisley Paris

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This eye cream tub will set you back a staggering $530. Picture: Sisley Paris
This eye cream tub will set you back a staggering $530. Picture: Sisley Paris

“Their moisturiser is really beautiful. I wore it on my wedding day as a body moisturiser and my skin was glowing. It’s incredible. I always use it when I go to events, it’s my special thing that I use.”

Izia Moisturizing Perfumed Body Lotion, $180 at Sisley Paris

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As for the secret to her wedding day glow, Bernadette credits this Sisley Paris body moisturiser.
As for the secret to her wedding day glow, Bernadette credits this Sisley Paris body moisturiser.

WHAT’S YOUR BEST UNSEXY BEAUTY HACK?

“Dry brushing. It’s not sexy seeing all of your dead skin cells going everywhere but it’s incredible for circulation. It can help reduce cellulite and gets all your fascia moving as well.”

Kitsch Exfoliating Body Dry Brush, $22 at Adore Beauty

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Bernadette’s best unsexy beauty hack? Dry brushing. Picture: Adore Beauty
Bernadette’s best unsexy beauty hack? Dry brushing. Picture: Adore Beauty

WHAT’S THE WEIRDEST THING WE’D FIND IN YOUR BEAUTY CUPBOARD?

“Lube... I use it in my hair, it’s the best thing for a wet look. But don’t use oil-based lube because I did that and it’ll just make your hair look greasy.”

LELO Personal Moisturiser, $41.95 (down from $54.95) at Jou Jou

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According to Bernadette, the key to the perfect wet-look is lube. Picture: Jou Jou
According to Bernadette, the key to the perfect wet-look is lube. Picture: Jou Jou

WHAT WAS THE BEST GIFT YOU RECEIVED FOR YOUR WEDDING?

“Dawn Candles. I love them, they’re unbelievable. I was so lucky because I got a few as engagement gifts.”

Ode Dawn Candle, $49.99 at Stylerunner

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Bernadette’s current obsession are these Dawn Candles. Picture: Stylerunner
Bernadette’s current obsession are these Dawn Candles. Picture: Stylerunner

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Claudia Coy
Claudia CoySocial Media Producer

Claudia began her media career in radio, contributing to some of the most acclaimed programs at Nova Entertainment, including Fitzy & Wippa, Smallzy's Surgery and Ash, Luttsy & Susie O'Neill. Having found herself glued to digital news, the jump over to news.com.au was an easy choice. Driven by a love for storytelling, video production & shopping, Claudia now produces the social media content for news.com.au's checkout.

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