I spoke to the woman who charges $995 for a facial – here’s her advice for great skin on a budget
Updated
Exclusive: Does indulging in a facial sit somewhere near the bottom of your financial priorities right now? (Same.)
Enter April Brodie. She might be the go-to facialist for Aussie stars like Ellie Carpenter and model Madeline Holtznagel – and the architect behind a lavish new $995 silk wrap treatment – but she insists you don’t need to blow a week’s rent to get glowing skin this summer.
I spoke to the woman who charges $995 for facials – here’s her advice for glowing skin on a budget. Supplied by April Brodie
Because really, who wants to be wearing foundation in this heat? We picked her brain on everything from facial myths to the low-cost habits that actually work.
April, you’re big on the art of massage – does how you apply products matter?
Aussie facialist April Brodie reveals the $18 chemist staple she swears by. Supplied by April Brodie
“The formulation, the ingredients and whether a product suits your skin are far more important than simply how much you massage it in,” she says.
Still, the perks of a good massage are huge. If you fancy giving it a go, she says to use your fingertips to gently work along the jawline from the chin towards the ears.
Then use slow, circular movements over the temples. Keep movements controlled and pressure comfortable, allowing the cleanser to provide slip so you are not dragging the skin.
What about those super pricey at-home red light devices – are they a gimmick or actually worth it?
Before splurging on gadgets, Brodie says to nail the basics first. iStock
“They can be, provided you choose a reputable device with appropriate specifications and realistic expectations,” Brodie says.
But before splurging on gadgets, she says it’s important to nail the basics first.
“I would always prioritise daily sunscreen, a well-formulated skincare routine and a healthy skin barrier before investing in a home device.”
Which skincare ingredient are women overlooking?
“Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, is one of the most underrated ingredients in skincare because many people do not fully understand how many benefits it offers.”
Brodie says it can support the skin barrier, improve hydration, regulate excess oil and reduce the appearance of uneven skin tone.
Okay, be honest: Do we really need to wash our faces twice a day?
“In the morning, I prefer a simple water cleanse, followed by vitamin B3 (niacinamide) to support the skin barrier and help regulate oil, then vitamin C for antioxidant protection.”
“You do not need ten steps or a bathroom full of products,” Brodie says. Supplied
“Always finish with broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen,” she says.
At night, she recommends double cleansing, followed by vitamin A or a targeted treatment and moisturiser.
“You do not need ten steps or a bathroom full of products. You need to understand your skin, choose the right ingredients and use them consistently.”
For someone can’t drop a grand on a facial, what’s your holy grail chemist skincare staple?
“La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+” Brodie tells nine.com.au.
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+ retails for under $20 at Chemist Warehouse. La Roche-Posay
“When the skin barrier is impaired, or skin feels irritated, dry or compromised, it is a wonderful product to have on hand to help soothe and support the skin barrier,” she says.
Brodie says spending big doesn’t guarantee results.
“Whether it’s a $30 moisturiser or a $995 facial like my new Silk Fusion treatment, the important thing is understanding what you’re investing in and whether it is appropriate for your skin concerns.”