/https%3A%2F%2Fimages.prismic.io%2Ftheiconic%2F814a79c7-dc98-4eb5-b54e-51cdbcfa9a2e_IMG_7244_Facetune_24-02-2022-16-16-34.jpg%3Fauto%3Dcompress%2Cformat%26rect%3D0%2C1035%2C2272%2C1251%26w%3D2560%26h%3D1410)
It’s time to shine as the season of celebration is finally here. From the 18th February to the 6th March, get ready to up the ante for Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras 2022.
Whether you’ll be incorporating some subtle sparkle into your look or going all-out in something bold and bright, this is the perfect time to explore fashion and beauty outside your everyday style. Think sequins, glitter and pops of colour.
But we all know that there’s no point in looking good if you’re not feeling like your best self too. It’s just as important to take some time for self-care to look after your mind and body as it is to serve up your best Mardi Gras party style.
We spoke to Brandon Scott, rising LGBTQIA+ Makeup Content Creator , to get his best tips on how to stay healthy while living your best life this Mardi Gras season.
How do you stay healthy during Mardi Gras?
“Well, a month out I get my routine in check as we want to be at the top of our game for everything! Get your 10k Steps in a day, eat healthy balanced meals, drink three litres of water every day, get your skincare routine in check and be CONSISTENT – we don’t want our skin freaking out a few days before the event.”
“And finally, body scrubs in the shower every week, that way by the time Mardi Gras rolls around my skin will be soft and ready for a fresh tan. Get your healthy habits and self-care routines down packed and you’ll be glowing on the big day!”
:quality(85)/http%3A%2F%2Fstatic.theiconic.com.au%2Fp%2Fadidas-originals-5518-9993811-1.jpg)
:quality(85)/http%3A%2F%2Fstatic.theiconic.com.au%2Fp%2Ffrank-green-4507-2272931-1.jpg)
:quality(85)/http%3A%2F%2Fstatic.theiconic.com.au%2Fp%2Floving-tan-4393-1573521-1.jpg)
:quality(85)/http%3A%2F%2Fstatic.theiconic.com.au%2Fp%2Fthree-warriors-1236-6485611-1.jpg)
:quality(85)/http%3A%2F%2Fstatic.theiconic.com.au%2Fp%2Fhunter-lab-2850-5092101-1.jpg)
What self-care tips do you swear by?
“I’m a huge fan of nourish bowls, especially at this time of year, you can take inspiration from your favourite cuisines and create a fresh bowl of healthy ingredients. My personal favourite is Mexican-inspired bowls (maybe this is just a burrito bowl?) but make it fresh and nourishing.”
“My favourite includes rice, beans, chicken, tomato, lettuce, onion, avocado, lime and salsa... chefs kiss.”
What are your favourite ingestible beauty products for looking and feeling your best?
“I'll be honest, I can be a little slack with my ingestible beauty products throughout the year. However, when I’m on a good routine I love my vitamin C and B12. As well as a collagen supplement in my morning juice or coffee – it’s great for your skin and hair.”
How do you keep your complexion radiant?
“First and foremost, a consistent routine. Obviously everyone's skin is different, but the one thing all skin can appreciate is consistency!”
The ingredients I gravitate towards are:
- AHA + BHA
- Retinol (ONLY twice a week)
- Hyaluronic Acid
- Niacinamide
- B5
“I tend to play with these key ingredients, essentially promoting skin cell turnover and hydration.”
:quality(85)/http%3A%2F%2Fstatic.theiconic.com.au%2Fp%2Fskinstitut-5948-1379331-1.jpg)
:quality(85)/http%3A%2F%2Fstatic.theiconic.com.au%2Fp%2Fmedik8-0368-4879141-1.jpg)
:quality(85)/http%3A%2F%2Fstatic.theiconic.com.au%2Fp%2Fgarnier-2719-3744631-1.jpg)
:quality(85)/http%3A%2F%2Fstatic.theiconic.com.au%2Fp%2Fthe-ordinary-9679-0401221-1.jpg)
:quality(85)/http%3A%2F%2Fstatic.theiconic.com.au%2Fp%2Fgrown-alchemist-5349-5206411-1.jpg)
How do you get party-ready for Mardi Gras?
“The routine! We start with body hair, all grooming, brows… the lot needs to be done 24 hours before going in with a tan. Get my body bronzed a day or two before Mardi Gras, then constantly hydrating my skin with beautiful decadent body creams.”
“The night before, you will definitely catch me in front of the TV with a hair mask and face mask on – think all things hydration. On the day, I will start with a steamy shower to let my skin soften which will allow for a nice clean shave. I'll prep my skin with all skin loving hydrating ingredients (don’t try anything outside your normal routine) and then it's time to get glam.”
:quality(85)/http%3A%2F%2Fstatic.theiconic.com.au%2Fp%2Fshu-uemura-2926-9750031-1.jpg)
:quality(85)/http%3A%2F%2Fstatic.theiconic.com.au%2Fp%2Fsilk-oil-of-morocco-9357-7322721-1.jpg)
:quality(85)/http%3A%2F%2Fstatic.theiconic.com.au%2Fp%2Fl-oreal-professionnel-1453-1441241-1.jpg)
:quality(85)/http%3A%2F%2Fstatic.theiconic.com.au%2Fp%2Fredken-0563-3350031-1.jpg)
:quality(85)/http%3A%2F%2Fstatic.theiconic.com.au%2Fp%2Faveda-3335-8830251-1.jpg)
:quality(85)/http%3A%2F%2Fstatic.theiconic.com.au%2Fp%2Falterna-3096-8046741-1.jpg)
:quality(85)/http%3A%2F%2Fstatic.theiconic.com.au%2Fp%2Ftriple-a-skin-science-9288-3707531-1.jpg)
:quality(85)/http%3A%2F%2Fstatic.theiconic.com.au%2Fp%2Fmedik8-0252-7189141-1.jpg)
:quality(85)/http%3A%2F%2Fstatic.theiconic.com.au%2Fp%2Fendota-2855-0201431-1.jpg)
:quality(85)/http%3A%2F%2Fstatic.theiconic.com.au%2Fp%2Faceology-9916-0169411-1.jpg)
:quality(85)/http%3A%2F%2Fstatic.theiconic.com.au%2Fp%2Fskinstitut-6991-0579331-1.jpg)
:quality(85)/http%3A%2F%2Fstatic.theiconic.com.au%2Fp%2Fwrinkles-schminkles-6715-8406131-1.jpg)
What makeup look are you going to wear this year?
“Oooh, am I willing to share this secret?! Look, this year has been heavily inspired by Euphoria. I’m thinking minimal gems, interesting graphic liner, glowing skin, holographic flares and pops of vibrant colour. The masterpiece will pave its way on the day, but I just want it to be fun and comfortable.”
:quality(85)/http%3A%2F%2Fstatic.theiconic.com.au%2Fp%2Fglitterazzi-5652-9405451-1.jpg)
:quality(85)/http%3A%2F%2Fstatic.theiconic.com.au%2Fp%2Fnapoleon-perdis-2012-1159411-1.jpg)
:quality(85)/http%3A%2F%2Fstatic.theiconic.com.au%2Fp%2Fmac-9996-7597931-1.jpg)
:quality(85)/http%3A%2F%2Fstatic.theiconic.com.au%2Fp%2Fbobbi-brown-8613-7424841-1.jpg)
:quality(85)/http%3A%2F%2Fstatic.theiconic.com.au%2Fp%2Feye-of-horus-6193-6771611-1.jpg)
:quality(85)/http%3A%2F%2Fstatic.theiconic.com.au%2Fp%2Fmac-0862-4008931-1.jpg)
/https%3A%2F%2Fimages.prismic.io%2Ftheiconic%2F814a79c7-dc98-4eb5-b54e-51cdbcfa9a2e_IMG_7244_Facetune_24-02-2022-16-16-34.jpg%3Fauto%3Dcompress%2Cformat%26rect%3D0%2C0%2C2272%2C3408%26w%3D840%26h%3D1260)
How do you ensure your makeup lasts all night during Mardi Gras celebrations?
“Skin prep will play a major part. Feed your skin complexion-loving skincare and let it drink up all the hydrating serums and moisturisers. This will prevent the skin from trying to absorb the hydration out of the makeup products. If you’re oily, make sure you prime with a mattifier to keep those oils at bay. Lock it all in with a setting mist, one of my faves is The Porefessional Super Setter Spray from Benefit.”
What’s your next-day beauty routine look like after a big night of celebrating?
“Firstly, WASH YOUR FACE as soon as you get home. Double cleanse always, no excuses! The next day it's time for a big glass of fresh OJ. I tend to keep my skincare routine the same, with a little bit of retinol in my night routine. I let my skin breathe, relax, drink LOTS of water and sleep – sleep is very important. Happy Mardi Gras!”
Fast delivery – free over $50 – and free returns.
/https%3A%2F%2Fimages.prismic.io%2Ftheiconic%2F64cb951b-db2f-427b-8f46-b5e7c9da62a6_sq%2Bof%2B2022020304_TheIconic_Y2kSportMardiGra_Day_2_D02S011_Trend_Mana_Basija_0033%2Bcopy.jpg%3Fauto%3Dcompress%2Cformat%26rect%3D0%2C333%2C5504%2C2752%26w%3D1600%26h%3D800)
/https%3A%2F%2Fimages.prismic.io%2Ftheiconic%2F6290ea81-7569-4727-9647-3e059727bff4_GettyImages-1363115596.jpg%3Fauto%3Dcompress%2Cformat%26rect%3D0%2C313%2C5000%2C2500%26w%3D1600%26h%3D800)
/https%3A%2F%2Fimages.prismic.io%2Ftheiconic%2F0a868446-8e58-498e-a005-08206fa934f0_GettyImages-1170104905.jpg%3Fauto%3Dcompress%2Cformat%26rect%3D0%2C559%2C6720%2C3360%26w%3D1600%26h%3D800)
/https%3A%2F%2Fimages.prismic.io%2Ftheiconic%2F31b3ff55-8eb1-40e6-a01b-1b101932250d_GettyImages-1172868868.jpg%3Fauto%3Dcompress%2Cformat%26rect%3D0%2C1566%2C3993%2C1997%26w%3D1600%26h%3D800)