What’s in my makeup bag: Monika Radulovic

Monika Radulovic is not your average model. The global skin care ambassador for HIVITA Luminous White and former Miss Universe Australia, recently participated as a contestant on the lastest gruelling season of Australian Survivor, proving that she’s more than just a pretty face. But as a former beauty queen, you know that she has an enviable makeup bag.

We spoke to Monika to get all the details on her daily beauty routine, and how she kept her complexion so clear on Survivor.

What are the 5 beauty products that you can’t live without?

Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Lip Liner in Supersize Me ($35, charlottetilbury.com/au)
ModelCo FIBRE LASH mascara
HIVITA Luminous White Skin Renewal Cream ($98, hivita.com.au)
Clarins Instant Light Lip Comfort Oil in Red Berry ($33, clarins.com.au)
Josie Maran Cosmetics Argan Cleansing Oil ($46, mecca.com.au)

What beauty products do you always carry with you in your handbag?

I’ve always got a some tinted lip balms in my bag (I’m loving the Clarins lip oil in red berry at the moment, and Chapstick Total Hydration in Rose Petal is another fave). I also have my Mecca Max Blotting Papers packed if I need to mattify my face during the day and I always carry a hair brush – the Evo Conrad Boar paddle brush is amazing for making my hair look super smooth and bouncy, and is the perfect travel size.

Describe your everyday makeup routine?

I try to wear as little makeup as possible when I’m not working at a photoshoot or event. I love rocking an effortless look, so after I’ve moisturised my skin, I curl my eyelashes and add some mascara, brush my eyebrows, add a little highlighter above my cheekbones and finish with some tinted lip balm to add some rosy colour to my lips.

What was your beauty routine like on Survivor?

We literally had NOTHING on survivor when it came to beauty products! The best I could do was use the soft grains of sand to exfoliate my face and body every few days and bathe in the ocean (sans soap!). Funnily enough, my skin has never looked better than when I was on the island! I guess the salt water, humid weather and beans and rice (which were the only things that we ate) really work wonders for the skin haha!

Has your daily routine changed at all since coming back from the island?

My daily routine hasn’t changed too much from what I did before going on the island; I still opt for the effortless beauty routine on a regular basis. However, I’ve found that I haven’t gone back to get a shellac manicure since I’ve been home (whereas I used to get one every 2 weeks prior.) I’ve noticed my natural nails have become stronger and healthier without any shellac on them. I also don’t wash my hair as often. After over a month of not washing it on the island, it doesn’t get oily as quickly so I try to wash it every 3-4 days now, as opposed to every 1-2 days beforehand.

Does your beauty routine change when you’re really busy?

My daily routine doesn’t take longer than a few minutes to complete so I find I normally have enough time regardless of how busy I am.

Do you have any time-saving makeup hacks?

Mix some illuminator with your foundation to give yourself a lighter, more glowy coverage. Because it’s more sheer, it’s more forgiving when it comes to blending perfectly. Also, invest in an eyelash curler! You’ll have more awake eyes in a few seconds and you don’t need as much mascara for a big impact.

How do you take care of your skin to keep it looking so flawless?

Good skin really does come from within so hydrating myself with plenty of water is really important (boring but true!) and avoiding sugar and processed foods. Since focusing on incorporating lots of healthy fats into my diet, my skin has really reaped the benefits- it’s so plump, glowy and clear! Apart from food, I use my HIVITA Luminous White Skin Renewal Cream ($98, hivita.com.au) everynight before bed, and my HIVITA Ultra Skin Lightening Booster ($198, hivita.com.au) each morning to help keep my skin healthy from the inside out. I also use my Nu Skin® ageLOC® LumiSpa® cleansing device morning and night to give my skin a really deep cleanse, and I always take off my makeup before bed.

What’s the best beauty treatment that you’ve ever tried?

I am a sucker for trying anything and everything when it comes to health and wellness. My favourite treatments I do regularly include getting intravenous vitamin infusions at Cosmos Clinic, Cryo therapy at Koa Recovery and using the Joovv whole body red light therapy system. All of these modalities make me feel incredible, boost the texture of my skin, my circulation and collagen production so that my skin positively glows.