Every skincare question you’ve ever wanted to ask Zoë Foster Blake, answered

From break ups to beauty advice, there is no one Aussie women turn to more for the answers in life than beauty magnate Zoë Foster Blake. Or ZFB to her friends... which unfortunately, we’re not (yet).
After spending a decade as a beauty editor, penning several successful books and building a skin care business with a cult-like following, Zoë is hands down one of the most trusted and respected voices in beauty.
Given the opportunity to talk to Zoë, we were finally able to grill her on everything her years in the industry has taught her about skin care.
Knowledge is power, so hopefully, after this, we’ll all be on the express route to the famous Foster-Blake glow.
RELATED: The 8 products Zoë Foster Blake’s makeup artist used for her 90s inspired glam
RELATED: Everything you need to recreate Zoë Foster Blake’s neon makeup look
Image credit: @zotheysay
What skin care tips would you give to your 20-year-old self if you had the chance?
1. Wear SPF every day. And more hats.
2. Research and ask questions about skin care, don’t just buy stuff off the shelf or because your flatmate uses it, and expect miracles.
3. Invest in a few good products that are actually gonna look after your skin, rather than strip it and harass it and make it wig out. Protection and prevention is better than repairing.
4. Skin care is an act of self-love! Have fun with it.
5. See number 1.
What has been a) your favourite and b) your least favourite skin care trend from the last three years?
My favourite is the democratisation of the beauty industry. The consumer holds the power, and brands have to listen, and stay accountable. Only good can come from transparency.
My least favourite is the more is more mantra. Each to their own, but in my opinion, stronger acids and more of them, and an avalanche of products and steps each morning and night, does not equal better skin.
What does your skin care prep look like the week before a big event?
I will get a professional treatment, like DermaFusion, or a lactic peel combined with LED, to do the heavy lifting.
Then, on the day, I will always use our Transformazing sheet mask. It gives a post-facial glow, and makes my makeup sit perfectly. I can’t recommend it enough, pre-shoot or event. (Or if you have been on a flight or your kids have woken you up 400x overnight or you’re hungover etc etc.) It gives instant plump, glowing skin (Transformazing Sheet Mask $9, gotoskincare.com).
Image credit: @zotheysay
If I’m looking to invest in just one facial treatment a year, what should it be?
Ooh, that’s a tricky one, because it’s so dependent on your skin, and what you’re trying to achieve. And look, in truth, most of the treatments that really do something, demand a program of a few of them, one can only do so much.
I will say that I have just started micro-needling for my pigmentation, because it was time to get serious. I’m three in, and it’s fantastic. My skin tone and texture are excellent.
You’ve said before you don’t believe in eye creams. As someone who is starting to get crow’s feet, I’d love to know, do you stand by this and if so, what can I do instead?
I don’t believe in eye creams, no. I think they are very small, very expensive pots of moisturiser. Also, things like crow’s feet and dark circles are genetic. Eye concentrates, and serums, and products with retinol, though, they will do something. Also, SPF! And: wear sunglasses!
Image credit: @zotheysay
Which of ZFB’s tips are you most excited to try out?
90 Member Comments
spf is part of my routine everyday now
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I like eye creams, I use one with retinol whereas I would not use the same retinol I use on my face around my eyes.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I agree with Zoë saying: "an avalanche of products and steps each morning and night, does not equal better skin".
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Thats a good point
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Yes x 100000000 to SPF! It's something I wish I'd remembered when I was in my early-mid 20's. Paid the price for it later & now I'm pretty diligent with sunscreen (and a hat too, during summer). I try not to make my skincare regimen too complicated, so I'll agree with her on the whole "more is NOT more" thing.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I wish I'd used sunscreen when I was younger - oh well, live and learn :)
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Its very important
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 1
Interesting article... She always looks so fresh and amazing!!!
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I definitely think that an eye cream or serum with collagen works to minimise the fine lines around my eyes. And yes, always yes to SPF!
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
She has nice glowing skin ! Absolutely wish I was better too with the spf and hats in my twenties! Good to see that even she isn’t free from pigmentations. It’s the devil haha
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Good advice and some interesting views. I’m undecided on eye cream, so it was interesting to read her thoughts on it.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I'd love some suggestions of eye serums, I use retinol and am eye cream at the moment.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Interesting take on eye cream
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I like to use an eyecream every day, but retinol around the eyes???? I used a retinol eye serum and it burned the skin there (think blisters and peeling - ouch ouch ouch) :( :(
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Love ZFB and her skin looks amazing. I’d love to try some of her products soon.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Great article. Her skin looks so amazing
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I agree about the eye creams. Ive been advised many times, going by the book, to not use face moisturiser around the eyes. I have long used Kiehls Ultra Facial Moisturiser, Creme de La Mer, and now Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Balance. Notice, no parfum or citrus oils. Bizarre thing is, eye creams and serums specifically for sensitive skin have caused problems, probably due to these ingredients, and even eucalyptus or peppermint. Whats important in choosing skin care is what suits YOU personally. We dont all fit exactly into the "skin type" boxes. Also, if you have dry eyes, they will pull moisture through the skin surrounding them.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Definitely SPF! My mum was always on my back about covering up and using sunscreen etc
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
SPF is the main deal, as is respecting your skin barrier, and not irritating the crap out of it. I do love it how we listen to people who have an unlimited budget, about skin care...procedures and the costs involved are no object, but they put it all down to the skin care they use. You cannot remain wrinkle free and fresh, and have plumped up lips without costly assistance. That is not down to a skin care regime. I think we need to start looking at ourselves differently, realise that it's not a crime to be a mere mortal, and to not spend money on incredible promises, when you can purchase skin care that doesn't break your average bank.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
That’s good advice, and I agree with her about eye cream.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I didn’t know that retinol could be used around the eyes
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
eye creams, I love them, they are gentle,
I especially like puretopia Eye rescue massaging roller, it is so cooling to put on.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Oh, I am SO glad she mentioned micro-needling! I had my first two sessions of needling a little while ago but never really heard a lot about it from the beauty community and couldn't tell if it was doing anything so I started to feel like I gave into a gimmick - but now I feel like I made a reasonably good choice and will keep on going until I see results.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Oh my gosh, microneedling is a huge deal in the beauty world. Whether you see a dermatologist to get treatments or invest in your own pen to do it at home (I much prefer pen over roller, as I believe rollers cause more trauma). It is an awesome thing to do for your skin and just improves so many conditions :)
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Zoe looks amazing and I totally agree with her comments about SPF, hats and sunglasses. We need to cover up everywhere in Australias harsh climate.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0