Kate Ritchie on her favourite beauty buys

The new mum spills all

Beauty Crew Beauty Editor / June 09 2017

Kate Richie has done it all. Making her mark as a TV star in the role of Sally Fletcher on Home and Away at the tender age of eight, Ritchie portrayed the character for an astounding 20 years. She later landed a gig on Nova 96.9 co-hosting the Kate, Tim & Marty show, has written a children’s book called I Just Couldn’t Wait To Meet You, and now she’s the new face of QV Skin Care.

We had a chat with the Aussie start about her beauty routine, favourite products, and more.

What are five beauty products you can’t live without?

Tweezerman Tweezers: Spend money on a good set of tweezers. There is nothing worse than wayward hair and a pair that won’t grip when you need them to!

St Tropez Self Tan Express: A real tan isn’t an option for me anymore so I love this one, two or three-hour tan I can do at home without destroying my linen. If I have time for a spray then I pop in to Tan Temple in Bondi.

QV Gentle Wash: A pump-action wash that is kind to my skin, doesn’t dry it out and is suitable for everyone in the family, which is a great way of decluttering the shower of a thousand bottles.

Charlotte Tilbury Wonderglow: A primer that needs no explanation once you’ve tried it. In fact, I adore all of her products.

Troy Surratt Artistique Eyeshadow: This has the most creamy and silky texture, which is so easy to blend and lasts all day without creasing. LOVE!

Tweezerman Tweezers

QV Gentle Wash

Charlotte Tilbury Wonderglow

How has being a mum changed your beauty routine?

It has certainly simplified it. Firstly due to time management (it’s not all about me anymore!) and secondly because after my daughter arrived I decided to be kinder to my skin and pare everything back.

What’s your go-to makeup for work?

Radio is not quite as it used to be and more often than not there are online videos and social pictures to look respectable for! In saying that, I do keep my makeup minimal whenever possible. A tinted moisturiser, a coat of mascara and a regular top-up of lip balm usually does the trick.

Growing up, who was your beauty icon, and why?

Marilyn Monroe. Old school Hollywood glamour and so curvaceous and sexy. None of this makes sense though as I’ve never been brave enough to rock a red lip!

Can you describe your daytime hair and makeup look?

Incredibly simple. I prefer not to wear a lot of makeup and feel as though my skin rewards me when I don’t. A good concealer, a defined brow and some mascara is a good start for me. When it comes to hair, I am lucky that I suit a ponytail, as that has always been my fallback position when I’m doing it myself. I have to admit, I’ve been a bit spoilt having my hair done for me many years now.

What’s your go-to red carpet hair and makeup look?

I am quite conservative when it comes to the red carpet and always opt for classic and, hopefully,.timeless. I have a good head of healthy hair so if someone else is styling it, a fabulous blow-dry always works.

Have you made any tragic beauty mistakes in the past? What’s been the worst one?

I really can’t pick just one. Thanks to 20 years of growing up on television is an entire library to flick through!

What are three beauty lessons or rules that you would like to pass on to your daughter Mae?

Be confident, stay hydrated and always be sure to take your makeup off before bed - no matter how many glasses of champagne you’ve had!

Main image credit: Getty

Iantha is BEAUTYcrew's Beauty Editor, and has been part of the team since the site launched in 2016. Besides pinky-nude nail polish and wispy false lashes, she has a healthy obsession with face masks and skin care ingredients. Her previous work can be found in Virgin Australia Voyeur, Women's Health, and SHOP Til You Drop.