Vanity Affairs: Photographer Daniel Hanslow Spills On His Beauty Essentials

Welcome to Vanity Affairs—a series where we document the beauty routines of notable people.

There are some people who have an I-can’t-put-my-finger-on-it kind of glow—a certain je ne sais quoi, if you will. You know the ones—their hair falls just right, their skin is dewy but never shiny, and they seem to exude confidence.

In the interest of public service, we’ve set about tracking down these actors, influencers, models, founders, entrepreneurs, musicians, spokespeople (and more!!) to find out their secrets. Have you got your pen and paper ready?

Previously, we’ve spoken to Jemyma Kavanagh, Melanie Grant, Rozalia Russian, Lara Fells, Jules Sebastian, Georgia Fowler, Jonathan Van Ness and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. 

Today, we’re taking a peek inside the beauty and wellness secrets of Sydney photographer, Daniel Hanslow. 

With his work featured across notable digital and print platforms such as Esquire AU, Travel + Luxury Magazine, RUSSH Magazine, Fashion Journal and Astrophe Magazine, Daniel is well acquainted with the world of fashion and beauty. A multi-disciplinary artist, Daniel’s work extends through stills, motion, creative direction and production for notable fashion and beauty brands like St Agni, CHANEL BEAUTY and Mecca Cosmetica. So, it’s no wonder the Sydney local is bursting with beauty secrets. 

Here, we chat to Hanslow to get the lowdown on all his entire beauty routine. Pay attention, you’ll want to take notes…

“I usually start my day with a coffee, followed by drinking a litre of water. I am hopeless when it comes to keeping hydrated, so getting my water intake started early means my body gets some form of hydration even if I neglect this later in the day. I also try to get in a morning walk by the water each day when my schedule allows for it.

In the evening, I take a tea to bed and read a book or watch a good dose of reality TV (guilty). I adore spritzing my room with the IKKARI Aura Balancing Mist, it has notes of lavender in the fragrance which is quite calming for me so this is a perfect way to help me wind down.” 

“I like to keep my morning skincare quite simple as I am often running short on time in the AM. I start by cleansing my face with the IKKARI The Cream Cleanser, it’s super lightweight on my skin which I love. I then apply a serum–I alternate between Emma Lewisham Skin Reset Serum and Kate Somerville HydraKate Recharging Hydration Serum–they’re both really hydrating which is crucial for someone who definitely doesn’t drink enough water. I finish off my skincare routine with the Youth to the People Peptides + C Energy Eye Concentrate and Kate Somerville HydraKate Recharging Water Cream. I am not light on the amount of product I apply to the skin. I want to feel dewy, fresh and hydrated prior to applying my makeup.

I am usually quite exhausted when the evening rolls around, so I can be pretty lazy. After a hot shower, I will usually re-apply the Kate Somerville HydraKate Recharging Hydration Serum and put on a decent layer of the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Night Cream.”

“I started adopting an everyday makeup look early last year while experimenting with makeup during Mardi Gras. Although I’d like to say my everyday look is simple, after writing down the steps, it’s quite dramatic.

As a base, I start with a layer of sunscreen. I use the MECCA COSMETICA To Save Face SPF50+ Brightening Sun Serum. I love this as a light layer to start my make-up, it gives the finished look an overall glow.

I then apply NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer under my eyes and to any blemishes I have that day–it’s perfect for that ‘no makeup look’ look. This is followed by a light and even layer of the Hourglass Ambient Lightening Powder in the shade Dim Light to give my complexion an even glow. The next step is the smallest touch of highlight to my face using the FLOWER Beauty by Drew Barrymore Shimmer and Strobe Highlighting Palette. This highlight is honestly a game changer and one I rave about to anyone I can. It’s super pigmented and extremely affordable. To finish, I apply Kosas Air Brow Clear Lifting Gel to my brows and the brand’s Wet Lip Oil Plumping Treatment Gloss in Jellyfish to my lips.”

“Hair is the one part of my routine I am trying to get better with since making the change to a copper hair colour. I have started using the Gisou Honey Infused Hair Repair Serum after showering and it’s been a game changer when it comes to maintaining a silky look. Besides using a hair serum, I am extremely low maintenance when it comes to my hair and just let it air dry rather than styling it.”

“I am guilty of being one of the people that often ignores body care–it’s my last priority. I do, however, adore the Nécessaire The Body Exfoliator. I use it once or twice a week and the Bergamot fragrance is absolutely divine.”

“I have a few favourite fragrances on rotation to keep it interesting. My go-to scent is usually something with citrus notes. Le Labo Fleur D’Oranger 27 and LUCA by TSU LANGE YOR are my absolute favourites at the moment.”