Beauty Shelf: The Mineral Foundation Brooke Testoni Has Used for More Than a Decade

When it comes to dressing, Brooke Testoni takes a pared-back, effortless approach. It’s the same philosophy the Sydney-based creative applies to her handbag and footwear label Rylan, which she founded nearly a decade ago. Classic silhouettes are given a vintage bent, resulting in pieces that feel polished but never overly done up – à la Carolyn Bessette Kennedy.

It’s no surprise, then, that Testoni applies the same thinking to her everyday skincare and make-up regimen. “I’d much rather spend time looking after my skin so I can wear less make-up,” she says. When she does wear make-up, it’s about enhancing her natural features rather than going full glam. That means brown mascara over black, and lip balms with a subtle wash of colour. 

Here, she opens the bathroom cabinets of her Mosman, Sydney home to reveal her go-to skincare label, her favourite overnight face mask, the perfect nude lip pencil and the mineral foundation she’s been using for more than a decade.

What are the non-negotiables in your daily skincare routine?

In the morning, I use Rationale’s #1 serum followed by their #2 Hydragel, then finish with La Mer Crème de la Mer and Rationale’s Brilliance tinted serum SPF30+. At night, I double cleanse with Rationale’s #4 Cleanser, apply their #5 Serum, use Augustinus Bader’s The Rich eye cream and finish with either La Mer’s Intensive Revitalising mask as an overnight treatment or the La Roche Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+.

The one product you’d replace immediately if it ran out?

Definitely Rationale’s #1 serum. My skin just doesn’t feel the same without it. It’s the one product that consistently keeps my skin balanced and bright. I feel like it heals any blemish overnight. 

What’s your approach to beauty and skincare?

I’m all about looking like the best version of myself rather than looking overly done. My approach is effortless and pared-back. I love enhancing natural features. I’ll almost always reach for a brown mascara over black because it feels softer on me, and I rarely leave the house without my Imbibe lip tint.

What fragrance are you wearing at the moment?

I’m wearing BDK Parfums Rouge Smoking at the moment. I do love trying different fragrances depending on the season, but I always gravitate towards warm, sophisticated scents like this one.

The best beauty tip, hack or advice you’ve received?

Hydration. It sounds simple, but drinking enough water genuinely makes the biggest difference to my skin. Healthy skin always starts from within.

What’s the newest purchase on your shelf?

The Fara Homidi Minky lip pencil and Essential lip compact in Nude 02. I never used to wear a coloured lip but lately I’m obsessed with a lip balm that has just a hint of tint. These give the perfect natural, polished finish without feeling like you’re wearing a full lipstick.

One product you’ve been wanting to try or have on your radar?

I’ve been really curious about Korean beauty for a while, but honestly, I find it a little overwhelming because there are so many products people rave about. One that’s been on my radar is the Laneige Water Sleeping mask. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve noticed my skin feels much drier and is always craving hydration. I’ve read so many great reviews from people with similar skin concerns who say they wake up with hydrated, glowing skin after using it overnight. Answering this question has actually reminded me to finally buy it, so I just did!

What make-up products are in your regular rotation?

I’ve been using Nude by Nature mineral make-up for over a decade. This is my everyday base as it gives me natural, lightweight coverage without feeling heavy on my skin. I also love the Merit Bronze balm for adding subtle definition, and the Chanel Baume Essentiel multi-use glow stick.

What’s your relationship with skincare and make-up like? Are you a beauty obsessive, minimalist or somewhere in between?

I’d say somewhere in between. I’m definitely invested in skincare and I enjoy researching products that genuinely work, but my make-up philosophy is very minimal. I’d much rather spend time looking after my skin so I can wear less make-up.

Beauty Shelf is Broadsheet’s new series where we take a look inside the cabinets and top drawers of our favourite creatives and discover their go-to skincare, make-up and other beauty must-haves. See our past features here.