In the bag with Maggie Hewitt: Her beauty routine

Maggie Hewitt is well known for her slow New Zealand fashion brand, Maggie Marilyn. But she’s also got a strong affinity for beauty and wellness rituals. Hailing from the Bay of Islands in the North Island, her upbringing was mostly outdoors; she values a slow pace, fresh air, simple pleasures — a mindset made all the more necessary since the birth of her first baby, Ralph.

Her beauty routine is varied but comprehensive: at-home LED light, fresh Eucalyptus showers, salt therapy, organic oils, fermented foods, fresh makeup but heavy-lifting skincare. Here, Hewitt shares her rituals and favourite products, from makeup artists tips on set, to the signature scent she inherited from her mum.

What’s your earliest beauty-related memory?

My mum has worn Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille perfume most of my life, and I remember stealing sprays as a teenager when she wasn’t looking. I started wearing it about a decade ago; it’s warm and sweet and reminds me of her hugs. I love the idea that as we grow and evolve, some things in our beauty routines and wardrobes stay the same.

What was the first product you ever owned?

It must have been Maybelline Great Lash Mascara, that neon pink and lime green tube?

How has your approach to beauty evolved over the years?

I’ve always taken a pretty holistic approach to beauty and tried to take care of myself from the inside so that makeup and skincare can just be icing on top. The needs of my skin have changed in different seasons of my life: As a teen I struggled with acne, and when I moved to Sydney in my late twenties my skin broke out from stress and different water. Makeup artist Isabella Schimid — who is the beauty bible and always gives the best advice — told me I should switch to The Ordinary to help soothe my skin and I’ve had it in my routine ever since.

I imagine becoming a mum has also altered this in some way?

Yes, transitioning into motherhood changed my skin needs all over again. I’ve always been pretty ingredient-conscious, but pregnancy and breastfeeding made me even more aware of what I was ingesting and applying. I swear by organic rosehip oil; I lathered my belly and boobs in it my whole pregnancy and managed to avoid stretch marks. I’m still using it now.

What does your current morning routine look like?

It’s a bit of a whirlwind with a six month old in the mornings. I do a quick full-body dry brush to stimulate the blood and wake myself up (it’s also a great exfoliator) then jump in the shower. I use The Ordinary’s Squalane Cleanser morning and night followed by a few drops of Hyaluronic Acid. All of my makeup is from Westman Atelier; the quality is unmatched, the formulas are clean and everything is designed to apply quickly, usually with just clean hands. I use the Vital Skincare Complexion Drops as my foundation, followed by their Baby Cheeks Blush and Highlight Stick. You can do your whole face in under a minute, perfect for a mum with no time. The final step, usually done in the car mirror, is Kevyn Aucoin Curling Mascara. I like how easily it comes off at the end of the day.

What about your evening routine?

I walk the Bondi boardwalk at least once a day. Finishing my days by the beach and the smell of salt helps my cortisol drop. Once I’ve put Ralph down, I’ll have a second hot shower, this time a much longer one. I’ll take my time and wash my hair with Davines OI Shampoo and Conditioner, and then apply my organic rosehip oil when I step out. I’ll make a hot tea, take all of my tonics and tinctures, before my partner Josh and I will catch our breath from the day.

You’re probably getting less sleep than ever right now, but what do you take before bed? Is there anything you find helps with sleep?

I’ve been really into organic raw beet kvass lately, which I buy from Broth Bar & Larder in Bronte. It’s great for fatigue, and has helped my skin settle back into equilibrium post-birth as it’s a natural detoxifier. I’ve also done regular acupuncture my entire adult life and swear by it for digestion, immunity, and my quality of sleep (even when I’m only getting a few hours…).

What products do you repurchase the most?

Muslin face cloths (they’re so much softer on your skin than regular wash cloths).
Eucalyptus leaves from the farmer’s market to hang in the shower.
Westman Atelier Complexion Drops.
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid.
Davines OI Shampoo and Conditioner.

Last beauty trend you got sucked into?

Sun-kissed blush! I love the look of flushed cheeks. I use my finger to apply my Westman Atelier bronzing stick or cream blush from the sides of temples all the way down and across my cheeks, and then carry it across my nose to create that “lingered-ten-minutes-too-long in the sun” look without damage.

It’s a Sunday and you’ve got a few extra minutes to do something for yourself, beauty-wise. What products are you reaching for?

Red light. My facialist, Clare at FENN, first introduced it to me and it’s the best bang for your buck when it comes to skin if you’re short on time.

What’s your ultimate beauty indulgence?

A facial, always. It feels like such a treat but my skin is always better in the long-run when I commit to regular facials. Clare is my go-to, we became friends through our appointments together and it’s so special that she’s a mum now too; we swap notes.

Tell me about the beauty direction and skin prep for your most recent Maggie Marilyn campaign?

We shot our latest campaign at my family home in the Bay of Islands and it was daunting being in front of the camera… I wanted the beauty look to reflect that feeling of being in your happy place: skin that doesn’t look weighed down by makeup but instead looks healthy and warm to the touch. That’s how my skin feels in summer when I’m at home with my sisters. Our makeup artist, Fiona Wright, prepped my skin with The Ordinary’s Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% and Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5. This was sealed with the brand’s NMF + Phytoceramides moisturiser. To keep coverage looking natural, Fiona used Kosas Revealer Concealer in place of foundation, and warmed my skin with the Kosas Blush. She also used the MCo XtendLash Mascara which I’d never used before. I’m now obsessed with it.

What act of self-care (skincare, movement, wellness – anything big or small) instantly improves your mood if it’s been a day?

Taking my son down to the beach for a walk or swim. Having the ocean on my back doorstep will never get old.

Who’s beauty, or approach to beauty, do you admire?

Rachel Waller. She’s such a muse of mine and her approach to health and beauty aligns with my own beliefs. I first cast her in our Australian Fashion Week Show in 2023 and was immediately enamoured. She lives her life fuelled by gratitude and adventure, is a proud grandmother and mother, and takes her wellbeing as seriously as she takes her commitment to joy – and all of that radiates through her beauty. The first time we met she smelt like roses and when I asked her about it she said she’s had the same signature scent her whole life, rose essential oil. Heaven.