‘Consistency is key’: How a dermatologist looks after her skin

Each fortnight, Stephanie Darling gets inside the head of an industry expert or media personality. This week, dermatologist Dr Cara McDonald. She is committed to improving patients’ skin health and restoring confidence. She works at Complete Skin Specialists and St Vincent’s Hospital in Melbourne.

What I am loving right now Getting dressed up and wearing make-up again.

Beauty icon Princess Mary of Denmark for her impeccable style.

The rules I live by I have three. First, that productivity is better than perfection. It can be easy to become overwhelmed by the big picture but if you just do what you can in the moment, it all adds up. Second, I always assume I could be wrong and try to listen to other people’s perspectives. Lastly, I try to be kind and remember that everyone has a story.

Top beauty tip Consistency is key. Results usually come from using a small number of key ingredients, right for your skin and sticking with them.

Favourite colour Green. I love plants and nature and I also love emeralds.

Must-have beauty treatment Anti-wrinkle injections, as the results leave you looking relaxed and refreshed. But I am against overdoing it.

Favourite exercise routine I’ve become a hot-yoga convert because the intense heat forces me to switch off. I also love hiking with friends.

I never leave the house without Sunscreen. SPF50+ is the most effective anti-ageing ingredient available. It protects against skin cancer, too.

Trend: Lash Love

I am having a break from lash extensions, so am more invested than ever in finding some lash-boosting mascaras. Curl your lashes with a lash curler for a good 10 seconds first, then make sure you get that wand right into the root of your lashes and sweep up.

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The skin on the neck has a different texture to that on the face so I am trialling Skinbetter Science Techno Neck Perfecting Cream (facemediskin.com.au, $249) mixed with my favourite SPF 50+, Alpha-H Daily Essential Moisturiser (adorebeauty.com.au, $60).

Ask Steph

Is it better to wear cream or white eyeliner on the waterline of my lower lashes?

I prefer a nude or cream eyeliner as it is a softer hue but still makes your eyes look brighter. Try Anastasia Beverly Hills Pro Pencil in Base 1 (adorebeauty.com.au, $33).

Follow Stephanie Darling on Instagram @mrssdarling. Send questions to stephanie@darlingbeauty.com.au.

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