Credit: E Michael Wolf
Sometimes a peek into a woman’s make-up bag offers more of an insight into her life than her inbox. Case in point: GRAZIA’s newest Market Editor, Helen Chik. Splitting her time between Sydney and Hong Kong, the fashion, travel and lifestyle influencer’s day is as eclectic and unpredictable as her sartorial choices.

Her beauty routine however? Brimming with tried and tested techniques and long-wearing formulas that Chik knows will work in every timezone – it’s all about make-up, that can keep up. Taking prime position in her current clutch? Estee Lauder’s new Nude Cushion Stick Radiant Makeup, which works equal wonders as your AM make-up as it does for touch-ups on the go. Via a genius cushion tip that moonlights as a sponge, Chik can buff in a quick base before an afternoon meeting and then build up the coverage for PM drinks, sans brush.

I’M A PERSON WHO LOVES TO SPEND AS LITTLE TIME GETTING READY AS POSSIBLE. Shower, make-up and get dressed and I’m out the door. I almost have little races with myself to see how fast I can get ready and not look like a dog’s breakfast. If I have the time then I’ll generally try to squeeze in a run before I head out anywhere – need to get my dose of endorphins.

Now that I’ve left my finance 9 to 5 job it means that I can plan my days with variety. It generally varies from running around to different showrooms and meeting the PR teams to organising shoots with friends to create content. Other then that – I’m generally chained to my desk responding to emails.

Helen uses ESTEE LAUDER, DOUBLE WEAR NUDE CUSHION STICK RADIANT MAKEUP, $58. SHOP NOW
Credit: E Michael WolfA good make-up setting spray goes a long way in my opinion and I always prime my eyes before applying eye make up so that it lasts longer. I also bring a highlighter stick to transition to an evening look and giving definition to my face. I also have liquid liner wherever I go to fix up the runny edges you may get from running around all day. Another tip is to carry make up wipes with you to get rid of smudges from bold lipstick colors or runny eye-liners – nothing worse than looking like you’ve just been vigorously pashed or cried a river.

I generally try to keep my make up looks simple and won’t change from day to night too much besides adding a bold lip to my look or going a little darker with my eyes. It’ll depend on the look I’m going for. If I’m wearing an outfit that has a street vibe to it then I’ll generally wear minimal eye make up and keep it to just a simple winged liner and a taupe lip. On the other side, if I’m looking to wear something lavish and extravagant then I’ll spend the time and work on a smokey-eye to really make my eyes pop. If you’re going for a girl next door look with ripped jeans and leather jacket, you wouldn’t wear too much eye make up – it’s all about working with your wardrobe and how dressed up or down you are.

Credit: Instagram @helenchik
On date nights with my partner I would probably want to head to a nice dinner followed by a few cocktails at a quiet bar I hate yelling over the top of others. Favourites right now in Sydney include Primus Hotel, Sydney, the Rook, Grandmas, Eu de Vie and Assembly bar.

Credit: Instagram @helenchik
I HAVE TO CLEANSE MY FACE BEFORE BED, NO MATTER WHAT TIME I GET HOME. You can’t go to bed and rub all that make up onto my crisp white sheets and secondly, I would never do that to my skin. I even try to have a shower before heading to bed almost every night! I cleanse my face, apply a serum and night oil to my face. I’ve also started using a leave in hair treatment to give some attention to my dry hair.

Credit: Instagram @helenchik

Styling Credits:
Tom Ford, Shoulder bag, $4,489. SHOP NOW
Rebecca Vallance, Dress, $399. SHOP now
Ginger & Smart, Shoes, $469.SHOP SIMILAR
Sarah & Sebastian, Earring, $175.SHOP NOW

MOTION: E. Michael Wolf  (SHOOT)
TALENT:  Helen Chik
HAIR and Make-Up: Diane Gorgievski/ Artist Group

Shot on location at Primus Hotel Sydney