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Credit: Josie Clough

A quick flick through Jess Lee Buchanan’s Instagram account, all Palm-tree lined landscapes, crystal blue waters and sandy beaches, and it isn’t hard to see how this model mastered summer beauty. Whether she’s spooning through a smoothie bowl in Bali, freeing her freckles in Fiji or displaying some on-point air-dried waves in Cuba, the South African born beauty is the epitome of a summer beauty muse, so it’s no wonder that Kookai picked her to front their Swim 2017 campaign. Here she speaks exclusively to GRAZIA, breaking down her beauty must-haves, healthy travel tips and just how she preps her body for a summer photoshoot. 

I try to keep my skin as make up free as I can when I am home
I keep it really moisturised and exfoliate a lot especially on the plane as the air is so dry in there and water is a must! I don’t really go for professional treatments; I prefer more natural treatments like making my own exfoliators and masks.

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Credit: Instagram @jessleebuchanan

I’ve never had a problem with my freckles
I always forgot they were there. I don’t like to cover them up so I wear a BB cream foundation or a tinted moisturiser. [My happy gap] helped me a lot in this industry as it makes me unique and is sometimes what the client is looking for.

I put coconut oil through my hair twice a week and leave it in over night
My best styling product is the Toni & Guy Sea Salt Spray, it gives such great texture! And I also love to use my double barrel styling wand when I want more of a fuller hairstyle!

JesseiBuchananHairKit
TONI & GUY, Sea Salt Texturising Spray, $16. SHOP NOW
BaByliss, Pro Twin Barrel Curling Iron, $89.95. SHOP NOW

I try not to eat heavy foods and tend to stay away from white foods like pasta and bread
I drink loads of water on the plane when I travel. I buy a lot of my own food and travel with it just in case I land up in a place that has a very limited grocery store, which is often the case.

Yoga is pretty easy to do anywhere and I have a really great yoga app on my phone that keeps me motivated
It’s called Yoga Academy. I like to practice my balance and stretching in my hotel room. I’m never in a place long enough to go to classes, but my favourite class back home in Cape Town is Yoga Sculpt, it’s a combo of yoga and weight training which is really great for my body.

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Credit: Instagram @jessleebuchanan

Jess’s top 5 beauty buys
E45 cream It’s my go to cream when my skin is feeling extra dry from flying and different weather changes
Bali Body BB cream My new favourite! I love their products, the smell is so great and it makes your skin glow!
Organic cold pressed coconut oil It’s so so good for your skin and hair
Himalaya foaming face wash It cleans my skin so gently
PureTan Tanning Foam A must have for me specially when I need that extra bit of colour!
JessieBuchananBeautyBuys

E45, Dermatological Cream Treatment for Dry Skin Conditions, $14.21. SHOP NOW
Bali Body, BB Cream SPF15, $29.95. SHOP NOW
Coconut Magic, Organic Coconut Oil, $25.95. SHOP NOW
Himalaya Herbals, Purifying Neem Foaming Face Wash, $12. SHOP NOW
PureTan, Instant Tanning Foam in Light/Medium, $34.95. SHOP NOW