Since being crowned Miss Universe Australia 2020, Maria Thattil hasn’t slowed down.
As well as being involved in countless projects that champion critical social justice issues, she is also an advocate for mental health and gender equality and one of Australia’s most influential fashion and beauty icons with her newest campaign for No7 skincare.
Here, WHO sits down with Thattil, 32, to talk about all things beauty.
How do you navigate comparing your self-image to others?
In this industry, there’s a natural inclination to compare yourself to others, but I’ve had to actively process that. It’s relied on me consciously observing, “What am I thinking? What am I saying?” and what kind of standards I am holding myself to. I’m proud to say I’m now in that space where I’m not succumbing to it so much. I’m comfortable with who I am and I don’t need to hold myself to anyone else’s standards.
Where do you think true power and beauty comes from?
I think it does come from your values – how you treat yourself and how you treat others. That also comes to holding ourselves to beauty standards that are very often exclusive and damaging and don’t include the everyday person. So when you are comfortable with who you are, you are kind and treat others with dignity – that is true power and true beauty.
What are the best beauty lessons you have learnt from your parents and family?
Advice from my mum and my grandma is to keep it simple when it comes to putting things in and on your skin.
Are you a 12-step skincare routine sort of person?
When it comes to my skincare regimen, I like to make sure I have all the basics incorporated, but if you find really good products, I don’t think you should need 100 steps. I want skincare that is backed by science and that’s why I love No7. They’re innovative with their skincare and pioneering with their Pepticology technology, which is unique to them and that garners faith and trust in their products.
What is your best skincare advice?
I’d have to say no days off when it comes to SPF – and that means all year round.
What is the most expensive thing you have done in the name of beauty?
I have done so many! However, I think the best one I have invested in is getting a laser treatment twice per year called PICO laser. It helps to minimise the appearance of skin damage – and although a little expensive, it is so effective.
What do you think about the future of skincare?
We’re all looking for brands that eat, sleep and breathe their values, because we care. Brands like No7 have been doing that since their inception in 1935, and that is what people want more of.
Want to get your hands on Maria’s photoshoot-ready skincare? Scroll down to shop the latest science-backed range from the UK’s #1 selling skincare brand, No7.
