Deborah Symond O'Neil On Wellness, Beauty & Exercise

As the founder of Mode Sportif (an e-commerce fashion destination launched in 2014 that now exists as both an online store and two brick-and-mortar boutiques), a new mother (she and husband Ned welcomed son Beau in February), and the namesake of breakfast special 'The Deb' at Potts Point eatery 'Room Ten' (an accolade always worth acknowledging), her schedule is both perpetually full and constantly varied.

However, with her store doors temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 crisis, a newborn to care for, and a digital business to operate from home, her day-to-day now looks a little different. BAZAAR caught up with Symond O'Neil to chat motherhood, beauty and how wellness rituals are offering welcome respite during this season of social distancing.

WHAT DO YOUR MORNING AND EVENING SKINCARE ROUTINES ENTAIL?

"Morning and night I practise skin rituals; I find it's the perfect way to start and finish the day," says Symond O'Neil. "For both [my A.M. and P.M.] rituals, I focus on energising and hydrating my skin while creating a glow. I start by cleansing, followed by using my favourite hydrating serum and moisturiser from Estée Lauder's Re-Nutriv's Ultra Diamond collection. In the morning, I [also] use SPF to protect my skin. I love Rationale's tinted Superfluid which is factor 50."

WHAT SELF-CARE RITUALS HAVE YOU BEEN RELYING ON THROUGHOUT ISOLATION?

"Being amongst nature and getting fresh air is my self-care cure," she tells us. "I have loved exploring the rose garden in Centennial Park, walking the Succulent Garden in the Botanic Gardens and soaking in the beauty that's on my doorstep. It's amazing what I once took for granted. I'll never make that mistake again."

WHICH AT-HOME WORKOUTS HAVE YOU BEEN INCORPORATING INTO YOUR DAILY SCHEDULE?

"I changed my workout routine significantly during pregnancy, and was so excited to resume more vigorous workouts postpartum, so I have been thrilled that my two favourite studios Cycologly Club (spin classes) and BodyLOVE Pilates have been renting their machines. [It means] every week at home I am spinning to my favourite tunes and working on strength and tone using my reformer bed. Exercise is a game changer for my mood and energy levels, as it has the power to transform my mindset and my day," says Symond O'Neil

HOW HAVE YOU BEEN CARING FOR YOUR HAIR?

"My hair has been loving a break from heat styling whilst at home, and I have been swapping out hair gel for an Olaplex treatment when I want to achieve an easy, slick off the face style. As well as using Olaplex, every Sunday I have been applying an O&M protein masque to nourish my hair and combat my expected postpartum hair loss," she shares. "I have [also] just started taking JS Health Vitamins for Hair and energy, so fingers crossed!"

WHAT DO YOU DO TO RELAX DURING DOWNTIME?

"My husband and I have started watching The West Wing—we figured with seven seasons it was the perfect isolation choice! I am a big Netflix fan and have loved Unorthodox, The Stranger and Tiger King of late too," says Symond O'Neil. "Balancing my newborn and working from home, I don't have much downtime, but when I do, I love to burn a beautiful candle, dim the lights, sip a spritz and switch off."

WHAT DOES YOUR EVERYDAY MAKEUP ROUTINE LOOK LIKE?

"I have a quick and easy makeup routine for day, which I have been doing every morning during my time [indoors] to brighten my face and perhaps hide the hours of sleep I am missing out on having my beautiful newborn son at home," she shares.

"After my morning skin ritual, and having applied my Rationale Superfluid tint, I brush up my brows, and apply the Hourglass clear brow gel.

I conceal the unwanted bags with Bare Minerals Bare Skin, apply a rose coloured cheek tint and [then I] love a pink tinged matte lip by Estée Lauder to finish of the look—'Seduce' is my go-to shade. I spritz some hydrating face mist, and I am good to go! No mascara for me, I am letting my lashes take a break, and I have really noticed a difference. It takes me under five minutes, but it makes me feel motivated and ready to tackle the day."

Image credit: @deborahsymondoneil

HAVE YOU BEEN WEARING FRAGRANCE ON A DAILY BASIS?

"Yes! I love to match my fragrance to my mood, my outfit, my day. I spritz a different scent daily, but my current favourites are Aerin's Wild Geranium and Amber Musk," Symond O'Neil tells.

WHAT'S THE IN-SALON BEAUTY TREATMENT YOU'RE MISSING MOST?

"My pedicure!" she says. "I've had shellac on my toes consistently for as long as I can remember. My feet need some serious love!"

WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN COOKING DURING QUARANTINE?

"Whilst I cannot profess to be a very skilled cook, I have dabbled with some baking during my time at home," Symond O'Neil shares. "Donna Hay's delish recipes have meant many an afternoon sweet treat in our household, oops!"

HOW HAS YOUR BEAUTY ROUTINE CHANGED SINCE BECOMING A MOTHER?

"Postpartum, I have started to take marine collagen from Vida Glow to help keep hydrated whilst breastfeeding. As well as starting my hair and energy vitamins, I [also] have some tailored probiotics for breastfeeding support. I have never had so many morning potions to remember, so I have everything lined up in the kitchen ready to go as soon as I wake up," she says.

Image credit: @deborahsymondoneil

"Whilst I am more time poor, I am definitely more aware of the need to look after myself, as well as my beautiful boy. Being a mother has [encouraged] me to be kinder to and more forgiving of myself, and has opened my eyes to the need to prioritise taking time out for me, when I can," Symond O'Neil confirms.

"It's the little things that make a difference, that put the smiles on our faces. Self-care goes a long way. That, and a quick and easy under 5 minute makeup routine, it's wizardry!"

Main image credit: @deborahsymondoneil

Words by Delaney Loane

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Yohanna 18 Nov 2020 5:33 PM

Luckily I haven't had any quarantine experience, haven't been sick ever to be in need of quarantine. That sounds scary . Hope she is well. I also wear fragrance even when just lazing at home . xD

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