- Beauty
Jules Sebastian on skincare and mum guilt
How the stylist’s fitness transformation changed her outlook on life
Being married to singer, Guy Sebastian, and a successful stylist in her own right, you’d think Jules Sebastian would be used to dealing with the glare of the spotlight. But when her husband appeared on a recent cover of Men’s Health magazine, it sparked a shift so great she says it changed her family for the better. From ditching mum guilt to becoming a more conscious consumer, Jules reveals how the last 12-months has changed her.
IT’S BEEN A YEAR SINCE YOU EMBARKED ON YOUR HEALTH AND FITNESS TRANSFORMATION WITH GUY, HOW DO YOU FEEL?
I’m a better human, much nicer to be around…just ask my husband! We’re making really good decisions; our priorities have changed. It’s still hard, you have to decide on a daily basis to make time for the gym and eating healthily. I used to feel so guilty about the time spent away from the kids (Hudson, 6 and Archie, 3) but weirdly it feels like we have more time now.
HAS IT CHANGED YOUR VIEW ON OTHER THINGS?
I’ve always been aware of what you put on your own skin and now the kids’ skin, I think I am even more aware now about using fewer chemicals and always looking for paraben-free products. I have learned it is the little choices that make all the difference. I just had a delivery of natural toothbrushes and metal straws. I’ve got my Frank Green cup that I put my coffee in. We’re all busy, we’ don’t necessarily have time to overhaul our entire existence. Sometimes, we have to go to Zara and buy the $25 top for the next day, or whatever it is, but I think if you can be mindful of your choices it will definitely make a difference to your environment and your standard of living.
WHAT’S YOUR APPROACH TO SKINCARE?
Those years of not sleeping catch up with you. I definitely feel like I am starting to age, I look a bit more tired than normal. My philosophy is, if it’s simple to use, it’s natural and you can get your hands on it easily, then use it.
YOU’RE THE AMBASSADOR FOR VOEU NATURALS, IS THAT WHAT YOU HAVE IN THE BATHROOM CABINET?
Honestly? Yes! There are only four products in the natural range and I can buy them in the supermarket. It’s easy.
ARE THERE ANY GUESTS THAT STAND OUT ON YOUR VIDEO SERIES, TEA WITH JULES?
There have been moments when I’m talking to someone like Tim Costello (CEO of World Vision) and I’m thinking to myself, ‘is this happening’, World Vision do such great things.
IS THERE A QUESTION YOU ALWAYS ASK YOUR GUESTS?
Yes. I always ask other mums whether they feel mother’s guilt. Two or three years ago I was really suffering, I just couldn’t figure it out – I felt guilty when I went to work, and felt guilty when I was with my kids. Some mothers were just like, ‘nope, don’t have it, don’t feel it.’ Like RedBalloon founder Naomi Simson, she told me to give myself a break. I was so floored by answers like hers because I couldn’t relate on any level. But the more I’ve gone on, the better balance I have. I don’t think I’ll ever not feel guilty, I think that’s just who I am. But I’ve come to a good happy medium where I know if I’ve been away too long or need to reconnect with the kids.
ANY SUSTAINABLE BRANDS YOU’RE LOVING?
I have discovered this New Zealand brand Kowtow who do the most amazing knits, and also Maripossa, it’s an Australian jewellery company.
YOU’VE RECENTLY COME ON BOARD AS THE AMBASSADOR FOR A WOMEN’S CYCLE TRACKING APP, SO WE HAD TO ASK, WOULD YOU EVER TRY A PERIOD CUP?
I feel like there’s a line, and I’m not quite to the point of being prepared to try something like that yet!