She may not have taken out the top prize on The Bachelor (and yes, I just called Tim Robards a prize), but Ali Oetjen did manage to win the hearts of the Australian public in her quest for love. While it’s been six months since the show’s grand finale, interest in the contestants continues to rage. Here, we sat down with Oetjen to discover the secrets behind her beauty look, the she’s teaming up with, and what’s next on her agenda.
What is your regular beauty routine?
I'm pretty low maintenance actually, and I don't use a cleanser, soap etcetera. I just wash my face morning and night with a face-washer and water, and moisturise my whole body and face every morning with moisturiser. I do want to start introducing an eye cream at night.
Has it changed since appearing on The Bachelor?
No, not at all.
Did you find there was pressure on you to look a certain way while you were on The Bachelor?
I didn't feel any pressure to look a certain way, however, there was an expectation to always look your best because of the competition factor.
Did you have to wear more make-up than you're used to?
For the rose ceremonies and cocktail parties, we had our make-up professionally done and they would apply it so that it was of TV quality.
Do you normally wear lots of make-up?
I don't like to wear lots of make-up at all; I think too much make-up looks worse than none at all. [I wear] just enough to even out the skin tone, so that it allows my natural glow to still shine through.
What are your five top beauty tips?
Moisturise your whole body every day; eat healthy nutritious food which will make your skin, eyes and hair shine; always have your nails manicured; apply a light spray of tan on your face to give you that healthy glow; and wear mascara.
Do you believe having a good skincare routine is essential?
I do, and it depends on what type your skin is too. Mine always gets a bit dry, so every day I make sure that I moisturise with and I do a deep exfoliation two to three times per week.
If we opened up your handbag, what beauty products would we find?
Face and body moisturiser (I love that dewy look), a nail file, my make-up bag, hand sanitiser, and my perfume.
You seem to have a perennial tan. Do you use fake tan or is it because you're outside a lot?
I had my first professional spray tan in about a year a month ago, so my tan has just been due to being outside and topping it up with a tan on my face and body.
You've recently begun to do some work with the NIVEA MEN brand. What made this partnership a good fit?
moisturiser is the only moisturiser I love and trust, plus I believe that having healthy, clear, glowing skin should be paramount for both women and men.
NIVEA MEN Clear Effect recently did a survey on the modern dating world. Do you find that with the launch of apps like Tinder, looks are more important than ever when it comes to dating?
Absolutely yes! Women are definitely going to check out a guys profile pics before they to go on a first date with them - in fact the survey showed 84 per cent of girls will show their besties a guy’s profile pic. I suppose in a way, guys just have to think how to best advertise themselves so it reflects who they are. I know if my girlfriends came across a friendly smile, healthy skin, and glowing eyes they would be delighted.
What do you think is the perfect make-up look when going on a date?
Enhance your best feature definitely. If it is your skin, wear your hair up. If it's your eyes, make sure you wear no or little lip colour. And do not go overboard!
Are you a long-time user of the NIVEA brand?
I certainly am. Bring it! It's the only one I've used for years and I love it.
What's your favourite product in the NIVEA range?
NIVEA Rich Nourishing Body Lotion.
Have you found that you've been approached by many brands and companies since finishing up at The Bachelor?
Yes, many - clothing brands mostly.
How has appearing on The Bachelor changed your life?
It was such a rewarding, amazing experience that taught me so much about myself. I had so much time to think and it showed me that I could overcome and stay strong in very hard times. That was the biggest lesson learnt, I'm so grateful for that.
Do you still keep in contact with the final two contestants - Anna Heinrich and Rochelle Emanuel-Smith?
Yes I certainly do, they will always be close friends. I smile when I hear their names - they're gorgeous.
Are we likely to see you on our TV sets again in the future?
Not on another reality show! However, I do love TV presenting and I'm due to bring out a music single in the very near future, so keep your ears out.