Laura Dundovic is an expert when it comes to wellness. The model, television presenter and MC is an advocate for inner beauty and physical fitness, both of which she shares advice on through her website and social media channels. An all-round Aussie sweetheart, Dundovic is now supporting a charitable collaboration between Vaalia and homegrown designers We Are Handsome who have created a limited-edition activewear legging that celebrates vitality – something she knows a thing or two about.
Fresh from hosting a fitness dance class designed to increase vitality, BEAUTYDIRECTORY chatted to Dundovic about natural skincare, inner health and keeping her 85k Instagram followers engaged.
Can you talk us through your beauty regimen pre and post workout?
I don’t like to wear makeup pre workout and I make sure I’ve cleansed my face too. I use Natural Instincts barely there tinted moisturiser as it has a great SPF, so if I’m doing an outdoor workout or running on the beach I’m covered. It gives you a nice glow for the gym too. Post workout I finish with cleansing my face. It’s my hair that I need to look after the most post workout though. I’ve got fine hair, so I always try to wash it after a workout. If you see me out and about with slick-back hair that’s because I’ve been to the gym! Because I wash my hair nearly every day I use Natural’s shampoo and conditioner that’s natural enough to use daily.
You always have a lovely glow, how do you maintain this throughout the year?
I try to drink a lot of water, especially when flying! I also make sure to include a lot of natural fats and oils in my diet, such as coconut and olive oil. I’m a fan of probiotics too – another reason I love the collaboration with Vaalia is because they contain a unique trio of probiotics so it helps maintain a healthy gut and keeps you looking and feeling great from the inside out.
You are an ambassador for natural skincare, how important is this to you and what difference has it made to your skin?
I’ve modelled since about the age of 16 and so would always be on photoshoots having my makeup done etc. and I noticed that my skin started to feel and look congested. That’s when I began to take notice of the lists of chemicals used in products. I’ve got a European skin tone which is naturally quite oily so I thought I shouldn’t put things like mosturisers on my face, but actually all I needed were products that are more natural. I realised that it made a huge difference to my skin to make sure I was using natural-based products that contain natural oils that mimic skin oils.
You have a great following on Instagram, how do you keep users engaged?
My Instagram page is more like a diary, so it’s not so much about keeping followers engaged, it’s just an expression of my personality and my day. I love taking photos so it’s easy to keep up with it! I’m always that one person at friends and family events taking photos, and I like to post every day.
What type of posts do people love the most?
People tend to love the ones where I’m having fun, so it’s not so much about themes. For example, if there’s an outfit that I’m wearing that I’ve been anticipating and love, it shows, so people love it too (or if I’ve been with my friends or family and I’m laughing!). Lots of people do love pics of me having just done an intense workout too – it’s a community so everyone’s pretty supportive of fitness online.
Which channel/platform do you find is the most effective when sharing advice about health and wellbeing?
I’d say more on my website. I can post full workouts on there, so you can say and explain more and people really read and follow it. Instagram has a big following and fitness community so for pre and post workout specifically it’s great to chat to people.
Why is the Vaalia collaboration so special?
The Vaalia and We Are Handsome vitality collaboration to create these limited-edition leggings is so special because it’s all about modern wellbeing and helping women express their vitality. Feeling good about yourself both inside and out is so important nowadays and I think a lot of women forget to just have that 'feel good' factor as there is so much pressure to look good. With the proceeds going to community charity Look Good Feel Better, it makes the collaboration even more special as the funds help support women with cancer to feel more empowered and confident to face the appearance-related side effects of cancer treatment.
How does the design of the leggings reflect the Vaalia ethos?
We Are Handsome founder and creative director Jeremy Somers took on the fresh vibrancy of Vaalia, including the green and white from its brand colours, and turned it into three design themes – dynamic, fresh and floral. Just looking at the leggings makes you want to get up out of bed and go for a run! People can buy them from www.wearehandsome.com/vaalia RRP $129 with all proceeds going to Look Good Feel Better.
