She's one of Australia's most recognised social influencers with over 3.1 million combined followers. Pia Muehlenbeck is a qualified lawyer, model, blogger and entrepreneur, who eventually left the corporate world and founded her own eco-friendly fitness brand back in 2014. And now Muehlenbeck is teaming up with OGX, who has just recently launched its first foray into hair styling and dry shampoo.
BD spoke with the social media mega-star on all things at-home haircare, skincare and wellness. Muehlenbeck also shared with us her skincare routine, what her first beauty treatment post-isolation will be and how she plans to help reinvigorate domestic tourism in Australia.
You've teamed up with OGX for the release of its new styling and dry shampoo products, what do you love about the range and what is your go-to product?
I’ve been a longtime fan of the iconic OGX Argan Oil of Morocco Shampoo and Conditioner but since trying the new Heat Protect Spray, I think this has become my hair MVP.
I spritz it into my damp hair before blow drying and I end up with much more bounce and volume while knowing that I’m protecting my hair against the hot styling tools. It smells amazing and the added argan oil helps to enhance shine!
My go-to when I’m between washes is the Argan Oil of Morocco Dry Shampoo. It revives my second day hair and the argan oil leaves it feeling silky and renewed.
Can you take us through your at-home haircare routine? How has this changed since isolation?
My usual routine is very simple because I’m always on-the-go. I basically wash, style, repeat. But since isolation I have found myself with so much more time to properly care for my hair. I’ve been doing weekly hair treatments, styling it less and generally just using this as an opportunity to pamper my hair a little.
I like to apply the OGX Argan Oil of Morocco Conditioner in the bath and leave it for 5-10 minutes like a mask - it leaves my hair so silky! If I’m wanting to go for date-night glam I usually go for big soft waves and finish the look with the OGX Coconut Miracle Oil Flexible Hold Hairspray. It helps hold waves but keeps them soft and bouncy.
What does your skincare routine look like?
I’ve always been very mindful of treating my skin well. My mum is a paramedical aesthetician so she instilled in me, at a very young age, the importance of looking after my skin. I make sure I wear SPF daily, because in a country like Australia, sun protection is our best bet against ageing, damaged skin.
I also regularly perform lymphatic drainage massages on my face to help with puffiness and I’m a massive fan of face masks. At the moment I’m loving the Turmeric Exfoliating Mask from Kora Organics. I use it in the morning to invigorate and wake up my face as its super refreshing.
What would be your best beauty tip you've learnt over the years?
Beauty radiates from the inside out. So I find that drinking LOTS of water, eating nutritional food, and getting my body moving means my skin will clear up, de-puff, and glow.
Must-have products in your makeup bag?
Giorgio Armani Maestro Foundation in 6.5 and Benefit Hoola Bronzer.
What about wellness - what do you love to do to take care of yourself?
I’m all about wellness. I think it’s so important to take time to care for yourself. I practice yoga almost every day which is my absolute favourite way to start the day.
My husband and I have also slowed down our morning routine a lot since being in isolation. We’re waking up slowly, cuddling the dog, then treating ourselves to a cooked healthy breakfast after yoga every morning. It’s such contrast to the super early mornings we’re used to, but at the moment it's really making us feel good.
What's going to be the first beauty treatment you book yourself in for once salons reopen?
Probably DMK Enzyme Therapy Treatment. It’s a crazy mask that makes me look 100 years old while its on, and then once it’s washed off my face feels really lifted and contoured.
You co-founded eco-friendly and sustainable luxury fitness brand, SLINKII, how has that process been and what's coming up next for the brand?
SLINKII is really becoming the fitness and wellness brand we always wanted to create. It’s incredibly exciting looking back to where we started in the living room of our one-bed apartment to seeing what the brand has now become.
We have a huge array of new fitness accessories and apparel coming soon too! We’re finding that the accessories are really popular right now, as they were created with travel in mind but are now the perfect training tools for everyone staying at home but wanting to stay fit.
Anything in the pipeline for the rest of 2020 you'd like to share?
So many exciting things coming up! We are currently working on a new series within our vlogs on YouTube. Since the devastation of the bushfires and then COVID, Australian tourism has had a really tough 2020, so we’re going to be focussing our year on travelling Australia and exploring this incredible country.
It’s so easy to forget about our own backyard when the opportunity to travel internationally exists, but Australia is a wonderful place to explore and now, more than ever I think it would be great to showcase that on our social media channels. I’d love for us to be able to do our bit in helping reinvigorate domestic tourism here.
Image source: Melinda Cartmer via sporteluxe.com
