glow & tell: KARLA GRANT

Journalist. Storyteller. One of Australia’s most admired women {we love her}. For more than three decades, Karla Grant has been using her voice to tell stories that matter, while inspiring generations with her quiet confidence, grace and authenticity. We caught up with Karla to chat about the beauty products she can’t live without, her biggest beauty regret, and why less really is more…

As the creator, executive producer and host of Living Black, Australia’s longest-running Indigenous current affairs program, Karla has become one of Australia’s most respected broadcasters. A proud Western Arrernte woman, she has dedicated her career to shining a light on First Nations stories, interviewing political leaders, artists, athletes and changemakers, while giving a platform to voices that deserve to be heard. Along the way, she’s received some of Australia’s highest honours in journalism, including multiple Walkley Awards, Kennedy Awards and a First Nations Media Lifetime Achievement Award.

Away from the bright lights of television, Karla’s beauty philosophy is refreshingly uncomplicated. After years of wearing professional studio makeup, she’s embraced healthy skin, daily SPF, minimal makeup and products that genuinely work. It’s this effortless approach, combined with her warmth and authenticity, that makes her one of our favourite Australian women. Here are her glow & tell tips…

What’s the best beauty tip you’ve ever picked up or learned along the way?
Drink plenty of water and get at least eight hours of sleep. I struggle with both these things, but I’m getting better at it.

I used to wash my hair every day, but now I leave it for at least three days before washing to allow the natural oils to come through and stop it from becoming too dry.

Wear SPF and a hat when you’re out in the sun. And as I’ve gotten older, I’ve learnt that it’s better to wear less makeup. Being on camera, I wear a lot of heavy studio makeup, so whenever I can, I try to keep things minimal.

Rapid Glow

Morning coffee or green juice?
Tea. I haven’t had a coffee for 28 years – I only drink English Breakfast or Lemongrass and Ginger with honey.
Lipstick or lip gloss?
Lip gloss.
Five-minute face or full glam?
Five-minute face.
Hair up or hair down?
Hair down.
The beauty product you’d save in a fire?
Real Paw Paw Ointment.
The best beauty advice you’ve ever received?
Less is more.

What are your go-to beauty products you can’t live without?
I use micellar water to cleanse my face morning and night. I use Cetaphil Moisturiser because it’s light, as my skin doesn’t cope well with heavy creams.

I can’t live without my MAC makeup products and love their Studio Radiance Foundation and Fix+ Original Setting Spray.

I also love MCoBeauty products, especially the Multivitamin Moisturising Primer, Super Glow Golden Drops and Bronzing Drops.

I do love a black eyeliner. I also always carry a tube of Real Paw Paw Ointment for my lips, Mecca Lip Gloss and hand cream.

I’ve always used baby oil to keep my skin soft and moisturised, and I’ve just started using Bangn Body Firming Body Lotion and Oil to nourish and hydrate my skin.

I use teeth-whitening strips once a week.

Do you have a time-saving beauty trick you swear by?
I try to keep it simple when I’m not on camera and when I’m in a rush to get out the door.

I’ll put on moisturiser, primer, a light coverage of foundation, a bit of eyeliner and a touch of mascara only on the bottom lashes, as I have eyelash extensions.

I brush my brows and apply a little cream blush or bronzer to my cheeks, followed by Paw Paw Ointment on my lips. Then I finish with a spritz of setting spray to keep everything looking fresh.

I leave my hair straight because it gets styled all the time, so I try to give it a rest from the GHDs.

Have you ever had a beauty fail, and what did you learn from it?
I used to have lovely thick eyebrows when I was a teenager, but I hated them.

I over-plucked them in my early twenties and regret it now because they didn’t grow back, so I had microblading done to achieve a fuller look.

Who’s your ultimate beauty inspiration?
Recently, I’ve admired Pamela Anderson. I think it’s great that she has been gracing red carpets and attending events looking beautifully natural and glowing.

I also admire Elle Macpherson and love her sense of style and fashion. She always looks so natural and doesn’t overdo it with makeup.

Do you have a favourite beauty look you always come back to?
I like a fresh, dewy look with earthy tones and bronzer.

When I’m on camera, I wear studio makeup, which can be very heavy on my skin. When I’m not filming, I try to look natural or wear minimal makeup to allow my skin to breathe.

Connect with Karla

Watch Karla on Living Black on SBS, NITV and SBS On Demand.

Instagram: @karlaanngrant

For media interviews, keynote speaking engagements, MC bookings and brand partnerships, please contact Siren Talent.
Email: hello@sirentalent.com.au
Phone: 0474 518 561

Photography credits:
SBS photography by David Ollier.
Siren Talent portraits by Gerard Phelan.