She’s been the face of countless ad campaigns and magazine covers, and now, Annalise designs lingerie and jewellery, models, and presents on TV. We spoke to the Australian role model about her green lifestyle, beauty routine and more…
Growing up…
“I feel blessed to have been brought up on a biodynamic farm and to have attended Rudolph Steiner School (Steiner devised biodynamic farming). We had a huge array of animals on our farm, as mum was a cruelty free animal trainer for film and TV. My darling siblings and I would ride horses, our camel Rocky and spend most of our time outside playing with all the beautiful animals mum rescued from accidents, pounds and abusive situations. We had wombats, cats, dogs, horses, a kangaroo, cows, a donkey, a pelican, and the list goes on. We played on the trampoline and of course we ate beautiful biodynamic home grown produce… It’s instilled a deep love and respect for animals, nature and the environment. All of which I’m very grateful for.”
Being a vegetarian chef…
“I was brought up a vegetarian, and I’ve never been attracted to eating meat. I was aware early on that ‘Daisy’ our darling Jersey cow I’d milk every morning would be the steak on the plate if I so chose to devour her. It was quite a simple decision for me really. I did however introduce fish into my diet later on in life, when I was about 22. At that time I was in the Philippines doing my scuba diving masters and a lot of exercise, and they didn’t have much in the way of vegan or vegetarian protein… I was fainting underwater and feeling very ill and frail, and started to crave their local fish. I struggled ethically with the thought of eating something with a face initially, but my body thrived on it. I am now an ambassador for MSC and am very passionate about the sustainability of our oceans as well as our land. Eating and growing organic, ethically and locally is imperative. We must be mindful not to rape and pillage the oceans or support the equivalent of caged farming for fish. However, I do eat a predominantly vegan and vegetarian diet.
I’m a VERY passionate meat-free cook, and I love nothing more than to recreate guilt-free creations inspired by my extensive travels. I guess my homemade (from scratch) sustainable fish and prawn, non-GMO tofu, Asian veggie Laksa is up there with one of my most well-known dishes amongst my loved ones.”
Eating well is so important to me…
“I guess the old adage ‘you are what you eat’ rings true to me. I feel fantastic when I’m eating well, and when I eat unhealthy food, I feel terrible… so it simply makes sense to eat well, a balanced organic if not biodynamic meat-free diet and look after myself.”
Looking after my health is important…
“I’ve recently signed up to Priceline‘s Health Tracker – you just sign up and complete a short survey to get your health score. Then, simply join a 12 week program to tailor to your needs. There’s also a food planner with varied menu suggestions that are fantastic – and what I love most, they completely match my lifestyle.”
For breakfast…
“It depends entirely on what’s in season, what country I’m in and what my palate is frothing for on the day, but anything from organic free range Asian/Italian/Israeli omelettes, to leftover dinners, abundance bowls, juices or smoothies (I make a mean almond milk, pea protein, frozen banana and blueberry chia seed smoothie with nutmeg, vanilla and cinnamon). I love chia seed puddings, scrambled tofu with turmeric, and my organic spelt toast with toasted tahini, sumac, lemon, a pinch of Himalayan salt, sliced tomatoes and rocket is one of my favourites.”
My morning ritual…
“I drink a mug of purified hot water and lemon. This has been my early morning ritual for over 20 years. My Nanna got me on to it, then I usually meditate and let the day begin.”
My schedule looks like…
“My days vary dramatically depending on so many variables, but mainly if I’m here in Sydney or overseas. It also depends on what job I’m working on – if I’m on set in London versus designing here, my days will vary dramatically. But I do make sure to always have my hot water lemon first thing, get two meditations in if possible, a yoga, pilates, and/or a walk/gym/PT session. I am a fanatic list writer and love nothing more than smashing through one (which rarely happens as I tend to have a tad too much on my vocational plate).
I design jewellery, I travel blog, I model, act, TV present, design lingerie and sleepwear, cook, and am a very active charity ambassador amongst other things.”
How I recover after a big day…
“I love baths with magnesium, dead sea salts and lavender oil, and I love to meditate in the bath too. If time permits, my favourite recovery is some holistic indulgence at my new favourite space in Sydney, Health Space. The best recovery ever is an Infrared Sauna, followed by a massage, then a kinesiology session. I’ll also grab a juice, my organic veggies and activated nuts, quinoa etc and float home feeling revived, nurtured and back on track on every level.”
My favourite workouts…
“I LOVE yoga. I’ve been practicing for almost 20 years, but approximately nine years ago found Body Mind Life studio, which has a mix of styles (Power Vinyasa flow is probably my favourite) and practicing a good flow under Infrared Heating is incredible! BML also have Pilates which has been amazing, especially for healing old and new injuries, and I find it has helped my yoga practice considerably. I love to power walk and soak up our amazing coastline views, and I go to Beach Fit for some cardio smash ups if the weather isn’t coastal walk friendly. I also have a wonderful trainer, Jana Haupt, who helps me smash through some serious workouts when time permits.”
My skincare routine…
“I only use eco and cruelty-free products and always have. I’ve recently switched to Aspect and Cosmedix natural products for my face, and the results have been incredible! I get hydra facials and Omnilux light treatments at All Saints Cosmedical Clinic, and I love Dr Hauschka, Weleda, ModelCo, Ere Perez and Perfect Potion for body, hand, bath and essential oils.”
It’s important to look after your skin because…
“It’s our largest organ after all, and it’s also a big part of my profession. I love to look after every part of myself: spiritually, physically, mentally inside and out. Drinking plenty of purified water also really helps for healthy dewy skin.
My go-to beauty look…
“If I’m not shooting, I’ll use a moisturiser, sunscreen, (I’m obsessing over Aspect’s Cucumber Organic Sunscreen) perhaps some concealer, a light dusting of blush and bronzer, and papaw lip balm. If I’m working, then I leave it to the hands of the professionals to turn me into whatever character I’m playing that day – designer, model, actor, or glammed up for the red carpet. I love O&M organic and mineral shampoo and conditioners, especially their 7 Day Miracle.”
It’s important I use eco-friendly products because…
“I don’t feel my work, hair, body or any part of myself or loved ones should put this beautiful planet of ours at risk. I want to do everything in my power to help save and nurture our environment, our natural habitat, animals of all sorts, so that generations to come can enjoy what I am blessed to.”
I’m really excited about…
“I’ve just curated a The Spring Lust have It! Eco Box, that includes a gentle, non-chemical Pure Olive Oil Charcoal Detox Bar from Reed, delicious Mr. Bean Coffee Scrub in Coconut or Mandarin, a relaxing foot soak from Skinyoga, Phytocare Papaya Pawpaw Ointment for lips and a Natural & Organic Lip Gloss in Lise by Evelyn Iona.”
Click here and here for more stories with Annalise Braakensiek.