It’s hard not to have a girl crush on Ashley Hart. The Aussie model, yoga teacher and Swisse ambassador has a busier schedule than most of us, but manages to stay balanced with exercise, meditation and natural wholefoods. Our April bellabox is all about mindful beauty so we asked Ashley Hart to reveal her must-have natural beauty products and tips for staying on your game. Plus she shares her favourite smoothie recipe with us!
How do you move your body and how important is exercise to you?
Exercise is extremely important to me. It’s hard for me to have a regular “fitness routine” because I travel so much with my job, but where ever I am I aim to do yoga everyday, and hit the gym a couple of times a week. If I’m lucky enough to be somewhere enjoying Summer or at home in LA, I’ll take my workout outdoors to make the most of my surroundings. I love hiking, boxing, skipping, walks with my dog Husti-Bala or going for a run. It feels great to be strong and fit, and is also so important for stress relief and a healthy mind. You can literally work your worries away!
What else do you do for your health?
Meditation! It relieves the mind of weight and worry. A strong and healthy mind is essential for total body health and wellness, which is absolutely the most important goal for me. Meditation is such a powerful practice. I always wake up early to meditate, to keep my mind clear and my body in tune, which makes my whole day flow.
What is your philosophy on eating and maintaining balance?
Healthy eating is definitely number one for me, I’m a total health freak! You can be super fit but also be very unhealthy, and you can’t out exercise a bad diet. I am vegetarian, so I feed my body with natural goodness. I also take vitamins to complete my clean diet including Swisse Women’s Ultivite. Of course it’s important to relax and treat yourself – I love dark chocolate, but I find I feel healthier and happier in every way, when I feed my body with the nourishment it needs – nutrient rich vegetables, fruits and grains.
Do you have any travel essentials for staying on your game?
I always pack my workout gear, so whenever I get a moment, I can squeeze a workout in. I feel vitamin supplements are really important too, especially when travelling. Different time zones and climates can really take a toll on your immune system. I always take my Women’s Ultivite and an Immune supplement with me wherever I go.
How do you take care of your skin when travelling for work?
Water! Staying as hydrated as possible is key when flying anywhere! I absolutely believe true beauty comes from the inside out, especially when it comes to our skin. I take Swisse Ultiboost Hair Skin Nails Liquid, to give it that extra boost, plus have as many fresh green vegetables as possible.
What's the best beauty trick you have learned on set?
Multitasking with cream blush, which I sometimes use on my lips, cheeks and eyes...I’m a fan of products that are multi-functional, especially for travel!
What are the natural beauty products you can’t live without?
As a Swisse ambassador, I use a lot of their products, but I also mix it up a bit. I’m pretty simple when it comes to skincare. Three times a week I apply a 10-minute healing clay mud mask mixed with apple cider vinegar and clay from India. Before bed I always cleanse, using witch hazel wipes and Swisse Micellar Makeup Remover, to remove my makeup – especially if I’ve been on a shoot or at an event. I also love the Swisse Rosehip Oil, which is certified organic, and is packed with potent ingredients to promote naturally glowing skin. Also, cant live without my paw paw lip balm!
Can you talk us through a day in the life when you're not traveling?
Sadhana (spiritual practice, either yoga or meditation) in the morning, preferably upon rising; followed by super smoothie to start my day with a dose of nutrients and a hit of super food goodness! Then I get on to whatever my day has scheduled for me, which is often castings or interviews – like this! I work out a lot and in my down time I love to read, as well as getting to the usual bit and pieces around my home, like washing! Whenever I can I catch up with my friends here in LA, or see family and friends who are travelling – there’s always someone visiting the States! I also love New York, especially because my sister lives there, and I love to spend time with Jess whenever our schedules allow!
What’s in your favourite smoothie?
This is a tricky one – there are so many! I often chuck in whatever fresh and healthy ingredients I have or can get my hands on. A really simple smoothie that’s full of goodness, is blending together:
1 cup almond milk (unsweetened)
1 spoonful of Swisse Acai Superfood powder
1 spoon of coconut butter
1⁄2 cup blueberries – preferably organic
1⁄2 banana
Also will add maca powder or chia seeds if I have them for an even bigger superfood hit.