Q&A with Ella Bache on Self Care and Mindfulness

Last month I had the privilege of chatting to the wonderful team over at Ella Bache about my surf & beauty routine. Having just come back from an all-girls surf and yoga retreat in Indonesia, it was a chance for me to share my tips and tricks on all things sun care, but also to reflect on our changing world and the things that are truly important.

You can read the chat below, also published on ellabache.com

Surfer, influencer and model Andy Kovszun is a ray of positive energy. She runs the Sydney-based lifestyle blog No Shoes No Worries that gives readers an insight into her jet-setting, salty lifestyle. It’s a go-to editorial destination for beach-loving Australians. Andy aims to inspire women to be strong, healthy and adventurous.

Having travelled the world surfing and practising yoga – Andy is perfectly positioned to give advice on beauty, fitness and self-care tips. Read on for our conversation with Andy…

What’s your daily beauty routine?

When I wake up in the morning I splash my face with cold water to wake me up then apply an eye cream, serum then a day moisturiser with some sort of SPF.

I spend a lot of time in the ocean and out in the sun, so I do my best to keep my skin hydrated and protected from dryness and sun damage.

In the evenings, I’ll cleanse then exfoliate and tone. 1-2 times a week I’ll apply a mask for 10-15mins, depending on what my skin needs.

I’ll then complete my routine with a hydrating serum and moisturiser before bed, always. Skincare is so important. My mother taught me from a very early age to always hydrate and moisturise my skin. Good habits are best formed early! Not a day goes by without it.

“Skin care is so important. My mother taught me from a very early age to always hydrate and moisturise my skin. Good habits are best
formed early!

What does a typical day look like for you?

I usually wake up, drink a big glass of water and do a 15-20 meditation, or go to a yoga class at my favourite studio and do it there.

A typical day can vary depending on if I’m shooting, writing, going to meetings, teaching a yoga class or travelling for a retreat. It’s usually a combination of all these things and lots of emails. I always try to start my day with the same morning routine so its sets me up for a productive day.

How do you keep fit and healthy?

Yoga and surfing are definitely my #1 forms of exercise. Surfing gets me outdoors and connected to nature. Yoga keeps me grounded and connected to myself. I really don’t know who I’d be without those two forms of movement in my life.

Eating healthy and keeping a balance between work and play is also important for mental health. I journal a lot, it helps me keep a clear headspace. Meditation is really important to keep a perspective on everything that’s happening, it only takes 5-10 mins a day to start with a fresh mind and it’s so beneficial to how you see the rest of your day.

What are your favourite Ella Baché products and why?

The Great Sunguard SPF40 Foundation definitely a favourite! It has saved my face/skin from countless hours of sun damage from surfing. I take it on all my surf trips and always end up sharing it with whatever group of girls I’m with because they discover how amazing it is.

It doesn’t clog pores, stays on in the ocean and even gives you a nice matte complexion. My boyfriend uses it as he's a lifeguard and is out in the sun all day every day, it’s a very popular product in our house!

If I’m not surfing, I’ll wear the Ella Baché Superfluid Great SPF50+ for my every day. It has a perfect lightweight texture and tone to match my skin. It gives me that glowy beach look with added sun protection. It’s less thick than the zinc, so great for everyday use.  

I’ve also recently fallen in love with the Neobright Correcting Night Cream. I simply can’t go to bed without moisturising my face and this one in particular has a really nice thickness to it. I’ve really noticed a difference in the brightness of my skin tone since using it. It’s super soothing and nurturing. I also apply the Hydra Jelly Moisture Shot day and night before my moisturiser. I truly love the effect it has on my keeping my face hydrated throughout the day.

“I wear the Ella Baché Superfluid Great SPF50+ for my every day…It gives me that glowy beach look with added sun protection.

What’s your favourite way to get in touch with nature?

Surfing, definitely. There’s nothing like being at the mercy of mother nature and understanding that she is so much more powerful than you.

Getting in touch with nature is humbling and thought provoking, but also helps you shift a lot of your mindset if you’re stuck in a rut with something. I find that with hiking or just being outdoors, moving around and breathing, even for just 20mins, can help reconnect and hit the reset button for my mind and body.

“All the material things in the world we think are important take a back seat when you really realise how important it is to be surrounded by love and wellbeing.

What’s your best piece of self-care advice?

Self-care is so important! I used to overlook it or think I was doing “my version” of self-care. Never underestimate the power of a nice facial and glass of wine in the bathtub with your favourite TV show! Or treating yourself to a massage, foot rub or facial.

Self-care makes you a better person and enables you to help others in the best way possible. As a yoga teacher I used to always get tired after teaching and would seldom let myself recover and take time for myself.

Last year especially, I learnt the importance of healing and replenishing my energy. My best self-care advice would be to truly listen to your body and write down what’s on your mind. It’ will allow you to reflect and check in with yourself. Asses what you need, and act on it. Don’t feel guilty about taking time for yourself! It’s only way to be the best version of you.

What are you grateful for?

Right now, health & family. I never take them for granted, but in these times especially I write down and recognise how grateful I am to have both. All the material things in the world we think are important take a back seat when you really realise how important it is to be surrounded by love and wellbeing.

Call a friend and check in on them. Send a note to your grandma, your dad, your mum. Tell your partner you love them. Right now, the world needs good people and high vibes, so if we all strive to be a little bit of both, it can become a collective step in a better direction.