As a model and television host for ETC Channel’s Etcetera, she is no stranger to the spotlight, as she started doing small appearances in commercials and television shows back in Sydney, Australia where her family is based. This brunette beauty has toured all over Asia and Europe to do campaigns for major hair and skin care brands, among others.
Despite her frequent travels, she gets to maintain a healthy lifestyle wherever the job takes her.“When I eat well, I see it in every aspect of my life. I see it in my energy levels, I see it in my mood, and I see it in my skin,” revealed Mari who is now based in Manila. It was here where she realized her dream of becoming a television host.
The skinny on healthy eats
In between editorials and photo shoots, Mari maintains a blog http://marijasmine.com/blog/where she posts health-related tips and even shares some of her own recipes. She grew up eating well because of her mother who is an amazing cook. She must take after her mom since she loves cooking as well. “I cook so much at home,” shared Mari. “I know exactly what I’m eating and what I put in my food.”
She recently noticed how specific foods affect her appearance. “I found that when I lower my sugar levels it really helps with skin—like pimples and stuff. I’ve been through so many phases with my skin. It will be like perfect for a couple of years, and then I’d get breakouts for a while after. I noticed that sugar and processed food really affect my skin.”
Food for thought
Check out this list of documentaries that opened Mari’s eyes to healthy living.
Food Matters (2008) – A film that examines how to maintain optimal healthy the natural way.
Food, Inc. (2008) – A movie that takes a look at corporate farming in the U.S.—its controlled food industry—and how its agribusiness produces unhealthy food.
Forks Over Knives (2011) – A film that features health experts and tackles the issue of diet and disease.
Tips to boost skin’s beauty
Eat colorfully! Incorporate lots of fruits and vegetables in your diet to get the nutrition your body needs. Mari is currently obsessed with avocado, which has 20 essential nutrients like Vitamin E and potassium.
Stay hydrated. Get lots of water in your system to flush out toxins and make your skin supple. Even when traveling, Mari makes sure to drink loads of water.
Try aloe vera juice. It helps cleanse your system, especially if you have a sore stomach. Make sure to get the ones from health stores and not the sugary drinks from supermarkets.
She stays away from the processed stuff but fills up on natural sugar. To help boost her skin’s youthful glow, she consumes different kinds of vegetables and fruits, and also keeps herself hydrated with water, which helps flush the toxins from her body, too.
Mari doesn’t claim to be a hardcore health buff as she occasionally has a cheat day or two. Her interest in living a healthy lifestyle deepened when she watched food documentaries and researched more about it. She shares her advocacy of eating well in her blog and hopes to inspire her readers in the process.
Breaking bad beauty habits
There are times when Mari has weeks with zero holidays, and moments when she has no scheduled work. During her downtime, she makes sure to let her skin breathe. In fact, she hardly applies cosmetics on her face when she’s off camera. She dislikes the feeling of having heavy makeup on and prefers the natural look. “I love natural makeup, no-makeup makeup, or very simple makeup. I just think that’s so much more attractive for me.”
However, Mari believes that makeup can still help enhance natural beauty. “You know, everyone has their off days with skin. When you have a pimple, it’s nice to be able to cover it up especially for important days or events.”
When I eat well, I see it in every aspect of my life. I see it in my energy levels, I see it in my mood, and I see it in my skin..
Mari has seen how the local and international showbiz industry has a somewhat narrow take on beauty. From her travels, she has been exposed to various cultures and differences. Like in Sydney, everyone wants a tan. While in Japan, people go out in gloves, hats and umbrellas in 40-degree heat.
“I prefer to have a bit of a tan myself. I think I look healthier when I’ve been in the sun a bit. That’s just my personal preference. Some people look great white. You can’t impose any standard on anyone because everyone’s different. Everyone’s got their own style.”
For Mari, it’s all about enhancing your own particular beauty. “Be your best self.”
Mari’s makeup must-haves for that natural look
Sunscreen
BB cream
Eyelash curler
Brown eyeliner
Mascara
What makes a woman more attractive?
“Confidence, intelligence, big smile, humility.”
Work-life balance
“I love to travel. I get such a huge buzz out of traveling. I’m also really big on sports. I grew up swimming, playing tennis, softball, and soccer. I do love swimming, being in nature, in the sea. I’m at my happiest when I’m outdoors.”
