Lessons in glamour from burlesque dancer Zelia Rose

At the risk of sounding like a creep, a woman’s bathroom cabinet will forever fascinate me. I’ve always been nosy when it comes to beauty products. I want to know whether you double cleanse at night, how often you wash your hair, and if there’s a facial tool that has (hyperbole warranted) changed your life.

In an industry that’s constantly telling us what to buy next, I’m far more interested in what people actually come back to. Not just their holy grails but the products they rely on in specific moments – whether that’s on stage, on a date or after a long-haul flight.

For more haircare reviews, check out our Beauty section.

This week, we’re speaking to Melbourne-based actor, singer and dancer Zelia Rose Kitoko about all things beauty. As a burlesque performer, glamour naturally is a big part of her day-to-day. Currently touring with the iconic Dita Von Teese, Zelia spends plenty of time in full stage makeup, often sporting a cut crease and a bold lip.

“Beauty is an extension of style to me, where I get to play and decorate depending on my moods and influences,” she tells us. “There’s a level of detail that I love within beauty that makes your day feel more unique as you move through it.”

Offstage, her approach is just as expressive. “Powdery pastels or metallics on my eyes, always an orange or terracotta cream blush and lined lips. Hints of whimsy are always there,” she says. “I approach it as a playground, where I can draw inspiration from different eras.”

The same goes for her hair and jewellery. “I do change my hair a lot depending on my mood, but long box braids have become my signature. I can style them so many ways and love the way they move when I’m performing,” she tells us. “I have 16 piercings in my ears, so I love adorning them with silver, gold, stones and pearls.”

Over the years, she’s also experimented with more permanent forms of adornment. “I’ve had my lips tattooed before. It was a light blush colour but it took about four hours, and it was really subtle… I’m not sure it was worth it,” she laughs.

While Zelia was drawn to glamour from an early age (“I loved Mugler Alien and Angel when I was young”), her best beauty lessons came from her mum. “She always encouraged me to really look after my skin, using eye creams and always a full-body moisturiser after showers. She’s 67 and her skin is gorgeous.”

These days, Zelia is just as interested in how beauty changes as she is in its power to transform. “Fortunately, being of African descent means I’m ageing like fine wine. I’ve actually really enjoyed the way my beauty evolves as I get older. I think people become more beautiful and more themselves as they age.”

What I reach for when…

I want to smell like myself

Byredo’s Tobacco Mandarin. It’s like being in a smoky bar, and the bartender has just cut open citrus fruit for your drink, and the bar top is a really fragrant wood that’s had a few drinks spilt on it. I dunno, I always think of visuals when it comes to fragrances, and this one is peak for me.

I’m feeling experimental

Danessa Myricks Colour Fix are little paint tubes in a plethora of colours that you can use on your eyes, lips or cheeks. They are so fun and versatile if you like striking pops of colour like me.

I want to feel pampered

Korean sheet masks are elite. The Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask is great for bouncy, soft skin. Great if you travel a lot and need a pick-me-up before an event, or a night of self-care.

I’m running late and the Uber is waiting out front

I always forget sunscreen and am forever putting it on on the way out the door. I like CanMake Mermaid Skin Gel SPF 50, it makes your skin really dewy, and the small bottle is easy to travel with. There’s something about ‘mermaid skin’ that makes sunscreen fun to me.

I’m heading out on a date

Arko Dark. It’s a gourmand fragrance that smells like rich, bitter, earthy chocolate. It’s not sweet at all but warm and spicy. It’s really intoxicating to me.

I’m going to be on camera

Makeup Forever HD Skin foundation. It’s undetectable and melts into your skin. Perfect if I want to look like I don’t have any makeup on and still feel dolled up.

I’m on a long-haul flight

Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate oil or Aesop Blue Chamomile Hydrating Facial mask really protects your skin from dryness on a flight.

I’m going to party all night long

Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Adaptogens and Coconut Water. To me, it’s a great refresher for your makeup and skin hydration.

Keep up with Zelia here.