Actor Jhyll Teplin on her ageless approach to beauty

“Your seventies is when confidence struts in.”

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, if there’s a facial tool that has (hyperbole warranted) changed your life.

Because 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: the ones tied to moods, rituals and minor crises alike.

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This week, we’re speaking to Melbourne-based actor and digital creator Jhyll Teplin about the beauty products she reaches for most. You might recognise her as Ja’mie’s mum on Summer Heights High, or perhaps you’ve come across Jhyll’s ‘granny logic’ tips on social media.

Now in her seventies, Jhyll has become something of a beauty icon with her signature look: silver hair, glowing skin, groomed brows, red lips. But she’s had her fair share of experimental phases. “I survived the ‘orange era’ henna disasters and tragic over-plucked eyebrows into oblivion!” she tells us. 

Her routine today is simple but consistent: a morning swim, shower and hydrating skincare to give her “wrinkle-shminkles” some love, “while reminding them who’s boss!”.

“With age, I’ve become more disciplined, taking better care of myself because the bones creak and groan, and the skin remembers everything,” she says. But her approach to ageing isn’t obsessive, it’s refreshing.

“Silver hair don’t care. Your seventies is when confidence struts in, fabulous and fearless… most days!” Her biggest beauty inspirations are “women over 80 serving full-blown glam… proof that beauty and attitude are timeless.” Read on for more of her wisdom.

What I reach for when…

I want to smell like myself

Byredo Bal D’Afrique EDP reminds me of South Africa where I grew up. I smell the earth and feel the sun, reminding me that while my bones might be in Australia, my spirit is still out on the veld.

I’ve had no sleep

I head straight for a long, warm magnesium bath with lavender essential oil. It’s the ultimate granny logic remedy for soothing muscle aches, reducing inflammation, and replenishing a tired mind. Perfect for anyone needing to hit the reset button and find their zen again! 

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

Red lipstick is my ultimate confidence booster. I like Giorgio Armani Lip Power in the shade 400 – even when the driver’s tapping his watch, it goes on fast. Its drop-shaped bullet is a granny logic win for mistake-proof contours, vivid satin finish that stays comfortable all day. Perfect for silver beauties needing a bold pout on the go!

I’m heading out on a date

My date night hack is the L’Oréal Paris Lumi Le Glow Stick in Glassy Pink Ballet. It’s a cheek highlighter that doubles as eyeshadow and lipstick. I smear it on cheeks, eyes, lips and I’m ready in 30 seconds flat.

When I’m in bed

Cationorm Eye Drop Emulsion is my nighttime eye saviour. It hydrates, lubricates and calms my eyes after a long day of environmental pollution. Great for tired, dry eyes. 

I want to feel pampered

When my wrinkle-shminkles start calling for a drink, I spritz on Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist. Instant hydration, glow, and absolutely no need to start my makeup again. I highly recommend for anyone needing a quick glow and hydration without ruining their makeup!

My hair is a mess

And doing its best to defy me, I rely on Wella EIMI Pearl Styler and Sugar Lift for instant volume and zhush. It’s a high-performance duo for silver hair. The Pearl Styler gives flexible hold and shine (UV protection is a bonus), while Sugar Lift adds fabulous texture. Granny logic: lift it high, let wrinkle-shminkles laugh below!  

I’m on a long-haul flight

My 30,000-foot survival kit includes Muji Mild Cleansing Oil, Booster Essence and Moisturising Cream. It’s high performance TLC for when cabin air tries to turn my skin into parchment. Highly recommended for anyone needing a simple, sensitive-skin friendly routine to survive the dry cabin air and land looking refreshed.

Keep up with Jhyll here.