Top Three: Founder Ere Perez shares her desert island beauty products

Salt spray, sunscreen and a natural dupe for Chanel bronzing cream.

I’m a notoriously nosy person when it comes to beauty products. I want to know whether you double cleanse at night, how often you wash your hair and exactly what you’re using. I want to know if there’s some special facial tool or pair of tweezers that have (hyperbole warranted) changed your life.

In short, I adore products. This is why I’ve asked some of our favourite Australian beauty experts to share the ‘top three’ they can’t live without. The scope is broad – it can genuinely be anything, as long as they’re the three they value the most.

Want to snoop inside the beauty regimes of other creatives? Head here.

To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re joined this week by Sydney-based beauty founder Ere Perez, whose eponymous clean beauty brand has been a sworn favourite of many Fashion Journal editors for years. Growing up in Mexico, Ere learnt about beauty and grooming rituals from her family: “[I was] definitely inspired by my beautiful aunties and my mum! My grandmother had seven daughters, and I grew up living close to them and they all had such a unique style and glamorous presence,” she says.

Her hispanic culture also shaped her approach to beauty, which she describes as creative and playful. “When I was young, my mum would rub fresh beetroot on my cheeks for makeup! All the vibrant and healthy ingredients from Mexico are now what feeds our skin in the form of our cosmetics.”

As a business founder, creative director and mum of three, Ere’s own routine is simple. “I don’t have a lot of time! But I always start the day doing a facial massage with our SOS marmalade [a multipurpose balm] then apply foundation all over my face just using my fingers, like it’s a moisturiser so it feels light.” She doesn’t leave the house without mascara and a dab of coloured balm on her cheeks and lips, too.

The contents of her makeup bag reflect her beauty ethos: sustainable and functional, but also joyful and nostalgic. “On a recent trip to Normandy, at a friend’s party, all the beautiful French women were wearing a gorgeous red lip balm from Avril, I had to get one for myself,” she says of her last beauty purchase. “And, it’s refillable which is a plus.”

Asking someone like Ere to choose her ‘top three’ products is like asking her to choose a favourite child. Naturally, her shortlist includes one she created herself (a clean version of Chanel’s cult bronzing cream) but the other two feel just as on-brand: a trusty, no-fuss SPF and a hair product for carefree, beachy texture. Sounds like the perfect desert island edit to us.

Product one: Aveda Texture Tonic

How did you first discover this product?

My fabulous hairdresser Rita used it on me years ago!

What is it, what does it do and why do you love it?

It’s a texture spray which makes it look like my hair has dried naturally from the ocean, I love the wave it gives to my hair.

Who would you recommend it to?

If you have thicker hair that needs a little body or bounce it, for a natural beachy look.

Get it here.

Product two: Ere Perez Cacao Bronzing Pot

How did you first discover this product?

I used to love the Chanel Soleil Crème bronzer and wanted to create a healthier alternative as I loved it so much! As I’m getting older, I didn’t like using powder on my face.

What is it, what does it do and why do you love it?

It’s a balmy bronzer with a mousse-like texture, with no shimmer, that blends so nicely into the skin. Now at 51, I love just to have a veil of colour and some days there is no need to wear foundation with this product!

Who would you recommend it to?

Anyone who’s looking for a healthy natural contour/tanning product that can be used all over the skin.

Get it here.

Product three: Cancer Council sunscreens

How did you first discover this product?

Since arriving in Australia, I have used this brand!

What is it, what does it do and why do you love it?

It’s a sunscreen approved by Australian TGA which has one of the strictest SPF testing in Australia. It’s light and works well with my makeup and skin care.

Who would you recommend it to and where can you get it?

Since Australia has incredibly harsh weather conditions and strong sun, you need to wear something that is suitable for it. So when I’m enjoying nature with my family, it’s my go-to to wear. You can find it at most pharmacies, like Chemist Warehouse.

Get it here.

For more on summer beauty routines, try this.