Rikki Hodge
14.0
JA
It’s never an easy climb to the top for women in a multitude of industries, but for women in media, the bright spotlight from the Australian public can be a harsh one. So, the sound of a glass ceiling smashing is especially audible when a woman makes her mark not only in journalism, but also in the testosterone territory of sports media. And, that’s exactly what sport presenter, journalist and host did. From a stint hosting a segment on Seriously AFL, to presenting on Fox Sports news and hosting Football and Cricket Superstar, she's done it all. Now, the blonde, married to Australian cricketer Shane Watson, has a new focus, and it's square on the next generation – it's a sports clinic for kids, Let’s Activate. Started with Shane, and ex-Wiggle Greg Page, the clinic fuses music with movement to get kids engaged in sport and activity, and away from the electronic devices. With two little ones of her own, Will (3) and Matilda (2) the busy mum, wife and businesswoman has a lot on her plate. So, we were keen to chat with her in her beachside home to talk the changes to beauty post-babies, her go-to products, and hear a little more about this exciting passion project.
Rikki Hodge
14.0
JA
Lee’s Kids Sports Venture
"Will and Matilda have been our guinea pigs for Let’s Activate, kids are so honest.
We haven’t explained to them that it’s our business for a reason, we want that honest feedback. For us that’s all it takes, we want kids to be healthy and active. So pretty much, it all started with Will. We tried different programs and we could never find the right thing. Kids lose interest and change their minds really quickly, so we thought we’d incorporate sport with music. He writes our program and pretty much we wanted to make sure boys and girls would be interested in what we’re doing so we teach kids about basic skills of sport through music, movement, and dance. It’s all about getting kids away from the iPad screen.
Rikki Hodge
14.0
JA
Lee's Quick Makeup Routine
I used to do my own hair and makeup at Fox Sports…
…that was an eye opener. Very, very challenging. I’ve got two little kids [now] as my priority so I’m always thinking, in terms of makeup, that it has to be really light and natural. I have less time now so, you know, I take 5 minutes to do my makeup.
Rikki Hodge
14.0
JA
I much prefer to have my hair and makeup done by someone else.
I see a beautiful girl, Belle at Blow Bar in Waverly. She does the best blow dry in Sydney. I get my makeup done there too, it’s so easy. I used to have so much time. Without the kids, you could sit there for three hours and have your hair and makeup done. It was wonderful. So now in an hour and a half it’s all done.
Rikki Hodge
14.0
JA
Lee’s Sensitive Skincare
I’m really particular with what I use on my skin…
…because of the history I have with breakouts. I’ve had really bad problems with skin with acne and all sorts of things. I love the Aspect Hydrating Mask for when I travel, it’s a great way to add moisture particularly when flying. It’s great getting off a long flight and then being able to get the instant glow with that product. I love Cosmedix Rescue Balm for putting moisture back in my skin in colder months, and the face wash for a good cleanse that doesn’t dry my skin out. I make sure I cleanse my skin twice a night to make sure I remove all the makeup. I also love their Opti Crystal Eye Cream, it’s super nourishing. I use Dr Spiller Collagen Cream every night before I go to bed, love it.
Rikki Hodge
14.0
JA
Lee’s Foundation and Colour
Jane Iredale Mineral Makeup is the only foundation that doesn’t react with my skin…
…I love the PurePressed Pressed Base Mineral Foundation. I also swear by Nars concealer, it’s the best for spots and blemishes. I don’t wear a lot of eye makeup, but if I’m going out to lunch or dinner I like to wear Bobbi Brown Eyeshadow Cream. My absolute favourite that I’m using every day is the Chantecaille Lip Chic, it’s such a great everyday lipstick. I don’t like to have too much makeup so for me that’s absolutely perfect. For night time I go for the Diorshow Fusion Mono. I love putting this over the top of the Bobbi Brown.
Rikki Hodge
14.0
JA
Lee's Mascara Must-Haves
I find a lot of issues with a lot of mascaras…
…at the end of the day, which is my pet peeve. So Ellis Faas is the only mascara that doesn’t do that and I love it. It just comes off easy in the shower. For me, it’s all about mascara and concealer foundation. I wear a lot of mascara, I think it’s the main thing to make your eyes pop. At night, I like to wear Urban Decay Perversion Mascara because it’s great for volume and is easy to apply.
Rikki Hodge
14.0
JA
Lee's Hair and Sun Protection
I always use Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray…
… it's excellent for the days where I run out of time to wash my hair and it gives my hair an instant pick-me-up.
Rikki Hodge
14.0
JA
I’ve always been about keeping out of the sun…
…I love visiting Tan Temple in Bondi for my spray tans once a month. But, at home, I use Sunescape and St Tropez when I don’t have time for a spray."
Story by Rikki Hodge-Smith; Interview by Sigourney Cantelo; Photography by Alice Mahran
