By Jenna BlackThe latest series of Australia’s Next Top Model has just begun and this year the competition is hotter than ever. As we know, behind every great model is a great beauty and health routine, so Rescu. chatted to last year’s ANTM winner Tahnee Atkinson, on beauty, health and the world of model competition.
The competition this year is fierce! Last year we witnessed Tahnee go against Cassie Van Den Dungen in the top two. Cassie’s reputation on the show gained her a lot of attention as the difficult model in the competition. As we are just getting to know this year’s models, it’s hard to tell who will show their true colours just yet, but Tahnee has noted on her ANTM blog, that Kimberly needs to focus on the advice of the expert judging panel, stating ‘I hope Kimberly can rein in her attitude.’
On the top model forums, Kelsey is a clear favourite this year, and with her first photo shoot being a huge success, she is expected to go far. Rescu. glamour expert Alex Perry is, of course, one of the judges on ANTM. Last year’s decision to award Tahnee the crown, was backed heavily by Perry as he stated “I believe we picked the right girl in 16-year-old Tahnee Atkinson. She is absolutely perfect- tall, beautiful, thick lustrous hair, great colouring and a great person as well.”
Tahnee is the latest ambassador for NIVEA VISAGE, which will see her as the new face of NIVEA’s sponsorship campaign with Australia’s Next Top Model 6. NIVEA’s campaign goes behind the scenes on the show and discovers each contestant’s beauty regime and skin care routine. Rescu. recently took time out with Tahnee to discuss her life since the top rating show, and all things beauty and health.
RESCU: Take us through your last year after winning ANTM 2009. What has been the highlight?
Tahnee Atkinson: This year has been really great. Working as a model and the new ambassador for NIVEA VISAGE, I’m so thrilled to see the hard work pay off. My highlight has been working with NIVEA, such an honest brand.
RESCU: What daily skin care routine do you follow?
Tahnee Atkinson: I make sure I cleanse, tone and moisturise every day. I love the NIVEA VISAGE Refreshing Toner and the 3IN1 makeup remover, in particular. They both get all the make-up off my face at the end of the day and make my skin feel clean and fresh, especially after wearing makeup all-day on a shoot!
RESCU: What would be your key piece of advice for young women about caring for their skin?
Tahnee Atkinson: I think the most important thing in beauty is to take care of your skin first. I drink a lot of water, and of course always remember to take off my makeup before bed and thoroughly cleanse and moisturize my skin twice a day.
RESCU: Take us through your health regime; do you follow a regular exercise program or do you fit it in where you can?
Tahnee Atkinson: I’m a member at Fitness First and love doing the classes there. I also do Pilates about 2 times a week and if I have castings all day I try walk to all of them. I think the key is to just keep active.
RESCU: There has been a lot of debate lately concerning a new voluntary code of conduct for hiring severely underweight models. Do you believe the Australian industry is doing enough to embrace healthy body image amongst young women? What would you like to see change, if anything?
Tahnee Atkinson: There will always be controversy about models being too thin. The fact is most models are naturally very thin girls. They are genetically blessed. I think it’s important to look after yourself with a healthy diet and exercise. If the industry focuses on these things then that will project a better image for young women.
RESCU: As the new NIVEA VISAGE ambassador, you are involved with this year’s ANTM through blogging via their website and also appearing on in-show challenges. Are you excited to be able to watch the models compete for the top spot this year after your success? What would be your number one piece of advice for this year’s contestants?
Tahnee Atkinson: I’m so excited for this year’s ANTM. I’ve met all the girls and they are all so beautiful, so I think it’s going to be a really tough competition. My best advice to the girls is to stay focused; remember it’s a competition but don’t take it too seriously, remember to have fun and just be yourself.
Australia’s Next Top Model is in its 6th season this year, as the show follows a fresh group of girls, all aiming for the prize of Australia’s Next Top Model 2010. Hosted by Sarah Murdoch, ANTM see’s the finalists go through a series of challenges to impress the expert judging panel which includes Alex Perry, Charlotte Dawson and Jez Smith.
Check out the latest Nivea range here.
