Sarah BuitendachIf you need to know anything about skincare, cosmetics and aesthetic treatments, Camilla Berry’s Instagram feed should be your go-to. She’s whip smart, funny and completely real about the stresses of life, ageing and trying to keep yourself together.
What’s the best book you’ve read in the past year. And why?
The Bee Sting by Paul Murray. I feel like any attempt on my part to summarise the storyline will do a great injustice to this exquisite novel, so I won’t! I loved it because I found the perspectives from the different family members so interesting and unusual, and just totally captivating. I couldn’t put it down. Parts of it were very raw and difficult to read, and there is a sense of disaster looming throughout that keeps you on your toes. It also has the most shocking/breathtaking ending – I think about it often and wonder what transpired!
How do you keep fit?
Running after two children and attending to their every whim is quite effective! But outside of that, I enjoy more low-impact, sculpting workouts (I enjoy The Sculpt Society) and brisk walking. I don’t run unless I’m being chased.
Weekday, low-key restaurant go-to? What do you order?
Woolies Café, and I will usually have a flat white with the spicy green omelette. Delicious.
What is the one artwork you’ll always love, and why? You needn’t own it.
I actually do own my favourite artwork: an exquisite piece by Rosie Mudge. About six years ago, I commissioned a piece from Rosie after seeing her work at SMITH Gallery. Her use of glitter glue on large-scale paintings appealed to me in many ways (I am a magpie at heart), but I especially loved how she turned something quite kitsch (the glitter, that is) into an arrestingly beautiful piece of art. When the light catches the surface, the canvas sparkles and it makes me so very happy, every single day.
Do you have a hobby? What is it?
My beauty platform, All Dolled Up, is my hobby and passion! I’ve always loved beauty, and it has been such a constant in my life – the thing that’s brought me happiness, peace and confidence, no matter my life stage. I believe fiercely in the power of makeup (and self-care, generally) and its ability to transform the outside as well as the inside. “Look good, feel better” is somewhat of a mantra for me. Nothing brings me greater joy than seeing a product I’ve used or recommended bring joy to another person, and I find it so sad when people dismiss the ritual of self-care as vain or frivolous (though, luckily, I do think the tide is turning on that one … finally).
The one unusual item you can’t live without?
Okay, hear me out: terry towelling scrunchies (basically a wristband made out of a lappie). I slide them onto my wrists every night so that when I’m washing my face, the water doesn’t dribble down my arms. You may scoff (like I did when I first saw them), but trust me when I say that once you’ve used them/something similar, you’ll never go back. I see that you can get them from Summah on The Local Edit. You’re welcome!
Who was your high school celeb crush?
Tom Cruise. And I know some people want me to feel shame for that, but I won’t have it.
Three songs that you’d take to a desert island?
I Should Live in Salt – The National; Time Go – Caught A Ghost; A Couple Days – Valley Maker.
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