We recently had the chance to chat with Australian content creator and musician Jess Conte about all things beauty and travel. Jess recently collaborated with imPRESS to create a limited-edition six-piece nail collection featuring exclusive designs inspired by Jess’ favorite things – including her hometown in Australia, her family, and her wedding. Read on for Jess Conte’s top must-have tips!

What are your favorite beauty trends right now? Any favorite products or beauty tips?

You know, I feel like I don't follow a lot of beauty trends, but something that I love that definitely got a lot more popular throughout 2020 was doing more self-care at home! Whether that's doing a face mask or an at-home manicure, I loved that we were all doing more pampering at home. It’s such a nice way to relax! In terms of favorite products though, I’m a huge fan of tinted moisturizer and a nice brow gel!

Tell us more about your collection with imPRESS. What inspired the colors and collection?

My collection with imPRESS has been so much fun to do! It was a 25th birthday collection for my birthday in July, and all of the nails have a different meaning related to Australia. I’ve lived in the US for 4 years now, but am very proud to be Aussie and wanted to use the beautiful beaches, sand and laid back lifestyle as my inspiration for the collection. I have a cream set called Byron Bay that I love, which is named after the beach town of the same name in Australia, and a gorgeous sage green set named after my older sister, Sarah.

So each are unique in their own way, and I am so proud of how it all turned out. There are more neutral sets in the collection and then also more colorful sets, both with two different nail shapes (square and oval) because we really wanted to create a collection that would suit everybody!

 What are the top 3 things that you must pack when you travel?

I’m actually on a little vacation now, so I’m looking around me for this answer… And other than the obvious clothes, skincare, that sort of thing… I love making sure I have a good book (I’m currently reading The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren and loving it so far!), a disposable camera (for the memories), and a game! We are huge fans of Monopoly Deal and it’s so small that it’s perfect to fit in a travel bag.

 Any travel tips?

 Plan! I love planning a rough itinerary - nothing too overwhelming to where everyone is exhausted going from one thing to the next, but I love planning at least one thing to do each day. That way, you still have plenty of time to relax and add in anything last minute or spontaneous, but you’re still making sure that you get everything done that you want to do! For example, if you were on a tropical vacation, one day could be kayaking, the next day could be a pool day and the next could be exploring a waterfall! I find that works really well for us!

 Any wellness tips?

 My main tips would be to listen to your body (if your body needs rest it will tell you!), drink plenty of water, eat good food, and to move your body in a way that suits you and that you genuinely enjoy. For example, you may not love running, but you may really enjoy Pilates or bike riding!

 Who inspires you?

 I find a lot of inspiration in people who are achieving their goals! It’s always so motivating for me to see. Whether that’s in fitness, in their business, or in their personal life, it always inspires me to work hard at my dreams as well.

What is your secret to success?

 I find that an interesting question, because I think success looks different for everyone. I wouldn’t say I have a secret to success, but I do think if you're a genuine, nice person and a hard worker… you’re already way ahead.

What is the best advice you’ve received?

This is going to sound really simple, but the best piece of advice I’ve received is when people close to me have pushed me to just try. Because what’s the worst that’s going to happen? That can relate to a number of different things - a goal that you want to achieve, something new you want to try, or even a situation that's making you anxious. Whenever doubt steps in, that’s always replaying in my head - what’s the worst that’s going to happen if you just try?

[Images courtesy of imPRESS]