Ahead of walking her fifth Victoria's Secret show, Australian model Shanina Shaik talks us through the one exercise that transformed her body, her day on a plate and the skincare items she can't live without.
You’re coming into your fifth year walking for VS, what’s been your favourite moment on the runway or biggest pinch-me moment so far?
That’s hard because all of them have been such different shows. But I think obviously my first show, nothing will ever compare. I also had my mum in the audience as well from Australia, just to have my mum there in that moment. I look back at the videos and I was so young and can just see the excitement in my face, it’s really funny to watch now.
What have you been doing exercise wise to prep for the show?
A lot of pilates works right for my body. I like to work with Megan Roup, she does a lot of dance cardio and Pilates-based work, using small weights and ankle weights. I like to do a lot of infrared saunas as well, Shape House is one of my favourites, it’s just really good for water retention and inflammation. Leading up to the show, I do two workouts a day.
What’s your usual day on a plate?
For food, where do I begin! I’m pescatarian, but I do eat a lot of vegan-based foods. I start my day with hot water and lemon, as I mentioned before, and then I eat mainly protein and vegetables - stir-frys etc. A week or two weeks before the show, I’ll cut out carbs but before that, I’ll have brown rice, which is not too exciting, but that’s what I have to do [laughs].
What is your everyday beauty routine like? Any products you couldn’t live without?
To be honest, my vitamins are really important. Your gut health and digestion and when you look after yourself on the inside, it really shines through. When I’m travelling a lot it affects my skin, so I use Barbara Sturm’s vitamins, which I find really helps. I use a lot of La Mer moisturising oils and Barbara Sturm’s glow drops and sun drops and anti-pollution drops. I can’t live without moisturising.
What does your morning routine look like? How do you like to start your day?
I usually wake up about 7:30-8am and I put my workout gear on. I start my day with hot water and lemon and then I would usually have a black coffee and then head down to workout for an hour. I usually have a healthy breakfast from there, before coming home, showering - cleanse, tone, moisturise - I always wash my face after a workout.
Victoria's Secret is opening its first-ever Australian store in Melbourne's Chadstone shopping centre this year. For all details on the 2018 show, head here.
