How to look good in the outback

So you've settled on your next getaway, but this one''s a little different from your last. There''s no pool-side champagne-sipping, or down-town shopping. You''re heading to the outback .…

And while at some point you may need to swap your martinis for your moleskins, or your Dolces for your Driza-Bones, your sense of style doesn't completely need to stay at home.

Looking good in the outback is simple, say the pros. You just need to make a few, small hair, skin, beauty and fashion tweaks. Follow our advice, and you'll look as glam as Nicole Kidman does in Australia — even if you are experiencing 40°C heat.

Skin sense

Always apply them on clean, dry skin 30 minutes before heading outside, and reapply at a minimum of every two hours. Make sure your sunscreen isn't out of date, and use a water-resistant one if taking a dip is on your to-do list. Remember: red-soled Louboutins are a good look, a scorching red nose isn't.

Heavily hydrating

"It's essential to keep your skin looking fresh, hydrated, calm and radiant," explains Emma Hobson, education manager of the International Dermal Institute. "[Being] in the outback most likely means increased dehydration and fine lines — the skin can resemble more of a prune, than a nice plump moist grape!"

To fix this, Hobson says it's a matter of topping up the skin's moisture levels with products that contain Hyaluronic acid, an ingredient that can contain 1000 times its own weight in moisture.

Cleansed and calm

Spent a day jack- or jillarooing? Then there's a chance you're hot, sweaty and, ohmigosh, dirty.

Hobson suggests a thorough clean of the skin with a cleansing oil to get rid of the grim so your skin can shine. On the body-beautiful front, give a cooling body wash a go. "[A product that's menthol and camphor-based] that also contains a gentle exfoliant to polish the skin, is like applying a layer of icy-cold air to your skin," says Hobson. Just what you need when the heat is hot.

Hot and healing

So you've followed the advice, but you're still a sweltering mess? While Baz may not be calling you in for a cameo any time, soon, you can still look red-carpet worthy. Keep beauty products in the fridge (or esky) so they're refreshingly cool on application.

Alternatively, try this top tip: soak a facial cloth in clean water with a few drops of essential oil. Sensitive and dry types should try camomile, sandalwood, geranium or neroli. Oily-skinned people should opt for lavender, lemon, juniper and bergamot.

"Wring out the excess water, roll up and keep in a plastic bag in the fridge — it makes an incredible skin pick-me-up on hot summer days," suggests Hobson.

And what if you're already turning a nice shade of pink? She recommends Dermalogica After Sun Repair.

Make me up

"The key to [outback] make-up is to keep things to a minimum," explains celebrity make-up artist, Dale Dorning. "This will ensure you look more like a version of Rachael Carpani from McLeod's Daughters, and not a diva in the dirt!"

Dorning's top tips include choosing oil-free products (he recommends Proof Cosmetics Moisture Tint SPF15), as well as powder products, which won't seep and spoil as easily in the heat.

"Use a mineral powder that has an SPF and can easily be swept on the face with a brush," explains Dorning. "Also pack a bronzer for a sun-kissed touch and a mineral shimmer blush for the cheeks."

Hair help

Just like your skin, your hair can battle the effects of super-hot weather, too. "Use leave-in treatments that contain an SPF," advises Dorning. "And hydrating and moisturising shampoos and conditioners [will help] combat the drier elements to prevent frizz."

When styling, fuss-free 'dos are best, and this can be achieved by following Dorning's simple how-to.

"In clean, damp hair, apply your leave-in treatment to mid-lengths and ends. Then, sweep you hair up into a no-fuss, great chignon, braid or larger plaits and secure with a band. Your hair remains in place and off your face, and looks great when you take it down and shake it out. You have soft waves that are perfectly conditioned."

Style savvy

Looking well-dressed in the outback is as simple as sticking to three key rules: cotton will keep you cool, flats will keep you comfortable and neutrals will always work best for a variety of occasions. Stick with the usual travel-packing rule of always having at least three outfits: super-casual, evening glam and something in between, and tailor them to your destination.

John Frieda International Creative Consultant Kerry Warn - Director of Hair for "AUSTRALIA"

“When we were filming on location in Darwin it was a real challenge to maintain the polished, proper look of a lady in society in that climate. The film's set in a period (World War II), when women of that class structure had to have everything just so. But the dust got everywhere and we had to try to stop it sticking in the styling products..”

“What's so much fun about doing a period film (is that) it’s not about a straightening iron, it’s not about your hair hanging; you can do stuff. The girls have got waves, they look glamorous – even in the outback.”

“You are given your briefs, she’s a certain type of person, she has a reasonable amount of money, she’s dressed reasonably well, there are certain things around her that says she's quite well cared for, so you take that into consideration....I don’t know what terrorised hair looks like, so you just use my imagination.”