We criticise everything and embrace nothing. That is, until we learn better. Here, at The Beauty Insider, we are all about beauty that springs from the heart.

Sure, it sounds naff. And it may not land you a cosmetics contract. But beauty that starts at the soul is more important, more impactful and more moving than anything else can be.

Given that’s our belief we set about finding women who we feel fit into this category – that is women who truly embody our idea of beauty. Once we found them, and truthfully, it wasn’t hard – they’re everywhere, we asked them to supply their own personal photographs from important stages of their lives and to discuss openly and honestly how they felt then about their beauty – and where they’re at today.

Sarah Humphries – founder of SHA PR

The award-winning public relations company has gone from strength to strength in recent years. Despite her success, Sarah remains as down-to-earth and adorable as she’s always been.

Here, she talks candidly about her feelings about beauty and what she sees in the mirror each day.

Age : 24.

Location : London.

The Scene: I had been living in London for three and a half years and this was taken at a friend’s 30th birthday.

When I looked in the mirror I saw …

A pretty average/normal looking girl.

I would tell myself that …

If I worked out more at the gym I would look better.

My favourite feature was …

Eyes.

The thing I gave myself the hardest time over …

What I thought was bad skin and flabby belly. I’m not entirely sure, because when I look back I see neither, but man, at the time it was my on-going conversation.

My skincare routine consisted of …

I think I discovered Estee Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair around this time. I was discovering eye creams (prevention is better than cure) and looking at harder skincare products like Jan Marini.

My makeup was all about …

Fresh skin, liquid liner and glossy lips.

Going out hair meant …

Straight. I discovered Japanese straightening.

If I could have changed anything about myself it would have been …

The flabby belly.

My beauty role model was …

I’m not sure I can remember. I mean anyone who has fresh skin and knew how to do their hair was pretty impressive to me.

On the whole I felt …

I think pretty ok. Sure some insecurities, but overall I was in a pretty good place. I was at the gym, having fun, not feeling too bad about myself or life.

Age : 34

Location: Sydney.

The Scene: This is with my son, Myles, who was 5 months old in the photo. I have Wednesdays off work, which is when this photo was taken.

When I look at myself I see …

A mum.

I tell myself that …

I’m not doing too bad, given the lack of sleep.

My favourite feature now …

Still my eyes.

Growing up is challenging in that it’s …

Realising that I’m actually a grown up is the hardest thing of all. I still feel young, but have to realise that I’m probably not.

The best thing about being my age is …

I have less hangovers now.

My skincare routine consists of …

Double cleanse, micellar water, Advanced Night Repair (still), day or night moisturiser and the odd mask.

My makeup look is …

Barely there. Since having my son I don’t even wear mascara. I actually feel I look younger and fresher without it

Great hair means hair that’s …

Washed and straightened.

I’m glad I didn’t have the power to change anything about myself because now I …

Well, I don’t know why. I’m just glad you can look at a photo of me 10 years ago and a photo now and still know its the same person.

My beauty role model is …

Anyone who can get out the door in 15 minutes and still look chic.

On the whole I feel …

Pretty proud of myself. I have a reasonable amount on my plate and I still find time to straighten my hair. It could be worse.

---

Bronwyn Phillips – Author and Writer

She’s also a talented horse rider and can regularly be found in the winner’s circle at various dressage and eventing competitions. She’s the owner of a fierce wit and an excellent tan.

Then …

Age: 22.

Location: Paddington, Sydney.

I lived in a share house and one of our housemates had a brother who was an aspiring photographer and he asked if he could photograph me. I was wearing a pink Chinese pyjama top, all the rage.

When I looked in the mirror I saw …

A bit of a babe. I got quite a bit of attention from young guys, so I knew I wasn’t bad looking.

I would tell myself that …

the boy I liked would eventually find me irresistible (he did, but by then I wasn’t that keen anymore)

My favourite feature was …

My eyes

The thing I gave myself the hardest time over … and why.

The mono brow and the moustache! Plus I didn’t like my nose.

My skincare routine consisted of …

Apricot face scrub and Oil of Ulan or Nivea cream

My makeup was all about …

Dark matte lipstick

Going out hair meant …

Big and pretty wild (it was the 80s) but my hair was naturally thick and curly so I could do that without much effort.

If I could have changed anything about myself it would have been …

Being fairer and taller.

My beauty role model was …

Madonna

On the whole I felt …

I was fairly confident, although I was constantly crash dieting as the family genes tend towards being heavy and I hated putting on weight.

Today …

Age: 55.

Location: Northern beaches of Sydney.

It was a family gathering with my other and two sisters.

When I look at myself I see …

A middle-aged woman who’s too young to be considered old, but who is no longer in the flush of youth.

I tell myself that …

Age is a state of mind.

My favourite feature now …

Eyes.

Growing up is challenging in that it’s …

Always changing. You think you have something worked out and then it turns out to be not what you expected, or has become something else. I am thinking about expectations, about jobs and relationships mostly.

The best thing about being my age is …

Having the experience not to care so much about trivial things. Not sweating the small stuff.

My skincare routine consists of …

Always cleansing and moisturising before bed. And using sunscreen. Every single day.

My makeup look is …

Minimal; a nice BB or CC cream, then some eyeliner, understated lips and some blush.

Great hair means hair that’s …

Long enough to be able to wear out or up, without looking like an old hippy.

I’m glad I didn’t have the power to change anything about myself because now I …

Am not super critical of myself. Sure, I don’t like ageing but I feel if I had started down the path of being obsessive about it, it would have made me too self-absorbed.

My beauty role model is …

Jamie Lee Curtis because she is very natural looking and strong. She is still really beautiful but not in a Hollywood, over-worked, neurotic way.

On the whole I feel I feel quite strong and fit. I watch what I eat and I exercise. The main focus for me now is health rather than physical beauty. My body allows me to do lots of things I love, like jogging, riding and swimming. I want to look after it so I can continue doing those things.