For Annie Bargiacchi, founder of Annie’s Beauty Room, the beauty industry has been a lifelong obsession rooted in curiosity and self-care. From childhood afternoons spent mixing flower potions in the garden to working in magazines such as Women’s Weekly, she’s explored every corner of the industry. Now, as both a beauty therapist and skincare founder, Annie’s mission is clear: to empower others to feel confident and comfortable in their own skin.
In conversation with Annie Bargiacchi
Beauty and skincare have always been an obsession of mine. As a young girl I remember making skincare potions out of flowers and things I would find in the garden. Then growing up, I floated in and out of the industry, from working for a magazine in the fashion and beauty department to working for a beauty wholesaler.
My first beauty memory was working at Woman’s Weekly just after high school, where I was mentored by the fashion and beauty editor, Justine Williams. She taught me so much about skincare and the beauty world, which fueled my passion and understanding of the industry.
I love the personal connections I build with my clients. I love taking the time to get to know their goals, what makes them feel confident, and help guide them. It’s so rewarding to see the results over time. I qualified from beauty school almost 10 years ago, then had my first child not long after so understood the difficulty in finding time for yourself. I wanted to create a space where other mums could come with their children and get pampered.
Skincare really fascinated me after my own experience with acne in my early 20s. Going through the journey made me even more intrigued by how different ingredients and treatments could transform the skin. [The most common skin concerns I hear about is] acne and breakouts. Whether it’s hormonal, stress-induced, or stubborn blackheads. [Also] Aging and fine lines — a lot of women are concerned about the signs of aging or wanting advice on how to slow down the process. And hyperpigmentation — growing up in New Zealand, most women I see have hyperpigmentation caused by sun exposure.
To me, beauty is about confidence and feeling good in your own skin. It is about self-care and taking the time to nourish what is both inside and out. Whether that’s through a skincare routine, a treatment at the salon or just having a moment to yourself. [If I could go back in time, the advice I’d give myself is] sunscreen every single day — face, neck, chest, and hands.
I find Victoria Beckham so elegant and on trend. I love that her brand focuses on empowering women to feel confident in their own skin. Pamela Anderson is another one — it’s so lovely to see someone embrace their natural beauty. The confidence and comfort she has in her own skin [is] so refreshing and inspiring. And Zoe Kravitz — I love her edgy, natural beauty.
I formulated my own skincare line [ABR Skin] over a year ago to simplify things for not only my clients but myself too, as I felt this process can be so overwhelming. My morning routine usually starts with a gentle cleanse, followed by a facial mist, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, moisturiser, then always sunscreen. ABR Skin has all of the ‘general’ morning and evening serums/creams for your daily routine.
I think it’s incredibly important for women to look after their skin. Each day, I would suggest a gentle cleanser, moisturiser, and SPF, as well as incorporating active serums such as vitamin C, hyaluronic, and retinol to keep the skin in its healthiest state.
Words: Sarah Murray
Images: Supplied
