As director and filmmaker Gracie Otto takes her place in our Sydney studio, the energy is contagious. Her Australian theatre icon mum, Sue Hill, stands beside her, genuine laughter filling the room.
Her most recent documentary, Otto by Otto, was a heartfelt, and at times melancholy, film about her father Barry Otto. Tracing Barry’s rise from humble Brisbane boy to his lead role as one of Australia’s beloved actors, it was a beautiful expression of Gracie’s storytelling genes.
On set, Gracie and Sue’s love and ease with each other is clear. Gracie admits her mum has always offered meaningful and lasting advice.
“My mum has taught me a lot about confidence. She’s been my number one supporter. And has played such an important role in who I am today. One of the biggest values she’s passed on is to be really kind to people, and she’s a lot kinder than I am. I always say kindness is a really boring word, but it actually is such an important thing.”
The power of two
Growing up with an involved mother gave Gracie plenty of opportunities to absorb Sue’s wisdom through proximity, simply by sharing daily rituals and spending time together in the ordinary rhythms of life.
As they pose for the photographer, Gracie reflects on how Sue has been such a constant and positive influence throughout life.
“Mum inspires me all the time, she is such a great person. I haven’t met one person who’s ever not loved her. She’s very kind to others and always thinks of other people. I found out recently that on top of looking after Dad and all the other extra things she does, she then goes down and donates blood because she has a universal blood type. And I just thought, ‘What a woman!’”
Beauty rituals
When it comes to beauty rituals, Gracie and Sue agree that Gracie is probably more into products than her mother. But Sue admits she has taught her daughter two key beauty habits in her lifetime that have served her well.
“The one thing I’ve always said to her is to make sure she cleans her skin well and stay out of the sun.” Sue’s own beauty habits stemmed from the influence of her grandmother, “who had the most flawless, absolutely beautiful skin. I remember she always put her hat on to go outside and hang out the washing. She was very careful about it.
“And then through the years, I think the next influence on me would actually be Miranda (Gracie’s sister and actress). Again, it’s about the sun.”
“If you ever see Miranda going out on the beach, she has a big hat and is covered everywhere. But her skin is also wonderful, which is why I keep nagging at Gracie: ‘If you want to look like Miranda at her age, then stay out of the sun.’”
“Honestly, I don’t think my beauty habits have changed over time, it’s just been a continuum of looking after my skin, really. I remember my grandmother’s NIVEA. I remember my mother’s NIVEA, and truthfully, we’ve all used it over time because it’s a good moisturiser!”
Iconic duo
Gracie and Sue know the heritage and legacy that NIVEA holds. And much like the powerful mother-daughter duo, NIVEA has two icons that harness the power of Q10 to help support skin functionality.
The NIVEA Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Firming Day Cream SPF 30 ($28 from Chemist Warehouse) offers rich hydration and protection. While the fast-absorbing NIVEA Q10 Firming Body Lotion ($11.50 from Chemist Warehouse) works to give your skin a more elastic glow. Because ultimately, we’re all better together.
*Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Sunscreens are only one part of sun protection. Avoid prolonged high-risk sun exposure. Reapply frequently.
NIVEA is a globally trusted skincare brand with over 110 years of expertise, specializing in accessible, high-quality care for all skin types.
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