Just like supermodel exports and fashion week-dominating designers, Australia has quite the track record with pageant contenders.
Think Jennifer Hawkins transitioning from Miss Universe to a tanning and swimwear empire (not to mention that Myer ambassadorship), Jesinta Franklin’s journey from Miss Australia to fashion darling, and Rachael Finch establishing herself as a TV and lifestyle success story. Now we’re ready to add Francesca Hung to the list.
In 2018, the 26-year-old model from Sydney was crowned as Miss Universe Australia and has burst onto the radar as one to watch since. And with her glossy hair, Markle-esque freckles and megawatt smile—not to mention that killer body—it’s not hard to see why.
In the lead-up to her appearance at the Miss Universe 2018 pageant, where she will answer future-centric questions, participate in swimwear competitions and vie for that coveted crown, we caught up with the E! Australia host to quiz her on all things beauty, fitness and health.
What does a week in fitness look like for you?
For me, I like to do a little bit of something every day rather than going hard at it just a couple of times a week. I think my body responds to routine, so I always find smashing out a quick 15 to 30-minute workout in the morning is the best way for me to start my day.
I know mentally I am much better if I have trained in the morning, so I tend to not let a day go by without some form of exercise, even if that means doing squats or wall sits as I’m drying my hair! Anything counts in my books!
What are your favourite and least favourite forms of exercise?
I get bored very easily when it comes to working out, so I need workouts which are fast-paced and not repetitive. I love boxing because my mind is on what my next move is rather than how much pain I’m in! I love HIIT classes that I follow using the KIC app or SWEAT app or sometimes I just make up my own circuit.
My least favourite is running… you will never catch me on a treadmill or out for a jog!
What’s one type of exercise you’d love to master but haven’t yet?
I see the incredible results girls seem to get from Reformer Pilates! I’d love to give it a try… it just always seems so expensive, so I tend to opt for cheaper options.
What does a day on your plate look like?
Without fail I will have at least one smoothie bowl a day. I usually like to have it for breakfast though, as I like to have my most sugary meal earlier on while I can still use up all the sugars.
My smoothie consists of: frozen banana, baby spinach, kale, broccoli, ginger, lime, avocado, protein powder, greens powder, water and ice. When I’m away from home I honestly crave this! I always top it with homemade granola, nuts and berries for texture.
For lunch and dinner I always try to have a good portion of protein to fill me up, with a whole heap of veggies. I love all types of meat and fish, so lunch and dinner for me is easy. My go-to is healthy teriyaki style salmon with sautéed greens or a nice lamb salad with sweet potato, feta and pomegranates.
And I always carry protein balls with me wherever I go and apples. Can never have enough apples!
Are you a coffee, tea, smoothie or juice person?
All of the above! Black coffee in the morning every day, peppermint or lemongrass and ginger tea at night and a smoothie every day.
What are your top tricks for keeping your skin healthy and glowing?
Diet and good quality skincare are my two tips! I think your skin reflects how your body is feeling on the inside, but skincare which is scientifically backed can give your skin that extra glow.
What’s your number one skincare product right now?
I’m a big fan of using Skin Physics Dragon’s Blood range, but my favourite product which I swear by is the facial sculpting gel. I put it on every morning, I think it hydrates my skin, but also makes it seem rich and plump. I don’t like when products feel sticky or heavy on my skin, which is why I love the lightness and softness this leaves on my face.
What do you do when you have a bad skin day?
I’ve learnt the hard way never to attack your face when you’re having an outbreak or bad skin day, as it only makes it worse. Now I tend to whack on a face mask or put some drying lotion on my pimples and hope for the best.
Bad skin used to stop me from feeling confident or even leaving the house sometimes, but now I know that it’s only temporary and, hey, no one’s perfect!
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