Five minutes with…Belinda Everingham from Bondi Wash

Our cleaning cupboard is looking (and smelling!) particularly good right now…all thanks to the newly arrived Bondi Wash range. Bondi Beach local Belinda Everingham was inspired to create her natural cleaning line, Bondi Wash, after experiencing disappointment with existing products. Fast forward to a holiday in Far North Queensland, where she found herself reading the novel Perfume by Patrick Susskind, surrounded by quangdongs, Davidson plum and other beautiful and unusual Australian species – thus the Bondi Wash concept was born.

“I realised that our native flora is relatively unknown to the rest of the world and even to us – and wouldn’t it be wonderful to create a range of products that could really showcase all we have to offer – as well as stimulate the senses through their fragrance.” 

The entire range is plant-based  and the products are non-toxic, biodegradable and contain ingredients sourced from the best Australian suppliers. Combining the antibacterial power and fragrance of unique Australian bush oils and essential oils, Bondi Wash products are designed like perfumes (with a top, middle and base note). Delicious smelling products that are good for your home and the planet…say no more.

My last purchase was… Sam Edelman boots from Lane Crawford Hong Kong

If you could be qualified for any other occupation, what would it be? An architect – great spaces, like beautiful scents, can be so uplifting.

Favourite iPad app? Spotify – I listen all day.

Which book or song changed your life? Perfume by Patrick Susskind was the inspiration for creating a fragrance-based brand.

Rule that is made to be broken… Lots of them, especially here in Australia which has become somewhat of a nanny state.

Most treasured possession? Things my grandmother gave me – a vintage glass decanter and a rose gold bracelet.

The first thing you do in the morning? Walk Roger the dog down to get a large flat white from Panama House here in Bondi.

I never let a week go by without...Yoga.  It keeps me sane.

Have you ever worn sunglasses at night? Never.

My signature fragrance is… Right now it is Angels of Florence by Santa Maria Novella.  They have been making fragrance for centuries and this fragrance gives back to the homeless in Florence.

I keep in shape by… Yoga and slow jogging with Roger the dog.

I’m currently reading… Goat Mountain by David Vann.

The work of art I’d most like to own is…  a John Olsen painting.

Best beauty tip? An excellent face cream, lots of sleep and loving what you do.

What do you keep on your bedside table? A mix of my favourites hand crèmes – current top of the list is Crème de la Crème by Maison Balzac.

Favourite Disney character and why?  Donald Duck – he is so positive!

Who would play you in a movie of your life? Robin Wright.

You may not know this about me but… I have lived in Melbourne, Perth, Sydney, Canberra, London, Boston & New York.

The piece of advice I would give my 15-year-old self is… Care much less about what others expect from you – but I probably wouldn’t have listened.

If you could be front row at any concert, who’s would it be?Carla Bruni

If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life it would be… the rhythm of the ocean’s waves crashing.

What is your first thought when you look in the mirror?  I try not to.

What do you daydream about? Flying first class.

If I were a superhero I would be… Cat Woman – for the outfit.

What is your greatest extravagance? Plenty of good chocolate and good wine.

What don’t you leave the house without? My phone.

On a Friday night you will find me…. somewhere in Bondi NOT cooking.

On a Sunday afternoon you will find me… outside.

Describe your dream working day… surrounded by scents developing new fragrances.

Who is your favourite dancing partner?  My tall husband handsome Pete.