Kim Vinnell is a reporter, blogger and journalist. She recently left her job as a reporter for TVNZ to pursue aid work in Africa. On the eve of leaving the country to work hard and be baked in the hot African sun, she shares her beauty secrets.

What do you carry in your bag?

"What DON'T I carry? A journalist's handbag is a jungle-esque work tool. For example, today I carry: two notebooks, 10 pens including highlighters and vivids, Karen Walker Sol Invictus Sunglasses, Lucas' Papaw Ointment, M.A.C Cremesheen Glass Gloss, my travel makeup kit (M.A.C Blot Pressed Powder, Smashbox Cream Eyeliner, Lancome Colour Ideal, L'Oreal Volume Million Lashes). And then there's a Samsung Galaxy Ace, and a pounamu pendant given to me by a senior editor on my last day at TVNZ for my travels."

What are your favourite beauty products?

M.A.C Blot Pressed Powder

"It stops you from being shiny when kind cameramen try to light you up for live crosses in the dark (but instead making you look like you've just done bikram yoga before stepping in front of the camera)."

Kerastase Mask Nutridefense

"With huge hair like mine, it's nice to have something to weigh it down with."

My flatmate's M.A.C Lipstick in Lade Danger

"When she lets me wear it I feel like one of those hip fashion people you see in the magazines."

How do you treat yourself?

"East Day spa massages are the ultimate treat for me. But if I'm too broke for that, it's a piece of chocolate peppermint slice."

What's the one product you can't live without?

"Pretty soon I'm going to have to live without most of them, but I'd say Lucas' Papaw Ointment is up there. Thinking Africa, you can use it on scratches, bites and burns as well as your lips!"

- © Fairfax NZ News