You’re a professional makeup artist by trade. What beauty trends do you love now that you wish were around years ago?
Beautiful, thick brows. In the ’90s we all plucked our eyebrows so much. Let’s blame Pamela Anderson! Now there are so many great products to create the perfect brow – from serums to make them grow, pencils and powders to fill in, tinted wands to thicken up, and gel to hold in place. You really can create the illusion that you have a thicker brow. If you did pluck them too much like myself, you can always try eyebrow feathering, which is what I did to fill in those areas that were never going to grow back.
You’ve recently teamed up with Revlon. Tell us more about that and what the iconic brand means to you …
I was completely over the moon when Revlon asked me to partner with them for their latest campaign and to be the face of their lipsticks. It really represented to me that beauty isn’t about being a supermodel anymore, it’s about what you stand for and what you represent. I really love that about Revlon. Their “Bold is Beautiful” campaign is about being who you are, [and] being comfortable in your skin. Revlon is actually the first makeup that I ever wore as a teenager – I love it still to this day.
What are some beauty fads you wish people would stop doing, and what should we be doing instead?
There are definitely some trends that I look back on and think, “Oh dear, what was I thinking?” The extreme lashes, heavy contouring, fake lips, filler, hair extensions, darkest of fake tans and the Angry Birds black brows (my husband calls me that every time I get my brows done!). The old saying rings true for me – less is more. I invite you to be more conscious of your beauty routine. Are you wearing makeup because it helps you feel more confident, or are you hiding behind a mask? The next time you do your makeup, do it to enhance your natural beauty rather than hide it.
Now you’re a mum, what have been the biggest changes in your beauty routine?
I actually feel that I stepped up my beauty game after having my son. When I do get time to have a long shower, or know I have a free window without any interruption for some me-time, I will do the complete works. I really go to town head to toe! It’s so important to make that time for yourself.
What’s your best advice for other new mums?
Just be patient with yourself, postpartum really is a quest back to you again. There is so much going on with your body, and so many changes in life, too, it’s easy to lose yourself. I made a pact to myself when I was pregnant that I would always make that little bit of effort for me every day. The power of a nice outfit and lip gloss goes a long way to boost morale.
What are your tips on changing our routines as we age?
What worked for you 10 years ago, doesn’t necessarily work for you now when it comes to beauty. To brighten your face up, avoid black eyeliner on the bottom of your eyes. It makes your eyes look smaller, enhances any fine lines and can drag your face down. For more mature skin, I always suggest staying away from too much shimmer or sparkle. The shimmery reflection can make creases more apparent and will highlight and pronounce these areas.
You’ve recently launched FIGUR, a women’s shapewear brand. What motivated you to do this?
FIGUR was created from turning a little pain into purpose. Being on national television, I also had thousands of women reach out to say they admired my confidence and the way I dressed. They too had a curvy body like mine and loved seeing that on TV. FIGUR has such a strong message of size inclusion and is all about body positivity. We all can feel and look amazing. I chose to do these campaigns to make women feel included, and our ambassadors share their stories which is really powerful. The tag in your clothes doesn’t define your purpose or your potential, you do.
What are some simple beauty updates to do now that we’re heading into warmer weather?
Matte texture lipstick is the chicest texture for summertime. Do you really want sticky and glossy lips [alongside] dewy skin? I don’t think so! Revlon has just launched six new shades to their Super Lustrous The Luscious Matte lipsticks, which are so high in pigment and really do just need one swipe. Matte texture can also be drying, but this range is packed with cupuacu butter to keep your lips hydrated. To give a beautiful dewy skin texture, the Revlon Face Glow Illuminator is amazing, too. You can add a little bit into your foundation or use by itself on your cheekbones, décolletage and where you want to highlight.
What are your body care essentials?
I swear by Caruso’s Ashwagandha. It’s the only vitamin I’ve found that works for premenstrual syndrome. I’ve only been taking it recently and it’s a game changer emotionally. I love a dark, golden glow tan, so I use Minx Tan after I scrub my body with a coffee scrub and L’Occitane Almond Shower Oil. CeraVe is my go-to for body moisturiser and the brand’s hand cream is divine.
