Millie Mackintosh

Millie Mackintosh's Beauty Rules

28 September 2012

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As Millie Mackintosh launches her debut lash line Millie Mackintosh For Nouveau Lashes, we talk to the Made In Chelsea star about all things beauty and how to apply the perfect set of falsies.

Wenn
As party season approaches, what are your tips for the perfect party look?
With the lashes, you can apply one pair and then apply another on top of that for an extra boost. Or you could apply one pair and cut another pair in half and apply those extra bits on the end - that’s my party trick.
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How do you get ready for a night out? Talk us through your own regime.
I would probably do a tan and a face mask – probably something like bliss Oxygen Facial Mask to make the skin really radiant – also good if you’ve had too many drinks the night before! I’d also get a blow-dry and make-up wise, I’d probably do a bright red lip and lots of lashes.
What are your golden rules for applying and wearing the perfect false lashes?
It’s really important to measure the lash to your eye, so before you apply the glue, just measure it along the lash line and if they’re too long, trim them down. Then stick them as close to the lash line as possible. I’ve included a pair of tweezers in the kit so you can apply without any mess and press them as close to your lash line as possible. I also like to apply a tiny bit of mascara on my own lashes before I put the false set on – I think they sit really well like that.
What is the key to making eyes look bigger?
Lashes are a must. I also like to do contouring around the eye, with a natural matte colour to the brow bone. Eyebrows are really important too - to really open your eyes - so I think it’s good to invest in regular threading and keeping them tidy. So, for me, the perfect eyebrows and loads of lashes is the ultimate eye opener.

What is your front row beauty and fashion essential at Fashion Week?
A really good blow-dry is essential. I get mine done at Daniel Galvin Jr. Salon in Belgravia. I do love sunglasses on the front row; it’s a bit of fun. Front row is all about the shoes, the bag, the nails – the accessories. And I think that’s what so great about lashes, they really are a beauty accessory.
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Which of the beauty looks from London Fashion Week just passed are you keen to recreate?
I’m loving the 90s approach to skin.
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With summer drawing to a close, what have been your key beauty items for the beach?
If you really want to wear anything on your skin, other than sun cream, then a tinted moisturiser looks good, as it’s so natural. A bit of surf spray in your hair for that really beachy texture and use lip balm with SPF in it, to protect your lips. High-factor sun cream is a must. NARS also have this multiple-stick called South Beach, which looks really gorgeous in the sun. I love bright lipsticks on the beach too – they’re fun – but just for a hint of colour, patted on with your finger.
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What’s your one big fail-safe beauty tip?
I love fake tan. I do like to have a nice golden glow. I probably apply fake tan about once a week. But aside from that, I’d have to say my lashes.

How did you first become involved with Nouveau lashes?
It was about a year ago when I was approached to do the line and I jumped at the chance of working with Nouveau. I went through the products and got a feel for them and straight away I could see that the products covered all the bases in terms of what I would look for. The next step was to choose the lashes for my range and from about sixty pairs, I got down to eight. They have different lengths, thicknesses and both brown and black hair for that natural, fluttery look. And as I wear lashes all the time I wanted them to be comfortable enough to wear every day.
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What is your go-to lash set from the range and why?
I’m wearing the Mayfair ones today and I really love these as I can wear them in the day right through to the evening. But I love all of them, there’s a set for different moods, different days and different occasions. They’re reusable up to five times, as well.
What made you want to design lashes above everything else?
They are something that I always feel finishes off my look really well and I felt that there weren’t really enough natural lashes out there.
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You are a trained make-up artist; can we expect a fully-fledged make-up line from you?
Definitely. I don’t know what the next step will be. I love clothes as well, but for me, this [the collaboration with Nouveau Lashes] is the first step and I don’t know where it is going to go from here, but I’m definitely up for that. I’m really excited about the lashes too, as it’s a very personal project to me.