Plus, a first look at the Gucci Cosmetics campaign lensed by Fabien Baron and Darius Khondji
Gucci’s creative director, Frida Giannini, selected the face of the house’s forthcoming cosmetics line, out next month, based on one thing: the eyes. “To me, the eyes are always the most important, because with your eyes you can really interact with people,” she said. Despite a vast range of models and celebrities at her disposal, Giannini had her sights set on only one woman: Charlotte Casiraghi. Not only is the 28-year-old brunette with piercing blue-gray eyes a classic beauty (much like her mother, Caroline, Princess of Hanover, or maternal grandmother, the iconic Grace Kelly), but her life is equally as enchanting (she’s fifth in line to the Monegasque throne). She’s also as fearless about makeup as she is about competitive show jumping, which she does regularly wearing custom riding attire from Gucci. From bright pink lips to black nails to teal shadow, the royal has rocked it all. When she’s not sitting beside Kate Moss in the front row, however, the mother of 9-month-old son Raphaël keeps her routine rather simple, often relying on brown mascara and a touch of bronzer when she’s not in the international spotlight. Here, Casiraghi shares her French pharmacy staples, the secret to staying fit without hitting the gym, and why she doesn’t care about helmet hair.
Sitting front row alongside Kate Moss at Gucci’s Spring ’15 show
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With 200 products to choose from, which piece in the Gucci cosmetics range is your favorite?
I have to say, one of my favorites is the eyeliner. It’s really good, and really easy [to apply]—and it’s not easy to put on eyeliner. Also, the lipstick in Iconic Red is great.
Do you have any tricks for applying liquid liner?
Not really, because it’s so easy to use, you just follow the line!
It’s interesting that you say eyeliner is your favorite product, because Frida said she specifically chose you because your eyes tell such a story. Aside from liner, how do you play them up?
I actually use black or brownish colors—quite natural. I don’t do crazy eye makeup, but it really depends. I think what’s fun with makeup is to try out different looks, so it’s really whatever you feel like wearing.… Sometimes I can put on glitter and something fun, and other times I feel like something very classic. It really changes.
Frida also said that the Gucci woman always takes a risk! What about your everyday look?
The bronzing powder in the summer is nice; the mascara—the brown one—for everyday is really nice, too. The [liner] pencils are great because they last really long. So, really natural colors—brown pencil, brown mascara, bronzing powder, are the essential day-to-day things I would use from the line.
The print campaign shot by Mert & Marcus
Courtesy of Gucci
Have you learned any great beauty tips or tricks throughout the years?
You can play with light inside the eye. If you put light pencil [on the waterline], it can brighten your eyes. A shiny [pigment] on the inside [corner] can open up the eye, or a little bit of a glow [on your cheekbones]. There are little things that can help.… I think the real secret is to find out what style of makeup suits you, and that’s something you [discover] as you just play around. Even if makeup artists can give you tips, it’s yourself, what you feel comfortable doing, and what you feel suits you the best. I think that comes with time.
Since you’re often traveling, what are the essentials that you pack in your carry-on?
Usually I have some water mist; that’s nice to use to freshen up. Or maybe eye drops, if you have dry eyes. It’s more comfort things rather than makeup.
Which eye drops do you use?
There are drops you find in France, Les Gouttes Bleues, from a brand called Innoxa. They’re these blue drops that you put in your eyes and you can buy them at the pharmacy. They’re hydrating.
How has your beauty routine changed in the past year?
It depends how much time I can spend getting ready. I don’t really have a strict routine—it’s just the basics. Taking the time to clean your skin, I think that’s the most important thing. Usually I don’t like to wash it with soap, I use lotion and milk [ démaquillant]. That’s just the basic thing I do. I don’t have 10 different products I use. It’s quite simple.
Charlotte Casiraghi hosts a party to celebrate the launch of Gucci Cosmetics with Frida Giannini
BFA NYC
Is there a cleansing milk you like to use?
Not really, it’s more like things you can find [at the pharmacy]. In France we’re lucky because we have great pharmacy products.
Do you have a signature scent?
I like more fresh smells, like jasmine. I love essential oils too. I don’t have a specific scent, but it’s very natural. I use a lot of essential oils mixed with normal oil and lotion.
Your brows are such a defining feature. How do you keep them looking their best?
I don’t do anything! I think the worst thing is if you touch your eyebrows, then it’s over. I think it’s better sometimes not to try and shape them too much. Just maybe brush them a little if they’re going wild.
As far as hair products go, do you have any favorites?
I actually like the magnolia oil from Leonor Greyl.
Catching some air at Paris Eiffel Jumping
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How do you deal with helmet hair after riding?
I don’t think about it! When I get off my horse, I’m more worried about how I rode, how my horse was, speaking to my trainer. When you’re riding, the one thing you do before you get on the horse is to make sure everything is neat because you don’t want to have hair sticking out or your jacket all [undone]. Before you get on the horse, you just make sure everything is in place, but when you get off the horse it’s like any sport when you’re competing—[there is] a lot of adrenaline when you finish, you’re a little bit in another dimension. So if my hair is completely full of sweat, I don’t even notice.
In addition to show jumping, is there anything else you do to stay in shape?
No, because horseback riding takes up so much time. When I’m on holiday I don’t really do sports, because I’m riding all year long, and nearly every day.
Riding a horse seems like it would beat sitting on a stationary bike at the gym any day of the week.
