Stella Maxwell in the Karl Lagerfeld x Model Co campaign. Courtesy of Karl Lagerfeld x Model Co.
There is no slowing Stella Maxwell down. A regular face on the fashion and beauty scene, she has dominated the modeling industry of late, walking for everyone from Atelier Versace to Victoria’s Secret. The New Zealand model is also the face of Max Factor and, most recently, is fronting the Karl Lagerfeld x Model Co campaign. Talking all things beauty, Maxwell shares some insights from what she’s learned from her time in the industry.
What’s your first beauty memory?
My first beauty moment was when I was probably four years old. My sister and I snuck into my mom’s room and got into her makeup. We put on blush and lipstick and eyeshadow. I will always remember that day. The smile lasted a week. There was this French cartoon we used to watch, where the main character was a dog and his friend was a clown. We tried to make ourselves look like the dog’s friend and I think we got really close. And the gorgeous thing was in our eyes that was beauty. That is what we saw as beautiful. Beauty really has such a wide field of interpretation. I guess that’s why it’s forever fascinating.
Do you have a morning ritual (be it mental or physical) for ensuring a positive and productive day?
I meditate for 20 minutes when I wake up. I drink a few glasses of water and I take a hot shower followed by a 30-second ice-cold shower. And that is the beginning of my day.
What is the best beauty advice a mentor ever gave you?
Eat clean and fresh. Drink clean and fresh. Think wildly.
From 17 to 27, how have your ideas about what makes a woman beautiful changed? What has a career in front of the camera taught you about your inner critic?
I suppose everything we see at 17 builds the foundation for what we see at 27. Beauty at 17 is fascination and curiosity. Beauty at 27 is fascination and curiosity coupled with a firewall of skepticism. Age is a marker of time but youth is a way of seeing. As Diana Vreeland said, “I shall die young. Whether it be at 70, 80 or 90.”
Who is your beauty icon?
My beauty icon is the love between my mother and father. I love my family more than anything. But to answer along the lines of fashion, growing up Milla Jovovich in the Fifth Element and Angelina Jolie in Gia were my beauty icons.
Tech detoxes are huge right now. Any self-care tips for staying sane in 2018?
Yes. Focus. Meditate. And don’t take on energy that is not constructive.
What are your three go-to beauty products or services for helping enhance your mood? Do you have a self-nurture routine?
Rosewater, lavender oil, and organic teas are my three go-to beauty products. My routine is to try and keep my mind and body balanced. I do have to add that I am now carrying around my Karl Lagerfeld + Modelco lip balm everywhere too. I wanted to throw that in because if you haven’t checked it out, you will understand when you do.
Light up lipglosses from the Karl Lagerfeld x Model Co collection. Courtesy of Karl Lagerfeld x Model Co.
Finish this sentence. I feel most beautiful when…
I am smiling and enjoying the company of my dear friends.
There’s never been a better time for females of a high profile to set a strong example for the next generation. What does gender equality in the fashion and beauty world look like to you?
It looks like it sounds. Equal.
Instagram and YouTube have changed the way beauty is digested by consumers. Do you think social media has had a positive or negative effect on the industry?
You can certainly find arguments for both. I tend to lean toward the positive side. It has opened a door, and what we do with it is at our discretion.
What’s the strangest request you’ve ever had at a casting?
“Hi, nice to see you. So Stella where are you from?” Try to go to a casting where they don’t ask that immediately. I don’t really remember what the strangest thing is I’ve been asked. I have to say there is a lot of competition for that title daily when you work in fashion. I say that in a very positive way. It’s such a fun industry to work in.
What advice would you give to young girls starting out in the modeling industry?
Be true to yourself. Be confident in who you are, and be aware. Have patience and work hard.
How do you keep your skin glowing?
Drink lots of water, and do cardio every day! I honestly believe drinking a lot of H2O and sweating makes for perfect skin. Also, steam rooms are heaven for the skin.
Five beauty essentials you can’t live without?
Rest, meditation, a nice light oil to hydrate, a facial every month from someone you trust, and eating healthy and clean. Those are my beauty essentials.
Best makeup beauty tip you have ever received?
Quality, not quantity. And play to your features.
How do you look after your health while traveling?
I try and eat right and sleep well. I basically attempt to stay on schedule. I meditate in the morning and evening. I eat light and drink fresh juices and teas. I find that if you keep the body and mind in balance, you will do great while traveling.
What hair products do you use?
I like Oribe shampoo and conditioner. I also have some essential oils that I occasionally use for hydrating. I find brushing your hair each evening and massaging your scalp are great hair secrets.
How often do you exercise? What are your tips for staying in shape?
I exercise daily. It’s not always a super strict routine but I do like to sweat every day. Cardio is so important. Walking is the most important. I live in Los Angeles and I see people drive two streets to the grocery store. Why not walk? It’s so important. My tips for staying in shape are eating fresh and clean and making sure you move, move, move.
What’s the secret to taking the perfect selfie?
Now, I can’t give you all my secrets can I? For me, it’s about that moment when you have the nice light and you are feeling good. It’s fun to share those moments.
The Karl Lagerfeld x ModelCo limited edition collection is available in Karl Lagerfeld boutiques across the U.A.E, Kuwait, Jeddah, and Bahrain.
