Beauty Bytes: Poppy Delevingne on McDreamy's death, Red Roses and burgers
Welcome to Beauty Bytes - a new column where I chat to celebrities about all things beauty - like their favourite products and their biggest beauty disasters. And also what their most used emojis are. You know, all the important and essentials things that we need to know about.
We begin our journey with the beautiful Poppy Delevingne - the model and actress who, as the inaugural Jo Malone London Girl, has launched her second collaboration with the brand. We spoke to about spitting glitter, how to look after hair that's been bleached for years and our mutual obsession with Grey's Anatomy.
KT: WHAT'S THE WORST BEAUTY TREND YOU’VE ATTEMPTED?
PD: Glitter on the lips. I spent the entire time spitting glitter and getting it stuck in my teeth. Not for me.
KT: IT LOOKS GOOD IN PICTURES, BUT THAT'S IT.
PD: It looked so good on other people, but it wasn't for me I'm too much of a chatterbox so it ended up everywhere.
KT: WHAT'S THE BEST BEAUTY ADVICE YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN?
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PD: Less is more.
KT: WHAT'S THE BEST BEAUTY PRODUCT RECOMMENDATION YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?
PD: My lovely make-artist, Kate Synnot, told me about this new brand called Carasoin. I don't know how you say it, but it's all natural ingredients and when it hits your skin it turns into an oil. I love it for when I'm travelling and before bedtime. It's super nourishing.
KT: I'VE NEVER HEARD OF IT... WHAT IS YOUR ‘THE HOUSE IS BURNING – GRAB THE MOST IMPORTANT THING’ BEAUTY PRODUCT?
PD: It has to be Red Roses by Jo Malone London. I have been wearing it since I was 18 and it would be like losing my right hand.
KT: IF YOU HAD TO HAVE ONE HAIR STYLE, ONE MAKE-UP LOOK AND ONE NAIL COLOUR FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE, WHAT WOULD THEY ALL BE?
PD: Hairstyle would have to be bedhead. Makeup look would be bold lip and less of an eye.
KT: LIKE TODAY'S LOOK.
PD: Exactly like today's look. A nudey eye and bright lip. And the nail polish would have to be Essie's Wicked.
KT: WHAT COLOUR IS THAT?
PD: Like a rouge noir, super dark red.
KT: TOP THREE BEAUTY BRANDS?
KT: OBVIOUSLY.
PD: And I would probably say Bobbi Brown for make-up and Sisley for skincare. I loooove Sisley.
KT: WHAT’S IN YOUR MAKE-UP BAG RIGHT NOW? SO IF YOU'RE NOT WORKING, YOU'LL DO YOUR OWN FACE WITH...
I use a lot of Charlotte Tilbury at the moment. I love her Filmstar Bronze & Glow. I've got Stila's most exciting product in the world. Have you tried that glitter stuff?
KT: THE GLITTER EYESHADOWS?! THEY ARE AMAZING.
Yes - the Magnificent Metal Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadows. They're like liquid glitter. They dry really quickly and the glitter is so sparkly, but no glitter falls onto your face, because it's all liquid. They're life changing and Lancome Hypnose Mascara - it's always been my favourite.
KT: HOW DO YOU TAKE CARE OF YOUR SKIN? CAN YOU TAKE US THROUGH YOUR MORNING AND EVENING ROUTINES?
Yes, I used to be so lazy with my skin and then I went through a really bad patch of having bad skin, so now I'm really good at taking care of it. In the morning, when I wake up, I use a brand that you've probably never heard of, called MBR, which stands for Medical Beauty Research. I use their Enzyme Cleansing Boosting powder which you add water to. I used this when my skin was bad and it cleared it up, so now I use it all the time - I can't be without it. I discovered it in Germany. So I wash my face with that, then I love Skinceuticals serums - CE Ferulic and Hydrating B5. Then I'll use a Sisley eye cream and their Floral Spray Mist. I also use Barbara Sturm's Hyaluruonic Ampoules and her Glow Drops. Then in the evening I like my Chanel make-up remover and a light layer of Carasoin before bed.
KT: BEST MAKE-UP TIP A PROFESSIONAL MAKE-UP ARTIST HAS EVER GIVEN YOU?
When I was a teenager and actually well into my twenties, I used to wear a black eyeliner, black mascara and pink blusher (as I thought that was what you should do), but then Charlotte Tilbury did my makeup on my wedding day and taught me to actually look at my colouring and find shades that really suit me. So for example, a bronze eyeshadow will bring out my navy blue eyes. Knowing your skin colour properly, so that you don't end up with bright white concealer on under your eyes. So now I use more brown tones on my eyes - so bronze eye shadow and a brown mascara.
KT: HOW OFTEN DO YOU WORK OUT? FAVOURITE WAY TO EXERCISE?
PD: It totally depends on whether I'm working much at that point. If I'm not working at the time, I like to be lazy. Basically as horizontal as I can possibly be, so something like Pilates. Which means I can sleep if I want to. But when I'm in LA and working, the sun is normally out so I'm a bit more energized and I love doing Body by Simone or SoulCycle. I like getting really sweaty, being yelled out and coming out looking like a tomato.
KT: OH MY GOD THAT IS LITERALLY MY HELL.
PD: Yeah, but this is in LA and they really get into it. The instructor will yell 'Who do you hate the most? Do this for them,' and it's like oh my god really? Can't we just get on with it? I like a real mix.
KT: BEST FOR YOUR BODY TO HAVE A MIX APPARENTLY.
PD: Really? Well, there we go then.
KT: IF YOU’RE STRAPPED FOR TIME – WHAT ARE THE THREE BEAUTY RELATED THINGS YOU DO BEFORE YOU LEAVE THE HOUSE?
PD: Fragrance is absolutely vital. Leaving the house without fragrance is like leaving the house without your phone.
KT: I COMPLETELY AGREE. MY FRAGRANCES ARE ALL LINED UP BY MY FRONT DOOR, SO IT'S THE LAST THING YOU DO BEFORE YOU LEAVE.
PD: Yes exactly. When you wear a fragrance you love, you feel like you can take on the world. Then I'd do a facial mist - I love MV Organic Skincare Ros Hydrating Mist. Then Paw Paw on the lips, cheekbones and on the eyelid for a dewy look.
KT: HOW DO YOU LOOK AFTER YOUR HAIR?
PD: When I was bleached blonde, I was really lucky time-wise to start working with Wella's line System Professional and I honestly wouldn't have been able to have long, bleached blonde hair for three years if it wasn't for that brand. Most people only last a couple of months. But it's brilliant and I've been using it to this day. I love all of their products and they keep developing new products for coloured and dry hair. They have this new product called Energy in a Bottle and it's like a dry shampoo, but more of a conditioner. It's an actual miracle in a bottle. I can't go anywhere without it.
KT: HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE BEAUTY?
PD: I don't want to sound like cheese on toast, but beauty really is about the person and not what anyone looks like. It's all about the soul.
KT: WHAT IS YOUR BEAUTY SECRET?
PD: I used to have a big beauty secret that I always used to get in trouble for saying.
KT: WHAT IS IT?
PD: No I'm not saying that now. I'm going to give you another one. Elizabeth Arden 8-Hour Cream on your eyelashes over night. Then when you apply your mascara in the morning, you get that 60s batty lash effect - all spread out and spidery.
KT: I LOVE THAT.
PD: It's great right. My grandmother taught me that, she's 82 and still does it to this day. She actually used to put it all over her face. But I won't do that, because that would cause me to break out.
KT: MY BOYFRIEND'S SISTER USES IT AS HAND CREAM.
PD: What?! But it's so thick and so intense.
KT: DO YOU HAVE A SIGNATURE FRAGRANCE? IF NOT, WHAT ARE YOUR GO TOS?
PD: Well yes, Red Roses is my signature, but because I've worn it since I was 18 I have moments when I want to break away for a bit and luckily I get to work with Jo Malone London. My two new favourites are Jasmine Sambac & Marigold...
KT: I'M WEARING IT RIGHT NOW.
PD: No! How good is it?!
KT: SO GOOD, I GET COMPLIMENTS ALL THE TIME
PD: Yes, when I wear it people go crazy and tell me that I should wear it all the time. And then Vintage Gardenia, which is only available in their Regent's Street store as it's in their archive collection. It's heaven.
KT: MY FAVOURITE, WHICH WAS DISCONTINUED, BUT MIGHT BE IN THE ARCHIVE COLLECTION IS VANILLA & ANISE.
PD: I hate it when they discontinue things.
*Shouts at the PR* Don't you ever discontinue Red Roses or there will be uproar.
PD: Are you going to wear it on your wedding day?
KT: I THINK SO. I'VE KEPT A BOTTLE SAFE, THAT I NEVER USE.
PD: So clever. I love that you love the Jasmine one too.
KT: WHEN YOU’RE ON HOLIDAY, DOES YOUR BEAUTY REGIME CHANGE? WHAT ARE YOU FAVOURITE TRAVEL ESSENTIALS?
PD: I feel like on holiday, I'm all about the no-make-up make-up. Just a little bit of concealer, here and there. Also my great friend Jess Hart has just launched her own brand called Luma Beauty, which are basically great sunshine products. So lots of highlighters, light pearly eye shadow and products that are just really good for the sun. And then nothing beats a little bit of salt water in your hair and freckles on show. Just natural beauty. I love Heliocare SPF50 with a little bit of tint in it. I won't burn, but I'll get lots of freckles.
KT: I GET FRECKLES ALL OVER MY NOSE AND SHOULDERS.
PD: Me too. Oh and I also love Charlotte Tilbury's Bar of Gold. I think they only bring it out at Christmas, which is annoying as it's literally my favourite summer thing, but I'll keep it throughout the year as it's such a good summer product. I'll put hints of that on my collarbones and my shoulders.
KT: WHAT ARE YOUR THREE MOST USED EMOJIS?
PD: The mushroom.
KT: WHAT?! THE MUSHROOM?
PD: The hand face and the poo.
KT: FAVOURITE ALCOHOLIC DRINK?
PD: Very Dirty Martini, as much olive brine as possible.
KT: UGH I DON'T KNOW HOW YOU DRINK THOSE. YOU CAN'T DRINK MANY THOUGH...
PD: No, you can only have one, otherwise you'd be crossed-eyed. Do know you what? I've heard that Chiltern Firehouse has started doing one with a lump of blue cheese in it.
KT: UGH. THAT'S SO GROSS.
PD: I think it sounds amazing. Everyone else wants to vomit. I haven't tried it yet, but let me tell you next time I'm there I'll be having it. Actually we're around the corner from there now. Maybe I'll go after this.
KT: OH MY ADDISON LEE DRIVER IS CALLING ME. WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE BOOK?
PD: Ever?
KT: YES EVER.
PD: Can I have two?
KT: GO ON THEN.
PD: A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini, who also wrote The Kite Runner. A Thousand Splendid Suns is even better - it makes your heart burst. And Valley of the Dolls by Jacqueline Susann - I've read it like five time. Oh, and Little Women by Louise May Alcott. So can I have three?
KT: FINE. YOU CAN HAVE THREE. WHAT’S YOUR CHEAT MEAL?
In-N-Out Burger. I was in LA last week and I had two in two days. I'm meant to only have one cheat day a week, as I'm meant to be gluten-free, but I ended up doing two in a row. I couldn't not drive past it on the way to the airport, and not stop and get the cheesy fries and pickles.
KT: I'VE NEVER HAD ONE, BUT EVERYONE TALKS ABOUT THEM.
PD: They're the best.
KT: FAVOURITE TV SHOW TO BINGE WATCH?
PD: Last year I started watching Grey's Anatomy from start to finish. I wish I was a cardiothoracic surgeon. I wish I could start my life over.
KT: I'M DOING THAT RIGHT NOW!
PD: Oh my god where are you at? What series are you?
KT: SEASON NINE, WHEN BAILEY INFECTS THOSE PATIENTS BECAUSE OF THE FAULTY GLOVES.
PD: Oh you are so far back! So McDreamy is dead right?
KT: NO.
PD: *Stands up quickly* Oh my god!!!! I've just ruined it for you?!?! OH MY GOD!!
KT: No, don't worry I know he dies.
PD: How do you know?!
KT: BECAUSE IT'S AN OLD SERIES AND WAS EVERYWHERE IN THE PRESS.
PD: Oh my god, thank god you knew that. I almost ruined your life. Like actually ruined your life.
KT: I HAVEN'T SEEN IT YET THOUGH.
PD: Oh my god, you have so much to go. How bad was it with Izzy and the heart patient?!
KT: NO, I DON'T FIND THAT THE SADDEST MOMENT. THE SADDEST MOMENT IS WHEN GEORGE DIES.
PD: I'm doing a new TV show with George and I almost had a heart attack, because I turned up for the read through and there was George O'Malley and then I went up to him and was like 'Hi George O'Malley.' and he was like 'No, my name is TR Knight.' and I couldn't speak. But I made it my mission to be his bosom buddy.
KT: AND?!
PD: Now I love him. I actually watched the last episode of the most recent season last night - the season 14 finale. My husband worked out that last year if you added up all the hours, I spent three whole weeks watching Grey's Anatomy solidly.
KT: THAT'S BEEN ME THIS WEEKEND. I WATCHED FOUR EPISODES BACK TO BACK LAST NIGHT.
PD: You get to the point watching when you actually believe you're a doctor, I swear to god because you know all of the lingo. I could definitely save your life. I could seriously cut into you and save your life.
KT: YEAH, LIKE I NOW THAT IF YOU WANT TO BE SEEN BY A DOCTOR QUICKLY YOU SHOULD SAY THAT YOU HAVE CHEST PAIN.
PD: What are we doing?! You and I should be doctors. Like literally leave right now, go back to university and become doctors. I'm just thinking of McSteamy now.
KT: OH WHEN HE DIES!
PD: Oh in the plane crash with the sister!
KT: YES. FAVOURITE INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT TO STALK? COULD BE SOMEONE SEXY, A FASHION BRAND...
PD: Maybe Leonardo DiCaprio, because I love the environment?! Ha. I'm very disappointed that he doesn't do any selfies.
KT: WHAT WAS THE FIRST THING YOU BOUGHT WITH YOU FIRST BIG PAY CHEQUE?
PD: A Chanel handbag.
KT: LOVE IT.
PD: It's all I ever wanted.
KT: QUILTED?
PD: Quilted. With a gold chain and navy blue.
KT: NOT BLACK?
PD: No navy - old school. I still cherish it to this day.
KT: OK WE'RE DONE.
PD: Thank you so much. I cannot wait to read your whole paragraph on Grey's Anatomy.
Katie Thomas is the Senior Beauty Editor at Marie Claire UK. With over 10 years of experience on women's luxury lifestyle titles, she covers everything from the best beauty looks from the red carpet and stand out trends from the catwalk, to colonic irrigation and to the best mascaras on the market. She started her career on fashion desks across the industry - from The Telegraph to Brides - but found her calling in the Tatler beauty department. From there she moved to Instyle, before joining the Marie Claire digital team in 2018. She’s made it her own personal mission to find the best concealer in the world to cover her tenacious dark circles. She’s obsessed with skincare that makes her skin bouncy and glowy, low-maintenance hair that doesn’t require brushing and a cracking good manicure. Oh and she wears more jewellery than the Queen.
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