Victoria’s Secret Angel Candice Swanepoel shares beauty tricks, workout tips and a DIY exfoliator recipe...
My signature is a fresh face and red lips. I use Max Factor Miracle Match Foundation, as it’s sheer but still provides coverage, and Max Factor Lipfinity, which has blue undertones so it looks bold. Plus, it stays on through a night of dancing! The Victoria’s Secret image is healthy and sunkissed. A trick I learnt backstage is to apply highlighter on cheekbones and near the tear ducts – it opens and brightens the eyes. I use RMS Beauty Living Luminizer. It has a natural sheen; you can’t see any shimmer or glitter. Weights are the easiest way to get muscle definition, especially in the arms. It’s important for the girls to look strong and healthy in the show. Two weeks before the big day, I work out for two days, then rest the next two, and repeat. I do resistance training, Pilates, yoga and weights. The first thing I do when I get home is wash my face. I have to wear loads of make-up for work. So, like many models, I usually take my own moisturiser to shoots. I love Biotherm Aquasource – it’s rich, but lightweight, and sinks in quickly.
I sometimes mix my own exfoliator. It’s super-easy: coarse sugar in coconut oil – that’s it! I also use Colbert MD exfoliating discs. My skin goes through a lot, so I regularly exfoliate to get rid of impurities.
My favourite fragrances contain jasmine. I wear Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy Rosé. It has a little attitude to it – almost like it’s ready to party and get into some mischief.
I sleep with my hair coated in argan oil. I’ll even use it as a treatment before getting my hair coloured. If I don’t have to be anywhere, I’ll mix coconut oil into it as well for an added moisture boost, but it takes a couple of rinses to get it out. I also use a Kérastase mask which is brilliant for coloured hair. When you’re blonde, you have to pay attention to the condition, otherwise it starts to look straw-like. It’s easier to be healthy in New York than in London. I tend to order out when I’m in New York because there are lots of healthy places to choose from. But I do love to cook. I’ll make quinoa salads, roast chicken and soups.