As you can probably tell from my Beauty Interview series, I have a lot of really pretty friends. Lottie Anderson is one of them. Isn’t she one of the most naturally striking beauties you’ve ever seen? I think so. Every time I see her I’m kind of shocked at how pretty she is.
When did you start wearing makeup? I started wearing make up for dress up purposes only when I was about 3 or 4. My mom let me have her discarded lipstick and blushes and I made quick work of them, practicing on my baby brother and myself. My mother always said I had a knack for it although looking back on pictures it would appear I was practicing for clown school.
Who taught you? What products did you use? I always looked up to my grandmother; she is a very sophisticated woman. She put herself together very well and my curious eyes couldn’t help but notice her Lancome-laden makeup bag and jewel-encrusted Estee Lauder perfumes. I knew I wanted to use such lotions and potions as soon as I could officially “use makeup appropriately.” Since then I’ve been dabbling between natural and organic products and the higher-end products I know I can always trust.
What’s your greatest beauty strength? It depends on the day. I get compliments on my eyebrows, but never my eyes for example. I have always had apple cheeks and dimples, which makes it fun to experiment with blush - but I really wouldn’t consider chubby cheeks a strength. More of an attribute I’ve learned to embrace.
What’s your daily routine like? I have very touchy combination skin; the less I do/wear the happier it is. I try to keep everything gentle, simple and light. I wash every morning and night with my Bobbi Brown brightening cleanser - it’s creamy and gentle but makes you feel squeaky clean. For the day time I use a light SPF moisturizer, but at night I get crazy with my caviar serum and propolis (which contains bee pollen, a natural antioxidant.) If I have a dry patch I will use my natural apricot heavy-duty cream. Blemishes require their own special treatment.
What are your favorite products? What can’t you live without? I honestly can’t live without my John Frieda Go Blonder controlled lightening spray - I wouldn’t have the hair color I do today without it! Every day I spritz my roots and blow dry; it keeps it natural looking and unlike other “sun-in” products it isn’t sticky and it doesn’t reek of peroxide. I also need all my fragrances. It’s good to have options. Special days require different scents. Most days I mist with Marc Jacobs Basil - its light and unobtrusive - but going out or going to an interview is a different story.
Who are your beauty icons? I try to find inspiration constantly - photographers and beauty icons to fine artists to inspire my style and vibe. Of course I will always adore Kate Lanphear; she’s my number one. I also love Chloe Sevigny. Back when I was a brunette with bangs I channeled Anna Karina. Catherine Deneuve is inspiration past - present - and future. Such an elegant figure … I can only hope to grasp a bit of her grace.
What’s a beauty trend you’d like to see disappear forever? Please, please, please someone burn all of Kate Middletons eye pencils. It’s heavy, unflattering and unnecessary. Her and Pippa are inspiring a trend of catastrophic proportions - it’s like ladies everywhere have returned to middle school when we all had way too much fun with that pencil. It was new, it was exciting, it was bold and maybe a bit rebellious? For a 12 year old. This is all I have to say on the matter. (Editor’s note: YES! Agreed!)
