Welcome to The Glowdown, the series where we dive into the beauty secrets of our favourite celebrities as they get real about their routines and non-negotiables exclusively with us. Join them as they sit in our beauty hot seat and we fire off a round of quick questions, giving you never-before-shared insight into the products they can’t live without, their secrets to getting red carpet–ready, beauty pet peeves, and the genius tips they’ve picked up along the way. This is no-holds-barred beauty at its finest.
This month, we sat down with Leomie Anderson, model, designer and host of makeup-themed TV show, Glow Up. The 31-year-old recently starred in the Debenhams Christmas campaign, and we were keen to find out what beauty products are on her Christmas list this year. Keep scrolling for all her makeup tips and tricks, skincare secrets and more…
1. You’ve just starred in the Debenhams Christmas campaign. What’s on your Christmas list this year?
Honestly? This year is all about being happy and having a peaceful holiday. It’s about family, relaxing and reflecting on the year, so there aren’t many physical gifts I want, although seeing all the incredible gifts Debenhams has to offer has inspired me to add a few makeup essentials (and an air fryer) to my Christmas list!
2. Was it fun working with Elizabeth Hurley, Ellie Taylor and Hannah Cooper-Dommett on the campaign?
The Christmas shoot was so much fun. Everyone was having a laugh and making jokes during filming and we all got on really well.
3. You’re the host of Glow Up, which showcases the most incredible makeup transformations. Which makeup product gives you the biggest mood boost?
I love a good lip gloss and a nice thick mascara. If I have those on, it’s enough for me to feel really confident!
4. If you could steal someone else’s makeup bag, whose would it be?
Probably Naomi Campbell’s because we have a similar complexion and I know every makeup brand probably sends her everything she needs all the time!
5. You’ve got a spot. Are you team pop it or team leave it alone?
It depends on how long it’s been there. I try my best to leave it but sometimes it gets to that stage where you know it needs to be cleared.
6. What’s the best piece of beauty advice you have ever received?
Hmm, probably watching my mum’s consistent use of saunas. She has great skin; I’ve never even seen her with a spot.
7. Makeup primer: love it or hate it?
I not only love it, I need it! It’s the only way to get rid of my smile lines.
8. Strong lip or a strong eye?
Neither, but preferably a strong eye. I only have two lip combos I really like on me and they’re pretty natural.
9. You’re having your nails done. What are your go-to shades?
I always do pinky nude shades, I rarely do colour because I think about it clashing with potential outfits! I love nail art too but it takes a really long time.
10. What’s your beauty philosophy in a sentence?
Do something every day that adds or aids what makes you feel beautiful. So, if that means eating well, taking vitamins, buying yourself that new top, using the sauna—whatever makes you feel special, you should do. I believe it all adds up to make us beautiful.
11. What’s your favourite lipstick colour?
I’m a brown-liner, pinky-nude and gloss girl. The YSL Loveshine Lipstick from Debenhams has the perfect level of gloss.
12. What’s your biggest beauty no-no?
Lipstick with no liner—it usually bleeds and doesn’t look as good at the end of the night if you don’t use it!
13. Candles, reed diffusers or nothing at all?
I love candles. My favourites are from Byredo, Tom Ford and Forvr Mood.
14. If you could share one piece of beauty advice, what would it be?
Listen to my beauty philosophy!
15. What beauty product do you recommend to everyone?
Whatever serums work for you to keep your skin hydrated. I believe having a skincare regimen with multiple product layers should be the first step for everyone!
16. What are your skincare staples?
I love Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence and of course, Weleda Skin Food. Also, Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Gel Exfoliant and Dr. Barbara Sturm The Better B Niacinamide Serum.
17. Name one beauty product that is always in your handbag
A good clear lip gloss!
18. Are you team dewy or matte?
Matte! [A matte finish] lasts longer throughout the night.
19. The greatest drugstore product for under £10?
Biore Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser! It’s one of my favourites.
20. Describe your brows, in one word:
Solid.
21. What’s your signature fragrance?
At the moment, I’m enjoying Prada Paradoxe and Armani Si Passione. Also, Byredo Slow Dance! I always get compliments when I wear these.
(Image credit: Courtesy of Debenhams, Byredo and Prada)
22. Confession time: how often do you clean your makeup brushes?
It depends on how many times I wear makeup during the week, but I aim for once a week.
23. What beauty rule do you always break?
Sometimes I forget to wear SPF, but I’m getting better at it!
24. Would you rather have ultra-skinny brows or bleached brows?
Probably bleached brows.
25. Which celebrity’s hair would you love to steal?
Honestly, I’m really loving my own hair more and more as I get older.
26. Which era of beauty inspires you most?
Probably the early ’00s or the ’90s, because the makeup was very soft but the type of cameras they used also helped with that. I just loved how naturally gorgeous all the women looked.
27. Eyelash curlers: love them or hate them?
As long as you know what you’re doing, I don’t mind them.
28. Best beauty hack?
Wait five minutes after your skincare routine before doing your makeup.
Shop Leomie Anderson’s Favourite Beauty Products:
Yves Saint Laurent
Loveshine High Shine Lipstick
Prada
Paradoxe Eau de Parfum
Weleda
Skin Food Original
Cosrx
Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
Armani
SÌ Passione Eau de Parfum
Dr. Barbara Sturm
The Better B Niacinamide Serum
Byredo
Slow Dance Eau de Parfum
Bioré
Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser
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