Stella Maxwell is a name that five years ago you might have not known, but fast forward to 2017 and she’s been named as one of the biggest models in the world. She has walked in countless fashion shows including Balmain, Dolce & Gabbana, Moschino, and of course the jaw-dropping Victoria’s Secret show back in November. To add to that she's made Maxim’s top 100 sexiest women in the world, been scouted as the latest Max Factor muse (following Candice Swanepoel) and all while keeping her 2.3 million Instagram followers updated on her jet-set lifestyle.
But what does it take to get to the top in one of the most competitive industries in world? Grazia’s Associate Beauty Editor, Sam Freedman, sits down with 26-year-old blonde bombshell to find out what it’s really like to be a VS angel, who she looks up to, and how she really combats a bad blemish…
You’ve had an extremely busy 12 months, you must be absolutely shattered...
Yeah kind of, but you get used to being exhausted.
It must be hard to pick, but what would you say has been the biggest highlight for you?
The Victoria's Secret show was a definite highlight for me. I have been shooting more and more for their catalogues and then the show came up, and luckily I got to do it. I also got to be in Maxim’s top 100 sexiest woman alive, which was pretty major.
When you first found out that you were doing the VS show, who was the first person you told?
I think I called my parents to tell them that I got it. They were so proud.
How do you prepare for it?
I’ve actually been working out more in general, and I’ve become much stronger and more athletic since working with the brand. Rather than just working out for two weeks before a show, I now work all year on my body. I do a lot of yoga and I have a personal trainer, so any chance I have after a job, or before, I’ll go to the gym and train. Sometimes it’s not hard-core, it could just be a yoga class which is more just meditation and stretching.
Photograph: @stellamaxwell
How did you get into yoga?
I started about six months ago. I had tried a couple of classes, but what really got me into it was being on a Victoria Secret’s swim trip, where they wanted to film this sequence where we were doing yoga. In all honesty, I totally freaked out, and just thought to myself, ‘how am I going to do this!’ So all the models started doing yoga classes with Candice [Swanepoel] leading, I was terrible, but looking back it’s quiet funny, because I can actually do yoga now.
Do you take any supplements for your skin and hair?
I like to take wellness pills, just for general health and to stop me from getting sick. I also take a fish oil supplement which is great for hair and nails.
You’ve worked with some amazing teams and glam squads, who has been your favourite?
I had an amazing shoot with Max Factor in London recently, it was my first shoot with them since becoming an ambassador. It was shot by Ellen Von Unwerth, and Wendy Rowe did the make-up - we had a blast. It was four days of craziness and a lot of different looks, but it was so much fun that I didn’t even really notice the time. Ellen’s so energetic and fun, and Wendy’s so creative.
Tell us about your skin care regime. Are you quite strict with what you do?
I try to get facials as often as I can to let my skin breathe. Obviously I’m working a lot so it’s hard, but I try to use face and eye masks a lot. I like to put the eye patches on, then slather my face mask over the top. I don’t have a particular brand I love, but there’s a Korean supermarket in Soho, New York where I get them.
Before a big event or shoot do you try any extreme treatments?
Just a good facial - something exfoliating, nothing too special. I like something that will make me glow.
What is in your make-up bag at the moment?
I love the [Max Factor} Miracle Touch Foundation, £12.99, and the Epic Lash Mascara, £11.99, both were used at the VS show. I love this mascara because it’s so great for adding amazing thickness, and the wand has a little crown at the tip which helps you get into the little corners you always miss. I also love the little pots of cream blush from Max Factor [Miracle Touch Creamy Blusher, £6.99] and the felt-tip liner [Masterpiece High Precision Liquid Eyeliner, £7.99], which is great for creating an easy cat-eye flick, that just looks good on every girl.
What has been your best beauty tip you’ve learnt since you’ve been modelling?
I like highlighter a lot. A little highlighter in the corners of your eye really opens them up, and just above the cupid’s bow will make your lips look bigger. Also anything that helps to rise your face, so an eyeliner flick, or mascara. I think everyone looks a bit better and more awake when key features look more lifted.
Who would you turn to first for beauty advice?
Usually I’d ask a make-up artist, because they know pretty much everything there is about skincare. Wendy [Rowe] is full of knowledge and Tom Pecheux and Pat McGrath, who I work with a lot during fashion weeks always help me out, especially when I have a break out or dry patches from flying.
What’s your solution to a bad breakout?
I really like Mario Badescu Drying Lotion, £14, it comes in a little pink bottle, and when you put it on a spot, or if you feel one coming, it totally dries it out.
If you weren’t modelling, what would you be doing?
I try to never think about that, because I always believe that everything happens for a reason. But I was studying psychology and university, so maybe I would have gone down that route.
What is your 2017 New Year’s resolution?
To take more time for myself, and just hang out with my friends as I never get time to see them anymore.
Having followed in Candice’s footsteps, has she given you any tips for your career?
In my last two years of modelling I’ve really watched what other models have been doing when they’re on shoots. Candice is really amazing and watching her is sensational. She really knows what she’s doing and does it so well.
Do you have any other role models that you look up to?
All of the VS girls are pretty inspirational. It really gets you motivated for your own career when you see how long these other girls have had their careers for. Adriana said this is her sixteenth show as an Angel, which is amazing. It just gives me motivation to see how strong a good modelling career can be. You become your own brand.
Do you think social media and Instagram is a big player in creating your own brand?
I think it does, but I don’t think it changes how well you model. It definitely has its benefits because it’s great to promote modelling work, as well as you and your own personality. And hopefully I can use it to help other people too - I think it’s nice to see people with big followings do charity work and reach out to so many people in one go. I love that.
Stella Maxwell is the new face of Max Factor, for more information on the products Max Factor products mentioned, visit www.boots.com/Max-Factor
READ MORE: Stella Maxwell: Everything You Need To Know About The Victoria's Secret Angel