Russian supermodel Natasha Poly made her runway debut in 2004 and is now** **one of the most powerful supers in the business, with campaigns for the likes of Alexander Wang, Michael Kors and Mercedes. We caught up with Natasha to talk about her style, beauty regime and her work outs...
How do you find being on the red carpet?
'I like it because it's not just like getting ready for dinner, you get to play and be more creative. I like people who aren't scared to try new things on the red carpet. If you do the same thing all the time it gets very boring.'
What beauty products do you like using?
'I am more into really good skincare because of wearing so much makeup for work. Every night I use the clarisonic machine to really cleanse and then I use Extraordinary Oil from L'Oreal which gives a full night of moisturising and recovery. In the morning I use a dry oil. I use basic makeup to cover up my skin if I have under eye bags and I like to have my skin very matte. I recently discovered UnFadable foundation from L'Oreal which lasts for 24 hours.'
How often do you work out?
'I try to work out every day, even if it's just 15 minutes or half an hour before a shoot to give me a lot of energy. I try to do different things, or else I get bored. I'll do kick boxing or an ab work out or cardio or just swimming. I love to be active.'
You've done the Victoria's Secret Show, how did you get in shape for that?
'It was different before when I did it - not like the super work outs. I was a lot younger so I didn't need to work out as much - the last show I did some more exercise but nothing very serious with trainers. But now if I have a swimwear shoot or underwear campaign I am working two weeks before with intense work outs.'
How do you keep yourself motivated?
'I go online to try and find new work outs or exercises I haven't done yet. Or really cool house music always gives me more energy. If I really don't feel like it I put my sports clothes on and see how I feel, and then if I still don't feel like it I won't do it.'
What is your advice for aspiring models?
'You have to really believe in yourself and find a good agency who have a lot of connections. It's a lot about team work and you have to find an agent who believes in you so it's like a double power. Don't give up and follow your dream. I never knew I'd make it so big, but in the beginning I really enjoyed every second of shooting. I didn't care about money, it was all about the experience. I really studied the industry and that helped me a lot.'
What would you think if your daughter wanted to get into modelling...
'She's three years old, but she knows how to pose which is very funny. If she wanted to do it I would support and guide her through and offer her advice for whatever she'd like to do.'
Does she come on set with you?
'Yes so many times, she's obsessed with it! She wants to touch and try all the brushes and makeup!'
Tell us about your Mercedes shoot...
'It was like a superhero movie - I felt very powerful and it was very cool. The dress and hair and makeup helped me to feel like I had super powers.'
*Watch Natasha Poly in the Mercedes-Benz campaign below... *