Since making her catwalk debut for Burberry in 2013 and becoming the first British Asian model to star in a campaign for the heritage brand, 21-year-old Neelam Gill has fast become one of the most in-demand faces in the fashion industry. She's walked for the likes of Dior, appeared in Kanye West's Yeezy show, and (watch out, Cara D) is the proud owner of two of the most dramatic brows in the business - making her role as ambassador for blinkbrowbar a natural match.
To mark Neelam's second campaign with blinkbrowbar, Grazia went behind the scenes on Neelam's shoot and quizzed the model of the moment on her beauty secrets. You can get a sneak peek in the video below...
What’s your earliest beauty memory?
My mum was always very glamorous so I remember driving down to Birmingham with her just so she could shop at MAC, as they didn't have one in my hometown. She'd be in there for hours so my sister and I would swatch the lipsticks on our hands.
What’s your skincare routine like? Will you be switching it up for winter?
I really swear by certain products. I used to switch up my skincare routine all the time, but now I only make subtle changes - using a heavy, rich moisturiser if my skin feels dry, or using an exfoliating scrub if I've had a long day shooting. I love Sarah Chapman’s cleanser (£40) and spot stickers (£22). A brand I’ve recently tried out and loved is Votary, I got it from Liberty and use the face oil (£65) before bed - it's literally transformed my skin. For masks I love anything by Sisley, and I also love the new Glam Glow mask.
Have you had any beauty nightmares along the way?
Definitely... I don't know why, but when I was about 13 I thought clumpy mascara looked really attractive. I would apply about 7 layers for school.
What’s your secret to perfect brows?
Keeping them clean and in shape. I don't wear a lot of makeup, so I always make sure my brows are threaded, as it helps frame my face.
How did the campaign with blinkbrowbar come about – was it fun to work on?
This is my second campaign with blinkbrowbar and working with them is always a pleasure. I feel so lucky to work with a brand that I genuinely adore, and everyone on the team is so sweet and lovely, it truly feels like family.
What would be your ‘desert island’ beauty essentials?
Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream - I hate chapped lips - and also my bbrowbar Brow Pencil. I love how it has a pencil on one end and the brush on the other to keep them in place.
Which beauty product always lifts your mood?
Lipstick! I'm currently loving the new Dior range of mattes (£26.50). The colours are great and the formula is one of my favourites - it stays on all day and doesn't dry your lips out.
What’s the best beauty tip or piece of advice you’ve picked up along the way?
Wendy Rowe always taught me to never apply foundation all over your face, only where you need it. For me she said just to apply it on my T-zone, then concealer under my eyes.
When you travel, what are your beauty essentials?
I take more skincare rather than makeup with me when I travel. My travel make-up kit is NARS foundation (£31) and creamy concealer (£22.50), YSL mascara, Dior lipgloss, bbrowbar Clear Brow Gel (£17), Tom Ford lipstick (£28) and eyeliner (£27), Kylie Lip Kit, Anastasia Beverly Hills highlighter in So Hollywood, Charlotte Tilbury blush (£30) and lash curlers (£18), and MAC bronzer (£22). I manage to fit everything into one small makeup bag!
Which songs are on your ‘getting ready’ playlist?
Rihanna - 'Needed Me'
Travis Scott - 'Three Ways'
Young Thug - 'Worth It'
Lil Wayne - 'Mr. Carter'
Whose make-up collection would you like to raid?
Hm... probably Rihanna's. Because she can pull off every look.
Neelam Gill is an ambassador for blinkbrowbar. www.blinkbrowbar.com