OLIVIA PALERMO

Interview

Olivia Palermo

The fashion influencer talks about creating a beauty brand, being a female entrepreneur and her love of London

Words LUCIANA BELLINI Photography DAVID ROEMER

“I’ve always been very high-maintenance,” admits Olivia Palermo. “That’s never changed.” The American fashion tastemaker and entrepreneur is chatting to me over Zoom from her home in Dumbo, New York, which she shares with her husband, the dashing German model Johannes Huebl, and her beloved 16-year-old Maltese, Mr Butler. And those high maintenance tendencies she’s referring to are her intricate skincare and make-up routines, which she’s been honing since her teens. “I’ve always loved make-up, from a very young age, and I started going to a dermatologist when I was 14,” the 35-year-old explains, looking perfectly coiffed with freshly blow-dried hair and wearing a flowing printed boho-style dress from Chufy, the label designed by the Argentinian fashion consultant (and Palermo’s close friend) Sofia Sanchez de Betak. Naturally, her expertly applied make-up is flawless – “I’m an all-ornothing girl – either the make-up goes fully on or there’s no make-up at all” – and her skin is luminous. “I get a facial with Joanna Vargas or Dr. Dennis Gross once a week and see my dermatologist every three weeks, just to check in on my skin. My mother instilled from a very young age that you have your skin your entire life, and it’s very important that you take care of it. That’s always stayed with me.”

That close relationship with makeup and skincare has become even more important in her life recently, thanks to the latest release from the growing Olivia Palermo brand: Olivia Palermo Beauty. Launched in May this year and available to buy through her eponymous website, which features a mix of elegantly crafted editorials, Palermo-approved shopping guides and a digital beauty boutique, the vegan and cruelty-free range features a carefully curated beauty wardrobe of four matte lipsticks, two eyeshadow palettes – designed to capture that signature Palermo smokey eye – an illuminating serum and a mattifying mist. The collection is as elevated and elegant as you’d expected from a woman who has become synonymous with understated luxury, ever since she first arrived on the fashion scene over a decade ago. While she may have originally come to the world’s attention in MTV’s hit 2008 show The City, which focused on the personal and professional lives of a group of young New York socialites, including Palermo, she swiftly made the move from reality star to Fashion Week front-row staple and has never looked back. Known for her effortlessly chic approach to dressing – a glamorously preppy mix of camel coats, crisp white

shirts and tasteful knitwear – Palermo was a style influencer before Instagram was even invented (she now has over six million followers on the platform) and famously broke the internet in 2014 with her unconventional bridal look: a white cashmere sweater and tulle skirt worn over shorts, all designed by Carolina Herrera. Her trend-setting style has seen her collaborate with some of the fashion world’s biggest names, including creating her own line of footwear for Italian shoe label Aquazzura and working on an accessories collection with Aspinal of London, but it was her experience in the beauty world, where she has worked with the likes of La Mer, Bobbi Brown and Ciaté, that she drew on for this latest venture. “There has been a lot of build-up to this moment, almost “My mother instilled from a very young age that you have your skin your entire life, and it’s very three years in the making,” she says. “It wasn’t like I just woke up one day and said, ‘Yeah, I’m going to important that you take care of it. start a beauty brand.’” Their USP, she says, is

That’s always stayed with me" that she approached the beauty line in the

same way she approaches fashion. “We wear everyday looks – prêt-à-porter – so I wanted to play off that with Preta-Beauté,” says Palermo. “Whenever I work with clients, I always start with key pieces in their wardrobe, so that was what we did here, creating elevated basics that you can build into.” She cites glossy fashion editorials as a constant source of inspiration, as well as some of her talented pals. “When it comes to make-up, I’ve been super loyal to my girlfriends Charlotte Tilbury and Pat McGrath since they started their lines. They always have an incredible vision and talent for creating fantasy and glamour.”

There are plenty of personal Palermo touches throughout the collection, from the names of the colours, all taken from moments in her life (her eyeshadow, Seashell, was named after the sandy beaches of one of her favourite holiday spots, Ibiza, while her Chianti lipstick is a reference to her favourite red wine), to the reassuringly weighty metal cases, inspired by a vintage Art Deco bracelet she was given for her 21st birthday. “I’m so much about that luxury experience, so I wanted to bring that to the collection,” she says. “We thought it would be nice to give a nod to my gold chain bracelet that I’ve worn throughout the years, which people can identify with. Everything in the market right now is so lightweight and plasticky – I wanted to create a really heavy luxury product, something with old Hollywood glamour that you can have on your dressing table.”

But while the range draws on her own style references, Palermo insists she set out to create a line of products that was as inclusive as possible. “I was hypersensitive about that, making sure these products weren’t just suitable for me. We tested a lot of formulations to make sure all the colours suited multiple skin tones, and it was very important to me that there was something for everyone – my guys and my girls.” It was important to her to make sure the range was sustainable, too; every product was

to go into the details of every single thing we do, so I was very involved. I went back and forth with my head of product development for months to make sure we got everything right. And I have a very clear creative vision for just about every aspect of the brand.” That’s not to say she hasn’t had her challenges. The collection was supposed to launch last November, but due to the pandemic they decided to wait until the summer. “I always say patience is a virtue, and we had to be very patient, but it seemed right to be more thoughtful given world events.” Her biggest struggle? “Sticking to budget, definitely. You know, I have expensive taste. And I don’t really take no for an answer – there’s always a way to make things work.” Though like the rest of the world she’s been grounded for the last 18 months, Palermo usually spends plenty of time in London, “There has been a lot of build-up to this moment. It wasn’t like I just woke up whether it’s for her twiceannual visits to Fashion Week, where she is a front-row regular, to check in with her long-time one day and said, ‘Yeah, I’m agent, Karen Diamond at Models 1, or to visit going to start a beauty brand’" her best girlfriend, Sarah Harris, the Deputy Editor of British Vogue. “Sarah developed with non-toxic ingredients, has given me incredible suggestions formulated without parabens, sulfates, for beauty over the years, because phthalates or mineral oil, and all of the she and I are very similar in our highpackaging is entirely recyclable. “We try maintenance choices,” says Palermo. to make sure our products are as clean as “When I’m in London I love getting possible,” says Palermo. “It’s very much a manicure at DryBy on Mortimer what the market is demanding, so it’s Street, a facial at 111Skin and my hair important to listen to the customer.” done at Hershesons in Harvey Nichols.” Palermo relishes her role as a female Her favourite area to stay in is Notting entrepreneur, and says that she believes Hill – “some of my closest friends live this is the best moment to be in that there, so it’s like a second home to me” sphere. “I think with the current – where you’ll find her having dinner at climate, women’s empowerment e&o or strolling down Portobello Road. is more important than ever.” As a “I like going really early or really late, businesswoman, she is steely in her when they’re about to close up, because approach and not afraid to get stuck you can always spot things.” But for in with every element of the design now she’s happy in New York, working process. She’s particularly keen to make hard on the next range of colours set to it clear that this is not just another launch later in the year and cementing celebrity make-up range, or a licensing her ever-expanding empire. “I’m trying deal that she has simply stuck her name to build a beauty brand that will still be on. When I ask just how involved she around 50 years from now – this is a was, she gives a knowing laugh. “I like real labour of love.”

My Beauty Glossary

Olivia’s Daily Beauty Routine

From hero cleansers and nourishing serums to her top make-up picks, these are the products Olivia relies on to keep her looking at her very best, day and night

Morning Cleanse

Dr. Dennis Gross has been my dermatologist since I was 14, so his expert-recommended products are the basis of each day. Cleansing is an essential first step, so I always use a washcloth to clean my face in the morning. I’ll follow by using Dr. Dennis Gross All-in-One Cleanser (£29), which is also a multitasking toner for balance. If extra exfoliation is needed, I’ll swap for 111Skin Clinical Exfoliator (£95).

Serum Saviours

I rely a lot on my trusty serums and emulsions – my daily go-to’s are 111Skin Celestial Black Diamond Emulsion (£450) and Serum (£360) and my Olivia Palermo Beauty Primetime Illuminating Serum (£30) which has a beautiful pearly lavender tone to it and highlights without looking dewy, which I love.

The Power of Rose Quartz

Lately, I’ve been using the Gulsha Rose Quartz Facial Massage Plate (£66) and then the Knesko Skin Rose Quartz Roller ($80) along with my serum to really help the ingredients absorb into my skin. These steps are so cooling and leave me feeling refreshed.

Hydration Highlights

I use Dr. Dennis Gross Hyaluronic Marine Oil-Free Moisturiser (£59) and I’m a huge fan of The Rich Cream from Augustinus Bader (£205) – it’s a beauty editor’s favourite for a reason – it really delivers incredible hydration. Dr. Sturm’s Eye Cream (£110) is fantastic and definitely helps if I haven’t had enough water or sleep the night before.

Sunscreen Superstar

I try to stay out of the sun as much as possible during the summer but if I do venture out to catch some rays, I make sure I’m protected using Dr. Dennis Gross All-Physical Lightweight Wrinkle Defense Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30 (£46), which is oil-free and super blendable.

Signature Scent

I’ve worn Annick Goutal’s Vent de Folie for years, but since they’ve discontinued it I’ve been looking for a new signature fragrance that my husband also likes, because it’s really important to me that any scent I wear, my husband loves it, too. I’ve been trying a few different Aerin Lauder perfumes and my current favourite is Waterlily Sun (£99), a gorgeous floral scent that is very fresh and green.

Lip Service

My lipstick of the moment is my Olivia Palermo Beauty Matte Liptick in Poppy (£38), which we just launched. I’ve always worn a bold red and my aunt has worn red lipstick for her whole life, so in terms of the colour I had a very clear idea of what I wanted. Poppy is infused with a hint of orange for an extra pop – it’s my take on a classic red. We tested out lots of different shades and chose a corally red that works across a wide spectrum of skin tones that could be worn to the beach or the office.

Finishing Touch

I always top off any make-up look with a spritz of my Olivia Palermo Beauty Pre-Show Mattifying Mist setting spray (£35). It’s great for keeping your make-up in place and gives you a matte finish but still with a healthy glow that works for day or night. It’s got a lovely rosewater scent to it, but nothing too heavy – I wanted to keep it light and fresh, because I find heavily fragranced products can be very invasive.

Nightly Prep

At night, I’ll remove my make-up with Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water(£16.10), then wash my face with one of my Dr. Dennis Gross cleansers, before using Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel(£19) that comes with two clarifying steps to keep my skin smooth and clear.

Masks & Treatments& Treatments

I’m a big face-mask fan and alternate between my favourite masks a few times a week. I adore the Sisley Black Rose Mask(£119), which you apply for ten minutes and then rinse. Before any virtual events or meetings, I’ll throw a sheet mask on to give my face an added jolt. Joanna Vargas Twilight Face Mask(£60) gives an amazing glow and leaves my skin really soft, SK-II Facial Treatment Mask (£82) is great for intensive hydration and Charlotte Tilbury’s Instant Magic Dry SheetMask(£18) is a self-care staple.

Evening Wind- Down

I like to burn a scented candle at night –Diptyque Baies (£49) is a classic. I’ve noticed incredible results from light therapy treatments, so before I’m ready to head to bed, I’ll use the Dr. Dennis Gross FaceWare Pro LED mask (£430), which helps boost collagen production. Recently, I’ve been experimenting with facial massage with a few different cool products from FaceGym. I really like their Multi-Sculpt Tool (£45), which is designed to reduce facial tension and release blockages in the muscles. But I always use tools in moderation and not too often, being careful not to mark the skin. Remember, it’s important to treat both your body and skin with extra kindness, now and always.

Olivia Palermo Beauty is available from oliviapalermo.com