Milly Nolan, Beauty & Fashion Editor at MiNDFOOD

• Fresh out of law school but knowing she didn’t want to practice, Milly Nolan moved to Sydney and began a career as a journalist instead at Australian Gourmet Traveller, where she assisted both the Editor and the Art Director, getting a taste for both the written and the visual side of publishing. From here, she travelled to London where she worked for two years at Wallpaper* magazine helping produce the Wallpaper* City Guides, of which she wrote the one for Auckland. Returning to New Zealand in 2008, her dream came true when she landed the role of Beauty and Fashion Editor at MiNDFOOD magazine, which she still loves every minute of. We caught up with her at home …

Have you always been into beauty? Yes, I’ve always been a lotions and potions kind-of-girl.
What sort of products do you like using? I guess I am definitely leaning towards more natural products these days but I also really like them to be active. Especially now that I’m getting older – I really want ones that work (laughs). Being a beauty editor I am lucky in that I get to trial so many different products, so I tend to choose my favourite ones from a mixture of brands. Vitamin C and Vitamin E are an absolute must in my skincare routine. As is sunscreen of course!

Do you wear makeup every day? Yes, I do. Foundation is one of my ‘wouldn’t want to live without’ products. I tend to go for a fairly natural look during the day – I don’t wear much on the eyes at all apart from brown pencil liner and a few coats of mascara. I generally don’t wear eye shadow during the day but will always wear blusher and pink lips. For the evening, I do a smoky eye or a winged eye and then I just up the ante on the lipstick. If it’s for a special occasion, I’ll get my make-up done at Smashbox in Ponsonby as the make-up artists there are like magicians!

What’s your first makeup memory? Hmm, probably discovering eyeliner. I think that it can really transform the eye shape hugely as it helps widen the eyes and can make them look much more sultry – if that’s the look you are going for! Now, I find it hard to wear naked eyes sans eyeliner!

Any makeup faux pas that you remember growing up? One of my best friends would definitely say way too much blusher (laughs).

What about hair – are you fairly adventurous with cutting and colouring it? I’ve cried at the hairdresser plenty of times before – especially when I was younger. I think being a blonde who is naturally fairly mousey, it’s especially hard to get the perfect colour without it being too brassy or forever having dark roots. I wish I could achieve that blonde that kids have – you know, when it is naturally sunkissed from the sun? I did go brunette once before, which I loved for a change, but it only lasted for about six months before I wanted to be blonde again. I didn’t feel like me! Having fine hair means I’m pretty limited with cuts, so I guess I’ve always been a bit boring – I can never be too radical. My dream would be to have beautiful, luscious, thick locks! Actually, when I first started at MiNDFOOD in 2008, we were doing a shoot with celebrity hair stylist, Guy Kremer, who was here from Paris to judge the L’Oreal Colour Trophy Awards. We were a hair model short so I was popped in his chair, without being able to argue, and had my shoulder length hair cut into a chin-length bob with a very heavy, blunt fringe that sat across my eyebrows. I actually really loved it so maybe I’ll be brave enough to do it again next winter. I would not recommend having a fringe during summer!

What’s the main thing you have learned from being in the industry? I think the main thing with makeup is that less is more, you don’t want to look overdone or as if it is caked on. And then in terms of skincare – well it’s simple really, but I guess the main thing is to look after your skin from an early age and continue to do so by following the rules of cleansing, moisturizing and toning daily with added products such as serums and eye creams. And sunscreen must be worn daily, rain or shine. While genetics play a huge part, you can definitely maintain your youthful looks by being diligent and paying attention to your skin concerns.

Any makeup trends you’re keen on trying? I’m really glad that there is a return to hot pink and coral lips this summer. I love the look of lightly (fake!) tanned skin, minimal makeup and a bright coloured lip. This look takes you from the beach to a barbeque with ease.

What about nails? I prefer my nails round and quite short as I have naturally long nail beds. And I love OPI Axxium gels. I get my nails done at Magic Tan & Beauty every two weeks because that’s how long it lasts and it’s just a godsend. Meeting clients and attending launches and events without having chipped nails makes life so much easier! Cajun Shrimp (a red coral shade) is my all-time favourite, but I think I might branch out to more pastel tones this summer. I love the light, turquoise blue shades that are currently on trend.

Do you have a signature fragrance? I used to only ever wear the same fragrance – Angel by Thierry Mulger, which people either loved or hated on me! I’d even get compliments from strangers. But these days, I have many on the go thanks to the luxury of my job, so I wear them depending on my mood or the occasion. My current favourites are Marc Jacobs Daisy and Chanel Eau Tendre for the day and Narcisso Rodriguez for Her and Ellie Saab for the evening. I also love Jo Malone fragrances – especially the Pear and Freesia Cologne.

What would you tell the younger you if you could turn back time? I’ve always been pretty good with sunscreen, but I wish I had been even more diligent by staying out of the sun more. Although it’s so hard as who doesn’t love a sunkissed glow! Thank god for fake tan!