Why Authenticity Is My Greatest Beauty Secret

You'd probably expect a make-up artist to tell you about the one product or the one technique that changes everything. But honestly, my biggest beauty secret isn't a product. It's being yourself. Sounds like a big word, I know. Let me explain what I mean.

Make-up should reveal you, not hide you

When I trained at Art of Colors in Amsterdam, it was never about changing a face completely. It was about bringing out the best in someone. That's still how I work today. The most beautiful make-up in the world means nothing if you don't recognise yourself anymore. For me, a look works when you look even more like you. Just on the day you feel your best.

What my path taught me

I didn't come the usual way. I come from pole dance, a world where strength, expression and showing who you are mean everything. On stage, there's nowhere to hide. That's where I learned that what makes you shine isn't being perfect. It's feeling confident. I take that into every look I do.

Perfection is overrated

Every day we scroll past endless edited photos. Flawless skin, perfectly symmetrical faces, not one hair out of place. But you know what actually catches people's eye? Real. A smile that's genuine. A look that shows who you are. The little things that make you, you.

• •Your freckles aren't a flaw. They're your signature.
• •That little asymmetry in your face is what makes you recognisable.
• •Your expressions say more than any foundation ever could.

How to find your authenticity

Being yourself doesn't mean skipping make-up. It means wearing it in a way that feels like you.

• •Don't ask "What's on trend right now?". Ask "What feels like me?"
• •Wear the red lipstick if it makes you feel strong. Not because someone told you it suits you.
• •And give yourself days with no make-up at all. That's a statement too.

My tip: in the morning, stand in front of the mirror and do just enough that you want to smile at yourself. No more, no less.

The real luxury

For me, real luxury isn't the most expensive lipstick. It's feeling completely like yourself. When you feel good in your skin, people see it, and no product in the world can do that for you. That's why being yourself is my biggest beauty secret. Best part? It costs nothing, and you always have it with you.