Brazilian model Luma Grothe dishes her favourite beauty buys

Luma Grothe. She’s one of those people who almost looks too pretty to be real. The Brazilian model has made a serious mark in the modelling industry, walking the runways in Paris, New York and Milan and appearing in some major campaigns for brands like Vivienne Westwood, Burberry and Versace – just to name a few! And now, she’s the face of Paco Rabanne’s latest fragrance release, Olympea Legend.

We recently caught up with the busy model for an exclusive chat about her career, favourite beauty products and more.

On what it’s like being the face of Paco Rabanne Olympea Legend…

“It’s so amazing to be part of this. Olympea has always been such a big part of my womanhood, in the sense that I’ve discovered myself so much as a strong female - I took so much inspiration from her. Olympea Legend is all about doing what makes you feel good and embodying power. I think what we hoped with the Olympea fragrance is that people would feel empowered and beautiful the way they are.” 

On her favourite type of fragrance…

“Since I was little, I’ve always looked for something that is fruity or sweet. I always think you should have something that matches your personality in a way – only you will know what’s right for you. And since I started working with Paco Rabanne, I’ve always worn Olympea. It really matches my personality.”  

On the highlight of her career…

“I think Paco Rabanne has definitely been my highlight, because it has opened so many doors for me. This whole experience has just been so amazing, and I won’t forget it. I think it’s called ‘Legend’ because it’s unforgettable, which is what legends are. And when you look at the images, they’re quite striking.”

On what’s next career-wise… 

“I’m actually really focusing on my studies right now – I’m studying acting [in New York]. I’ve been doing this for two months now and then in September I’m starting a two-year course. And probably after the two years, I’ll do the four-year course. So yeah, there are some long years ahead of me, but I’m trying to master it of course, day-by-day and enjoying the process of it.”

On how she’d rate her obsession with beauty… 

“Maybe a seven or a six? I don’t know. When I’m not working I like to keep it simple. Sometimes I don’t even do my hair to go to school. But when I’m going out with my friends I like to dress it up a bit.” 

On three beauty products she’s loving at the moment…

“Lip Tint in Oil from L’Oréal – it’s easy to find in the pharmacy. I love it because first you put it on and when the oil dries, it leaves a little bit of colour and looks so natural. It gives you really healthy-looking lips, and just makes them look really juicy. I love liquid blush for the same reason, because it looks like I’m not wearing anything but I just look healthy. I use the L’Oréal Paris BB Magique Blush. All these products are really accessible and easy to find in the pharmacy. And sunscreen - I do not live without it! I don’t leave the house without wearing sunscreen – ever. I always look for the ones with the least ingredients, and something biodegradable as well, so it’s good for the ocean.” 

On growing up in Brazil…

“Growing up in Brazil was actually kind of tough for me because in my town, I was always very different from everyone else. So, people thought I was very exotic, but not beautiful. I never felt beautiful – Brazil has a very different stereotype for beauty and I think it still does. Which is great, I think. I had to embrace myself and be happy with what was on the inside and not care so much about what I looked like.” 

On her secret to being so confident in front of the camera… 

“I think it’s more of a personality thing – after 10 years of modelling, I have worked with people who are supposed to be the most beautiful in the world, and I realised that what makes a person really beautiful – and I’m not just saying this, I really mean it – is how intelligent they are, their sense of humour, their smile and their confidence. There’s so many factors that make a person attractive. And I think the physical is not one of them.”

On her everyday beauty routine… 

“My beauty routine in the morning is very simple. I usually wash my face and then massage it to wake it up. I do like using those little jade rollers, because they make my skin feel tighter! I think my routine at night is the most important, because that’s when I clean my face really well. I use toners, open up the pores and clean them. I spend more time at night cleaning my skin and moisturising it before bed. For me, this is the most important time, because your skin is more active at night. I have a very good dermatologist so he gives me most products that I need, but I do use an exfoliator called Go 360 [L’Oréal Paris Go 360 Clean Deep Exfoliating Scrub] and then I’ll use an oil-free moisturiser. Always oil-free for me, otherwise I’ll get a lot of pimples. I’m 25 now, I take good care of my skin, but I do get hormonal breakouts!”

Looking for some tips on how to get rid of breakouts? Check out the best treatments to get hormonal acne under control. 

What are the skin care rules you swear by? Let us know in the comment section below.

Main image credit: @thelumagrothe