Our beauty editor caught up with the young, beautiful and insanely talented, Pearl Modiadie about beauty and being an ambassador for Aspire by Avon.
What was the first thing that came to mind when you got the call from Avon?
It wasn’t the first time they called me. Aspire was not the first product they wanted me to lead. After reading my life story – where I come from and how I got to where I am today – they saw it fitting for me to be the brand ambassador for their perfume. Every Avon product has a story and my life struggles gelled well with Aspire.
What was beauty to you growing up in a disadvantaged background?
I didn’t see beauty in my surroundings, so all I saw on TV was what I perceived as beauty. Beauty came in the form of big cars, flashy women, all the glitz and glam and that’s what I wanted for myself back then.
What do you love about yourself?
I love that being me is all I know to be and that’s what I am all the time. I’m in an industry where people change who they are and adopt a certain image of what they think others want to see. It’s very easy to be swayed and I am proud that I stayed the same regardless of my surroundings.
Knowing what you know now about beauty, what would you have done differently as a young girl?
I would have told myself to invest in inner beauty. I grew up loving the fact that people would tell me that I am beautiful, I cared about what others said and I forgot that it’s what I think that matters the most. Yes, people will talk but what matters the most is what you think.
Before Aspire came along, how did you choose your perfume?
The time of day determined the scent I went for. At night I preferred musky scents because they are stronger and deeper and tend to last longer. During the day I used a fresh, fruity scent but nothing spicy because I hated spicy. But as I grow older I realise that I often lean towards spicy scents and it feels weird, I guess it’s about maturity.
What beauty tips do you have to share?
Contouring should be every girl’s new beauty trick. I love this trend because it helps to highlight all the great features on your face and helps it have a natural sculptured look.
What is your favourite lip colour?
There are so many colours to play with but I love using bright colours like pink, orange and red during the day. Dark browns have made a huge comeback and they’re my favourite night-time shade this season.
What night-time routine do you swear by that keeps your hair fresh every day?
I wear iduku (doek/scarf) hey. I am old-school and don’t see why you should change what works.
Read more about Pearl Modiadie on our August issue
