Lulu Guinness: ‘I’d like to ban the word ‘pamper”

Quintessentially British, iconic and especially loved by Irish women who have been collecting her quirky handbags and accessories for years, Lulu Guinness is famed for the lips she adornes on all her work. She’s recently collaborated with ghd on their annual pink collection, lending her signature lips to a special edition styler and Air hairdryer, whereby €10 from every purchase goes to The Irish Cancer Society’s Action Breast Cancer programme. MELANIE MORRIS caught up with Lulu at the launch in London.

Sum up your brand in three words.

My brand Lulu Guinness is iconic, ironic and British.

What does your iconic lip print symbolize?

The lip that is the icon of my brand all came from me wearing bright, red lipstick every day, which became a signature look for me. I don’t change my look from day to night. Signature is signature, and for me, it’s always a red lip. Bringing the lips to the special edition ghd styler has been really exciting. I love the subtlety of every pink we’ve used, and I think the finished result is very pretty. As this partnership is supporting breast cancer charities, we chose a pink lip. I have even started wearing pink lipstick for the first time ever.

How would you describe your style?

I think it’s important to dress to flatter yourself and don’t follow trends, dress to make the most of what you’ve got. Now I have launched clothing I tend to only wear my own brand. I designed a lot of dresses that suit my shape.

What’s the best piece of fashion advice you’ve been given?

Trust your gut and dress in your own style.

What is the most money you’ve ever spent on an item of clothing?

I can’t remember how much it was, but it was a John Rocha embroidered dress and it was beautiful.

How big is your wardrobe?

Well, you can walk into it, let’s put it that way.

Who is your style icon?

Elsa Schiaparelli.

What’s your number one beauty tip/secret?

Sleep! I have to sleep for sanity and to switch off, as well as to look good.

What are your top five beauty products that you can’t live without?

• Hourglass foundation for perfect coverage.
• Lilly Lolo mascara to lengthen my lashes and open up my eyes.
• Delilah Pure Light highlighter for a sheer natural glow.
• Delilah Floozy lipstick. As I say, I always wear a red lip.
• The NEW ghd x Lulu Guinness Air Hairdryer with the diffuser attached. It’s my daily go-to for perfect volume.

What’s your skincare regime?

By Terry products are my favourite skincare products. The Cellularose micellar water is so good at getting rid of my make-up and I try to get facials as regularly as I possibly can. I was recently recommended to go and see Jasmina Vico in Marylebone, and she works wonders.

What beauty advice have you passed onto your daughters?

It’s a classic one, but take your make-up off every evening. It is so important. Also, be happy and confident. Love yourself; project your best bits and disguise the ones you’re not happy with. Both my daughters have good lips and eyes, which I encourage them to show off.

Which other women do you think are beautiful?

I love all the old movie stars, but I also love natural beauty. Beauty comes from self-confidence and happiness.

What is your signature fragrance?

Anything Diptyque. I like to get the new one for the season when they are released.

How do you pamper yourself?

Firstly, I’d like to ban the word ‘pamper’. Beauty regimes are hard work and pamper is a word that irritates me. To relax, I have a bath. Baths are essential for me to unwind and they give me the time to think.

What’s your hair regime and how do you keep it in good condition?

Making sure I keep on top of my roots and always blow-drying using a diffuser for volume and bounce.

Tell us about your history with ghd.

I first heard about ghd through my daughters. Getting the new ghd styler was so exciting for them; it was like getting an iPhone for Christmas or birthdays. It seemed that everyone needed a ghd. They were the only straighteners to have. I’ve been using the ghd Air hairdryer (with the diffuser attached) for years. I use it every day to style my hair, and now I have one that I designed myself, which I love.

Why did you want to get involved in the ghd pink charity campaign?

This is a moment in history for me as it’s ghd’s first ever fashion brand partnership. The ghd annual pink collection is so iconic and has raised an incredible amount of money for breast cancer charities globally – over £10 million to date. I am thrilled to be a part of the campaign this year and hope that my design helps to raise even more valuable money for charity. What particularly appealed to me about working with a breast cancer charity is that it’s a women’s charity. And really, my mission in life through my brand is to cheer women up; give them a moment of humour when maybe they’re going through a difficult time, and to feel pretty and feminine.

The special edition Lulu Guinness ghd gold hair styler, €169 and Air hairdryer, €129, is available now from Peter Mark salons nationwide and at ghdhair.com