Just signed with DLM, our in-house beauty editor, Mikele Simone talks lube, lipstick and nipple cream.

TJ: The one thing in your kit you couldn’t live without?

MS: A good moisturiser!

I usually like a quite thick and balmy texture where I can heat it up between my fingertips and press it on the skin. At the moment I love Creme De La Mer, the texture is super creamy but when it’s warmed up and applied on the skin it leaves the most beautiful glow which allows all my other products to glide on evenly. It’s also a great moisturiser to quickly remove any dry patches.

TJ: The strangest thing you’ve ever used on skin?

MS: Weirdest story, but a model once brought personal lubricant with her to a shoot, demanding I use it as primer…. end of story!

TJ: Can you reveal your best kept beauty secret?

MS: Sleep, even though I don’t get as much as I should! I do think it works wonders, not only for your skin but also for the brain and soul!

Also steam! Whether in the shower or a steam room, it’s great to cleanse our pores and sweat out the toxins in your skin!

I always have really hot showers. That’s my secret to good skin.

TJ: What is the most unexpected thing in your kit?

MS: A torch. You just never know when the power might go out on location or extra light is needed! The show must go on, no matter what happens.

TJ: Do you have a favourite shade of red?

MS: Tough one! My old favourite is M.A.C Ruby Woo, of course! It’s a fool proof red that suits almost everyone. It also lasts really well so there’s little touching up to be done!

I also love Marc Jacobs Le Marc Lip Creme in Candy Apple Red, it’s a little more hydrating and the name is catchy!

Another fave is Benefits Benetint – so bright in the bottle but it gives the most beautiful stain on lips and cheeks and smells like roses.

TJ: What do you think your kit says about you as an artist?

MS: Clean, professional and expensive! I love luxury products so a lot of people go through my kit and have a good look at what I have.

I like things to be really clean so I sterilise everything continuously and even wipe the outside of each product with alcohol.

I’ve learnt how to downsize my kit for my regular editorial jobs… It’s been amazing for my back and the bank.

TJ: Is there a product you use in a non-traditional way?

MS: Nipple cream makes an awesome lip balm, especially for lips that are cracked and sore. It instantly soothes and hydrates. At first, models look at me funny but then they understand how good it is!

View Mikele’s portfolio here.