Estée Lalonde is pretty much the girl every girl wants to be.
She’s cool, she’s fashionable, she’s well-travelled and she’s in-the-know about everything – from the latest raw food recipe to where to pick up the best vintage finds in Paris. (TOLD YOU you’d want to be her!) And 1.5 million people obviously feel the same way, given the number of people who subscribe to her YouTube channels.
It’s a total no-brainer that she’s now a published author – of Bloom, a guide to life and style where she shares her stories, insider tips and favourite products. On the eve of the book’s release, FQ chatted to Estée about her career, her wardrobe and how she gets to live her dream job every day (lucky lady):
FQ: If you had to summarise yourself in one sentence (or two), how would you do it?
Estée Lalonde: I’d say I’m a loyal person with a desire to learn about new things. I’m quite curious and chatty and I love the little things!
What’s been the biggest life lesson you’ve had?
Always trust your gut.
How did you get into vlogging?
My boyfriend Aslan was the one who really encouraged me to get into vlogging. Of course, as a blogger I regularly watched YouTubers, but for a long time I was too scared to start making my own. I remember the first time I sat down in front of a camera I just froze! It was hard to get used to, but once I got past that initial hurdle and published my first video I decided I didn’t have anything to lose.
What’s been your biggest ‘pinch me’ moment so far?
It sounds cliche but I think everyday is a ‘pinch me’ moment for me. I’m so grateful to be able to do what I love everyday and call it my job so I try to make a conscious effort to make sure that I never take that for granted. But if I had to choose one moment, I would probably say that the launch of my book, Bloom, is my biggest ‘pinch me’ moment in my career so far. Ever since I can remember it’s always been a dream of mine to write a book, so the fact that there is a physical object out there with all my words and pictures in it just absolutely BLOWS MY MIND.
If you weren’t doing what you’re doing right now, what would be your dream job?
I think if I wasn’t doing what I’m doing right now I would probably be doing something in interior design. Saying that, I have my own taste in design so I don’t think I would be very good at listening to a client’s preferences, so I’m not entirely sure which route I would take. To be honest, I couldn’t imagine doing anything other than what I do right now, I just love my job so much and I’m eternally grateful to be able to say that.
It’s my bae’s birthday today! Go show her some major love!! @amelialiana
A photo posted by Estée Lalonde (@esteelalonde) on
What is that one item in your wardrobe that you cannot seem to throw away?
My friends and family will know that I’m a self-confessed hoarder, so there were a couple of items in my wardrobe that sprung to mind when I read this question. I keep telling myself that if I’ve had something for a year and haven’t worn it, then chances are I never will and I should probably throw it away…but that’s not an easy thing to do for someone like me. Lots of things in my wardrobe have sentimental value, so there’s probably no chance that I’ll ever be getting rid of those. Something I probably should get rid of is my favourite comfy sweater. Unless it’s in the wash, I put this baby on every.single.evening. It’s loose fitting, super soft and without a doubt the comfiest thing I own, I’ll probably still be wearing this when I’m 80 years old.
Your favourite city in the world is London – what are your top 5 musts?
I’ve lived in London for almost seven years now, so I like to think of myself as somewhat of a local. Having been born and raised in snowy Canada, I never would have imagined that somewhere else on the globe could feel as homely to me as London does. Despite my self proclaimed Londoner status, I still stop and stare in awe whenever I see Big Ben. Sometimes the best place to be a tourist is your own town, that way you really force yourself to notice things that you might never have noticed before. If you’re stopping by London on a visit one weekend, I would for sure recommend that you go and see all the famous landmarks, there’s something about mingling with all the other tourists from around the globe that make you appreciate just how beautiful this city really is.
Also make sure you stop by Notting Hill on a Saturday to check out the Portobello markets for some super cute vintage finds. Head to Liberty of London for a spot of shopping and a well-deserved afternoon tea pit stop. Stop by the Barbican Conservatory for some much needed escapism. Then finish off your day with a trip to Bone Daddies in Soho for the most delicious ramen that will ever pass your lips.
Where are your favourite places to shop in Paris?
That’s a tough one! I looooove to go hunting for vintage pieces in Paris and whenever I take a trip to the city I almost always come back with a few new second hand pieces to add to my wardrobe. There’s something about slipping on a silky patterned shirt that I’ve found in a Parisian vintage store that makes me feel like the epitome of chic. Coco Chanel eat your heart out.
What are the next travel destinations on your bucket list and why?
I don’t really have a bucket list, but I do like to keep a list of places that I’m really keen to visit and explore. Aslan and I have been interested in hiking for a while now, so we’re hoping to plan a visit to somewhere in the UK that we’ve never been before, maybe somewhere in Scotland or Cornwall, who knows? Although I’ve lived in London for seven years now, I’m still yet to explore the length and breadth of the UK and I know that there are so many beautiful places to see and things to do, so that’s something I’m really keen to explore in the coming year. We’re also going to Japan in the Spring!
What does your beauty routine consist of?
My viewers will know that I’m not one of those people who likes to spend hours in front of the mirror in the mornings, ain’t nobody got time for that! I’m all about simple, easy, stress-free makeup and I always feel like the best version of myself when I have a minimal face, so I try to choose products that don’t mask my skin or cover up my imperfections, but instead accentuate the bits about myself that I like the most. I hate using heavy, full coverage foundations, so I usually start my base by using my favourite Garnier BB cream, it’s super lightweight and easy to apply and just helps to even out my skin tone. If it’s a weekend I’ll just add a dusting of blush to my cheeks, curl my lashes and brush through my brows, then I’ll finish with a dab of highlighter to the tops of my cheekbones and the top of my nose for a subtle glow.
If you had to wear only one lipstick for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Hmm…that’s a tough one. I think if I was only allowed to wear one lipstick for the rest of my life it’d have to be a shade that was very versatile; something that had the ability to add a put-together vibe to my favourite day-to-day jeans and tee combo, but could also be the finishing touch to a more dressed up outfit. For me, that shade will always be ‘Sexy Sienna’ by Charlotte Tilbury. In my eyes, it’s the perfect colour; a flattering coral nude with an edge. Its subtle hint of coral adds some vibrance to my look and always helps to brighten up my complexion. I love it.
How do you deal with haters?
I’ve always believed that the best way to deal with negative energy is to simply ignore it. When someone says something or writes something with the sole intention of hurting your feelings, the worst thing you can do is to acknowledge it. Negative people will always feed off of your reaction, so I try to just let it slide and move on with my day.
What is your favourite recipe?
It’s a known fact that I’m not the best at cooking, it’s just something that has never come naturally and never will. It’s no secret that this trait has most definitely been passed down to me by my Mum, who is equally as bad as I am at throwing together a good meal. If there’s one thing I can do well though, it’s make banana bread. I don’t know why out of all the recipes in the world, banana bread is the one that I’ve got down to a tee, but if there was any recipe I am glad to be able to finesse, it’s this one. Aslan and I can’t get enough of this stuff, it’s just SO.DAMN.GOOD. We often find ourselves racing each other to the oven to get the first slice of that warm, cakey goodness. I’m not saying I’m going to drop everything and give up my career to enter myself into the Great British Bake Off, but my recipe is pretty much the definition of delicious.
- Bloom, by Estée Lalonde is available now. Published by Ebury Press. RRP $45.00.
