there were rumblings in France back in March that Karlie Kloss was “worth it.” L’Oréal Paris posted a suspicious photo of the American model alongside Lara Stone and Liya Kebede to its Instagram account. While the beauty giant didn’t confirm (nor deny) that Kloss was part of the family, I saw the writing on the wall. As of today, however, I’m happy to report that it’s official. Along with Nike and Victoria’s Secret, the St. Louis supe has landed herself yet another big brand. “It’s a dream,” said Kloss. “I’ve had the privilege of working for the past seven years, and if I’ m totally honest, toward this.” Not that earning her wings on the VS runway meant nothing—those were also a to-do: “On my list I had a number of things, some I can’t tell you because they’re so embarrassing—I think I said marry somebody ridiculous,” laughed the catwalker of the “life dreams” she jotted down in high school. “But I had L’Oréal, American Vogue, and Victoria’s Secret.” Check, check, and check. Here, the model and social media darling sat down exclusively with Style.com to discuss her best advice for beating jet lag (hint: sneakers are involved), the Parisian snack she smuggles through customs, and the bestie she’s dubbed Chef Boyardee.
What are the top three beauty rules you abide by?
My rules are very simple. I am constantly having makeup and hair products put on and taken off, so for me, my rules are to just take the day off every night before I go to bed—no matter how late. I make sure I really cleanse and get everything off, so skincare is key. I try to moisturize to keep my skin and hair in its best condition, but even more than what I do in that sense, I really try to take care of myself in every way possible—that’s why I’m so passionate about fitness and health. I think it trickles down to every other aspect of beauty: your skin and hair quality, how you feel, and your energy.
I'm sure you have a few must-have products and beauty strategies up your sleeve at this point.
I multitask when I’m in the shower: I brush my teeth and I cleanse. I use a Clarisonic with a mild cleanser, and really that’s it. But then for my hair, there’s this one conditioner and shampoo that volumizes [ L’Oréal Paris Volume Filler Thickening Shampoo and Conditioner].
I believe your fellow blond and spokesperson Blake Lively likes that one, too.
It’s so good. My hair has taken a beating through the years, so it helps plump it up. Plus, it smells really good.
Speaking of your hair, did you know Garren cutting it into the bob—which is now known simply as “The Karlie”—would be such a big deal?
Not in the slightest. I never cut my hair—I had baby, virgin hair—and I was really traumatized! Garren will tell you, I cried when he cut my hair! It was a total shock. I had not planned for it to become a thing, but I think for me, it was fun to experiment. And I just went blond recently.
Is the saying true—are you having more fun as a blond?
Well, I did it right at the beginning of summer. So this whole summer, I’ve been having more fun because of my blond hair—I’m convinced. I was hesitant about it at first, but I think the blond worked with a tan. I’m always basic with my makeup, and have always stuck to a little bit of blush, a great mascara, and really moisturized skin. I feel like blond accentuates your eye color and the quality of your skin really stands out. I’ve had to just adjust how I do makeup, and outfit-wise, I think it just sort of changes the way that you feel. I don’t know what it is, but when you have a great hair day, you just have an extra pep in your step.
No doubt. It appears that your cut influenced the celebrity crowd, too—including your friend Taylor Swift. Has she taught you any good beauty tips?
She does a killer red lip. I’ll give that girl credit. She can whip a red lip on like nobody else, and it’s amazing. Even if we’re working out, she’ll have on this gorgeous red lip. She’s not human!
Are you ever tempted to wear a red lip to the gym as well?
You know, I think I would end up having the red lip from ear to ear. I’m not as graceful with a red lip as she is.
Do you push her at the gym, or does she push you? Who is more competitive?
We’re a good team because we kind of push each other just to get there, just to get to the door! It’s important to have a good friend that challenges you—even if it’s simply to get to the gym.
Who is better in the kitchen?
I love to bake, because I’ve always had a sweet tooth. My Gran—she taught me how to bake my whole life, but cooking was never anything I ever took the time to learn. I would always rather have a cookie than make some complicated dinner! But Taylor is an expert [chef].
What is Taylor’s signature dish?
I’m vegetarian, so I don’t eat meat, but she makes a mean Brussels sprouts and cauliflower side dish that is tasty, and grilled fish. She’s Chef Boyardee!
Since you’re the newest face of such a famous French brand, do you raid the Parisian pharmacies and bring back beauty souvenirs?
My souvenirs tend to be edible objects…Now you can have Ladurée in New York, so the charm is gone, but there is another kind of macaron that JPG [Jean-Paul Gaultier] told me about: Pierre Hermé. I order them by the dozen and then I smuggle them in my suitcase, so don’t tell customs.
I think your cookie trafficking might be out after this. Do you have any tips for falling asleep on a transatlantic flight?
I’ve trained myself to sleep on a plane. I’ve got a whole method.
Do tell.
I always take the 8 p.m. flight to Paris. If you get on the 5 p.m., you’re not going to sleep a lot. It’s not enough time. I don’t drink caffeine anytime after noon—so no coffee. I bring an eye mask, fuzzy socks, and a really comfortable outfit—like a sweater and comfy pants.
But not pajamas, right?
Not pajamas! I don’t take it there—you’ve got to keep it chic! You never know who you’ll run into on the plane. I always find that I run into Marc Jacobs and everyone else that shouldn’t catch you in your pajamas.
So these comfy and chic plane clothes you speak of, what are they? I need them.
I have these amazing cashmere Stefanel sweatpants that are just so obnoxious. They’re heaven. They’ve gotten a lot of use!
What about beating jet lag? Any cure-alls?
I beat jet lag, funnily enough, by exercising. I feel like whenever I’m in another time zone and just feeling out of it, I force myself to go for at least a mile run and wear myself out. That helps me go to sleep.
Somehow, I just can’t see myself jumping off an eight-hour flight and going for a run.
My other secret is liquid melatonin because it’s instant. It wipes you out. It’s the best. And that’s another thing: physical exercise, eating well, and good sleep make all the difference in your skin and your energy. Everyone always asks, “What’s the secret to beauty?” and I really find that for me, I feel most beautiful when I feel like I have energy and I feel confident. I think all of that comes back to taking care of yourself, and sleep is a huge part of that.
Loving your replies, Urban Stylin! I sometimes wonder if Karlie's detractors have ever even seen her portfolio.
