Milou Happé does the marketing & PR for OPI, the brand with the finest nail polishes in I don't know how many colors, and I've never caught her with a bare nail. But hey, as a business card for OPI, she can't afford that. The fact that she's also incredibly fun, has Bambi eyes, and slips me the latest launches makes her perhaps even more special. You understand that I had to snag her for a Beauty Q&A.
What does makeup mean to you?
“I love makeup. I enjoy trying out the latest new products, but I only really indulge and unpack for special occasions or a night out. During the week, I never spend long on my makeup routine; I'm more of a less is more person. If you work in the beauty industry, I believe you should always look well-groomed. Besides the fact that people always glance at my nails, I think a beautiful natural makeup look comes across as feminine and professional. Besides makeup, I find skincare very important. I'm very conscious of the products I use. For a while now, I've been completely in love with the products from Absolution, an organic skincare line that also has beautiful packaging! Additionally, the Touch of Silk from Hannah is also a must on my bathroom shelf. This cream perfectly evens out the skin.”
I imagine nails are important to you…
“In my opinion, your nails are your business card. I personally always feel super feminine when my nails are nicely polished and well-groomed. You will never see me without polish, and I always keep my hands and feet neatly done. I think that in general, women feel much more well-groomed with beautiful, healthy, and polished nails. I'm always surprised to see that besides polishing nails, people forget to file their nails properly and to care for them daily with a good cuticle oil. Believe me, that's really the foundation for beautiful nails.”
What nail polish color must we wear this coming autumn, and which color is actually just not done?
“This autumn, anything goes in terms of nails. You see a lot of glitters, shimmers, and shades with a beautiful cream finish in both opaque nude tones and deep red and purple. We see at OPI that simple nail art is becoming increasingly popular again. With nail art, you can make your nails even more personal and really give them something ‘of your own’. That's what I love about this business. Everyone has their own style and color choice. So you can't really go wrong with a color. As long as you keep taking care of your nails, you're good.”
What are the three always-good nail polish colors and why?
“I'm a big fan of opaque nude tones with a warm undertone and dark colors. In my opinion, you can never go wrong with these three OPI classics; ‘Malaga Wine’, a burgundy red shade, ‘Lincoln Park After Dark’, a deep purple shade that leans towards black (the perfect polish for winter), and last but not least ‘My Very First Knockwurst’, my favorite nude shade for both summer and winter. And of course, a bright red like the classic OPI ‘Big Apple Red’ is a must-have for every woman.”
Who is your biggest, most inspiring and influential beauty style icon?
“To be honest, I don't really have one specific person as a beauty style icon. I love seeing and experiencing during travels that the concept of beauty is interpreted differently all over the world. Anna Nooshin I see her as a real power woman and a natural beauty. This lady with a beautiful unique style always steals the show in terms of fashion and beauty looks.”
Million dollar tip?
“Number one: highlighter! I'm really crazy about this product and I personally use the highlighter from Laura Mercier. This product is the perfect finish for your look, it adds a healthy touch of glamour to your daily makeup and you look very well-groomed.”
