Lila Moss is the daughter of ’90s supermodel Kate Moss and a runway model herself. I am not. But we have a few things in common. I met the 20-year-old in her roomy hotel suite in Paris on a warm spring day, as she snacked on French fries and revealed the contents of her purse. And I discovered we agree on at least two things: enjoying our fries crispy and keeping multiple lipsticks in our arsenals.
“I always carry half a dozen lipsticks or so in my bag, because I need to retouch throughout the day,” she tells me. “A lot of times, my friends forget to bring a lip when we are out, so they are always stealing mine—but I love it.” So it’s no surprise Moss is the face of YSL Beauty’s Candy Glaze lipsticks, including the brand’s new nudes (her go-to shade).
Here, my full conversation with the model, in which she shares everything from the Parisian room spray her mom got her to buy to the ’90s makeup trend she can’t get enough of.
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You recently joined the YSL Beauty family. What’s been your favorite part of that thus far?
It’s been amazing. I love working with YSL Beauty, and the YSL fashion team as well. Both the beauty and fashion have been big favorites of mine for a long time, so I’m beyond thrilled to be working with them.
Where do you find beauty inspiration?
It’s a mix—mostly my friends. So many times, they will find a new product or go to a new store, and I’m like, Oh, I want to try that. Also, social media is where I find trends or viral products.
There are a lot of crazy TikTok trends out there. Are there any you’ve loved?
I recently tried the makeup technique where you do concealer and the contour before going back over top with the foundation. I loved the way it looked and was really happy with the result. I’ve done it a few times since—it’s definitely my new go-to.
Yes, underpainting is huge right now. Do you typically gravitate toward light makeup?
I tend to use light products and build up them up for a bolder effect. I love the YSL All Hours Foundation for coverage that still looks so natural. The Touche Éclat is really good for highlighting areas while also covering up unwanted marks. It’s perfect for on-the-go and easy to touch-up with. [And] for that contour and conceal underpainting technique, because it can define, contrast, or conceal.
If we were to dump out your bag, what would we find in it?
Definitely the Candy Glaze lipsticks. They have a nice tint, but are moisturizing and give a pretty shine—I’m a gloss girl through and through. They have new nude shades I can’t stop wearing. They’re great for every day, a night out—anything, really. I am constantly reapplying throughout the entire day.
Is there a product that makes you feel like your most confident self?
Mascara—plus a bold eye look—makes me feel confident.
As a frequent flyer, do you have your in-flight beauty routine down to a science?
I feel like the key to an in-flight beauty routine is getting as much sleep as you possibly can and staying hydrated by drinking water. For my routine, I just use a lot of lip balm, which is key on the plane. I am constantly applying moisturizer on the plane, too.
Where do you consider home?
London will always be my home. I mean, I grew up there and I’ve only been in New York for half a year. So even though I’m going to stay in New York, London will always feel like the comfort of home to me. I have made New York feel more like home—I have reminders of London in my apartment. I’ll light candles that I have in my house in London, so it smells like home. When it comes to outside of my apartment, being with my few friends I have from London in New York with me always reminds me of home.
Scent can really make a place feel like home. Is there a scent you gravitate toward?
I like quite musky scents. I’ve noticed that in New York, a lot of the hotels have a mix between wood and musk, which I really like. It also feels very homey and welcoming. My mom recently got the room spray from the Ritz Paris, where we’ve spent a lot of time, and she sprays it constantly in our house. Last time I was home, she sprayed it and asked me, “What does this remind you of?” I knew it smelled familiar, and when she told me it was from the Ritz, I thought, Oh my god, it’s bringing me back there right now. Scent definitely plays a huge part in making my apartment feel like home.
What’s the best piece of beauty wisdom you have received?
A little can go a long way when it comes to product. Keep it to a minimum. You can always build it up, but makeup can look heavy very quickly. My mentality is to make it look like I’m not wearing any makeup on my face with just right amount of coverage. Less is more.
Has your beauty style has changed over the years?
When I was younger and started to use makeup, I didn’t wear any lipstick. I wore heavy under-eye makeup, lots of concealer and powder that made my makeup look cakey. Now, I shy away from that and do a more natural look with a very light base. I do like slight color on the lips—I think it makes my looks feel complete without going overboard. Now without a lip, I don’t feel complete, which is an interesting shift. I used a hair straightener a lot, which I now think is a weird look on me. I love a little texture.
Shop Lila's Favorite Products
YSL Beauty Rouge Volupté Candy Glaze Lip Gloss Stick
YSL Beauty All Hours Foundation
YSL Beauty Touche Éclat All-Over Brightening Pen
YSL Beauty Lash Clash Extreme Volume Mascara
YSL Beauty Nu Halo Tint Highlighter
Your mom was a ’90s icon. Is there a trend from the decade that you’ve recently starting wearing?
I’m obsessed with a super thick, long lash. I love how the [YSL] Lash Clash mascara makes your eyes pop. It’s not too precise, but adds a feathery, volumized effect. Like Twiggy, but not as intense. I’m also really into brown mascaras. I learned a great trick on set, which is to use brown mascara on the bottom lashes to create a soft, gentle look, because sometimes black on the bottom can fall or run.
What other fun tips have you picked up on set?
It’s really all about the skincare prep—not just the makeup. Having a good, quality base for the makeup to go on top of is the biggest tip I’ve learned throughout life and working with makeup artists.
