One of the most sought-after top models of the moment, Julia Stegner – the face of the new fragrance 'essence de femme' - reveals her day-to-night style transformation secrets.
On shooting the new 'essence de femme' advertising campaign...
It looks like you had great time shooting the campaign. Did you enjoy playing the more sultry 'essence de femme' ‘role’?
Yes, it was a lot of fun because the new fragrance is very different. Whereas 'femme by BOSS' radiates a beautiful feminine aura for daytime, the new fragrance is more sophisticated and captivating for the night-time and the campaign reflects this. For 'femme by BOSS', the make-up was very light and rosy-looking, whereas with 'essence de femme' I wore a black dress and had some black eyeliner on, so the make-up was definitely more for night-time. I really liked it. When you go out at night, you want to feel a little more alluring!
On the new 'essence de femme' fragrance...
What do you think of the new 'essence de femme' fragrance?
When you’re going out for the night, it’s not just about the way you look but how you feel and the impression you leave,’ she maintains. ‘'essence de femme' smells perfect for the night. Its intensity really gives you that “evening” feeling the moment you put it on. I feel naked if I go out without any fragrance on, so it’s really nice to have a more intense, night version of 'femme by BOSS'. I also like the way the name is printed on the bottle and the new, deep plum colour, which is beautiful and definitely has night-time sensuality.
On getting dressed for the evening...
How do you transform your look for the evening?
It all depends on where I’m going. I’m kind of a laid back person in private and during the day I wear jeans and sneakers all the time. At night, I transform my look by dressing a little more chicer, but I don’t put on a dress every night! I might just change into a pair of heels and wear them with my jeans and a nice shirt or a beautiful top. But if I’m going out to an event, I’ll get someone to do my make-up and I’ll probably have black, smoky eyes or something along these lines. My evening essentials are a little mascara and some fragrance – you want to smell good if you’re going out and meeting a lot of people. If I’m going out straight from work I’ll probably keep my make-up on from the shoot and spritz on some fragrance, which is why I like 'essence de femme'. Being a more intense version of 'femme by BOSS', which I wear during the day, I can simply layer the fragrance on top.
Do you change your look by accessorising with bags and so on?
I do have a lot of shoes and bags but I’m not obsessed with them! I always wear the same bags and shoes, in fact! I’m very boring – once I like something, I stick with it for a while. I’m like that with fragrance too, so having a more intense version of my day fragrance is just perfect. But I definitely always need a bag with me to hold my wallet and lip balm. And I wear glasses, so I need to carry them with me, too.
On night-time make-up...
Can you describe your beauty routine for a night out?
I always try and get home and take a quick shower, at least, before going out at night. I like to take all my make-up off and feel fresh. I keep my make-up really minimal. I never wear lipstick – I wear it a lot for work! All I really do is put some mascara on and often just leave it at that. But if I’m going out to an event, I’ll get someone to do my make-up – most probably black, smoky eyes. But I don’t wear a lot of make-up in my private life. Just a little mascara and some fragrance is all I need to feel a little bit more special and captivating for the evening.
Do you take any make-up in your evening bag?
Just a lip balm. I need it because my lips really dry out if I don’t wear it, so that’s essential.
Have you picked up any beauty tips from the beauty pros you work with?
I found out about a great cleanser which you can only get in French pharmacies that all the models use. We have to put on and take off our make-up so many times and all the removers I used were irritating for my skin. But, other than that, I usually have my eyes closed when my make-up is being done, so I don’t really take anything in! If I need my make-up done for a special event, I leave it to the professionals because they do such a good job and I don’t!
On her perfect night out...
What’s your idea of a great night out?
My favourite place to go is somewhere where you can play ping-ping, “foozball”, pool or board games like Scrabble and all that kind of stuff. It’s very low-key. I’m not the clubbing kind of person and never was. I like dancing, but I need to be in the mood and with the right people. I find private parties more fun. I like music from the Sixties, Seventies and Eighties, but I listen to new stuff a lot, too. I like my Indie pop, as well – I really like to mix it up.
What is your restaurant of choice?
Italian! I love pasta. Always have, always will!
On evening glamour...
Who do you think has a great evening style?
I think Kate Moss always manages to look cool when she dresses up. Some people can dress too old for their age, but she dresses young and her style is great.
What, for you, is the secret of looking great at night?
If you feel good in a sweater and a pair of jeans, great. If you feel better in a dress, that’s fine. It’s really all about wearing what makes you feel comfortable. Wearing a great fragrance can transform you too, making you feel more captivating.