Say hello to Unfiltered, a fresh, new beauty series where you’ll get an exclusive glimpse into the dressed-down beauty routines of our favourite celebrities. They’ll reveal their guilty-pleasure beauty practises, the five-minute-routine product lineup they can’t live without, the one good-skin tip they’ll be forever thankful for and so much more. To bring every conversation full circle, we ask each celebrity to send us a selection of self-shot, filter-free photos of their choosing to capture the essence of their Unfiltered beauty philosophy.
Up next, we’re talking to the talented Millie Bobby Brown—star of Stranger Things and founder of skincare brand Florence by Mills. Ahead, she’s answering all of our skincare questions and sharing her best-kept beauty secrets. Enjoy!
How would you describe your relationship with beauty?
My relationship with beauty is always evolving. I do believe true beauty comes from within and is reflected in how you treat people. I use beauty products as a way to express myself and make myself feel good!
If you had to leave the house in five minutes, what products would you use?
After my face is washed, toned and moisturised, I would apply SPF and then refresh my skin with my Zero Chill Face Mist (£10) from Florence by Mills. I would then apply a tinted lip balm (£13), Cheek Me Later Cream Blush in Shy Shi (£14) on my cheeks and Built to Lash Mascara (£14). On my way out, I would spray a perfume—whatever fragrance matches my mood for that day!
Are you a bath or shower person? If we looked in your bath or shower right now, what products would we find?
I always prefer a bath. I find them so relaxing and valuable for my own self-care. My bath is full of body scrubs and bath oils, and everything always has a hint of lavender.
Can you talk us through your skin routine, both morning and night?
I try to keep my routine simple in the morning. I cleanse my skin with the Florence by Mills Clean Magic Face Wash (£12) and follow up that with one of the toners from the Spotlight Toner Series. I pick one based on how my skin is feeling and what it needs at the time. I always apply the Look Alive Eye Balm (£16), and then I finish with the Dreamy Dew Moisturiser (£14) so that I can run out the door with my skin prepped for set. If I’m extra tired, I sometimes even wear the Swimming Under the Eyes Gel Pads (£34) on my way to set to help brighten my under-eyes and look a little more awake.
At night, I like to use my skincare routine as a time to wind down and relax, so I add a few more steps. After I take a bath with my many lavender oils, I put on a headband and double-cleanse with the Magic Micellar Cleansing Gel (£10) and the Clean Magic Face Wash. Then I use the toner that best fits my skin’s needs for the night. After my skin is all clean, I move on to a face mask. I love doing face masks because they give me 10 minutes when I have no choice but to stay relatively still and calm. Currently, I am using the Berry in Love Pore Mask (£19) to help refine my pores since it has been really hot and humid here. After I mask, I move on to hydration, which is my favourite skincare step. Three times a week, I give my face some extra love by using the Hit Reset Moisturising Mask Pearls (£34). Sometimes I like to work it in using a jade roller or gua sha for a little facial massage. After I finish up with the Hit Snooze Lip Mask (£16), I’ll put on a cute sleep mask and call it a night!
What’s been the best piece of skincare advice that you’ve ever received?
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! You’re never too young to be lathering up on moisturiser or even using eye cream as a young person. Hydrated skin keeps your skin looking radiant and feeling soft. Oh, another tip is that no matter how tired you are, always take your makeup off before bed!
Let’s talk about Florence by Mills. What made you want to launch your own beauty brand back in 2019, and were you prepared for such a positive response from consumers?
When we started the process of launching Florence, it all stemmed from not being able to find products that were clean, affordable and fun to use. I felt like there was a big gap in the market for clean products made specifically for my age group who were just starting to explore skincare and makeup products for the first time. Of course, I was hoping for a positive response, but I’ve been truly blown away. I never could have dreamed that we’d be where we are today, and there is still so much more to accomplish! I’m really grateful for the entire Florence family and the continued support they show us with each new launch.
What’s coming up for Florence by Mills for the rest of the year?
We are over halfway through 2021, but there are still some big surprises coming! You can expect two new products in an entirely new category from Florence in just a few months!
Has anything about your approach to beauty changed over the past 18 months, and are there any particular beauty looks that you’re looking forward to trying now that we’re emerging from lockdown?
I spent a lot of time playing with bold eye looks and experimenting with colour while at home in lockdown. Spending more time at home really just made me realise how much I love expressing myself and my creativity through makeup and beauty.
We have to talk about Stranger Things because it truly is a cultural phenomenon. We really saw some fun fashion and makeup moments from Eleven in the last season. Have you taken any beauty or wardrobe inspiration from the show into your real life?
I’m sure I have subconsciously over the last few years! I loved how fun and colourful Eleven’s wardrobe was last season.
You must spend a fair amount of time on set with makeup artists and hairstylists. Are there any insider beauty secrets that you’ve picked up from the experts?
Makeup and skincare are so interlinked. If your skin is dehydrated, then your makeup will not look as good as it would if you took the time to properly cleanse and moisturise it.
Are there any other women whose beauty looks particularly inspire you, and where do you look for personal beauty and fashion inspiration?
Zendaya is someone I admire across fashion and beauty. She’s daring and experimental in a really exciting way.
Wellness and beauty are so intertwined. Do you have any wellness practices or supplements that help to give you a boost both mentally and physically?
I really value meditation and yoga. I use it as a time to center myself and slow down my thoughts. Like I said at the beginning of this interview, I really believe that beauty is what’s on the inside and taking care of your mind is just as important—really, more important—than taking care of your skin.
Finally, what’s your Unfiltered beauty philosophy in seven words or fewer?
Be kind, and don’t forget to hydrate!
