Melissa Khalaj prefers subtle make-up in everyday life. “The older I get, the more self-confident I become,” reveals the presenter.
Berlin Fashion Week is in full swing – and Melissa Khalaj (35) can’t miss out. “I love fashion weeks all over the world and everything that goes on around them,” enthuses the presenter on the sidelines of the VIP Beauty & Fashion Lounge, where Philips Lumea IPL is being presented, among other things. “I like trying out beauty trends,” says the 35-year-old happily, giving insights into her personal beauty routine.
Dear Melissa, you are a real regular at Fashion Week. Would you like to walk the catwalk yourself?
Melissa Khalaj: I love fashion weeks all over the world, I actually consume the content on social media and I love everything that goes on around them. Who sits in the front rows? What are the guests wearing? What happens at the after-show parties? Even walking in a fashion show would be absolutely amazing. I find it really impressive how disciplined the models are in bringing fashion to the catwalk and I am fascinated by how differently the shows are staged every year.
What role does fashion play in your life?
Khalaj: Even when I was in kindergarten, I wanted to decide for myself what I would wear – no matter what time of year it was. In my job, I am fortunate to have the privilege of being able to wear great outfits every time and I love playing with my style and always finding something new. I get inspiration from this every day. Fashion is a huge part of my life and I just have so much fun. In my eyes, fashion is a lifestyle.
Do you have a fashion role model?
Khalaj: I really like Rihanna’s bold, casual and sexy style. I also love the style icons of the 90s: Lady Diana, Cindy Crawford, Kate Moss.
Approximately how much time do you invest in your appearance each day?
Khalaj: In everyday life, I wear relatively subtle make-up and am ready in about 15 minutes. Daily shaving and the associated pain points such as ingrown hairs or stubble are a thing of the past with the IPL. That’s half the battle. The most important thing is to always feel good and keep myself well-groomed. However, the general lifestyle also has a big impact on the way I look.
Do you always leave the house wearing make-up, even in your private life?
Khalaj: The older I get, the more confident I become about leaving the house without makeup. I don’t usually wear makeup when I’m walking the dog or going to the supermarket, but I do for everything else – and I just enjoy it.
What does your personal beauty routine look like?
Khalaj: Removing makeup and good skin care are the most important things here. It took me a while to really get the hang of it. In my 20s, I probably fell asleep with makeup on after a party. That wouldn’t happen to me today. But I don’t overdo it and concentrate on the essentials: a good cleanser, a serum and a moisturizer, and that’s it. I also exfoliate twice a week. By the way, I never leave the house without sun protection factor!
Which beauty trends do you swear by?
Khalaj: I like trying out beauty trends. Like many people, I have a Gua Sha and hope that it will help prevent or minimize wrinkles etc. However, my mother showed me early on that taking cucumbers out of the freezer in the morning is a great way to refresh your face. I still do that to this day.
Summer is here: What are your styling tips to feel comfortable even on hot days?
Khalaj: I love wearing airy summer dresses made of cotton or linen in the summer. Not only do they emphasize feminine energy, they just make you feel so carefree.
What is your absolute must-have in summer?
Khalaj: The most important thing for me is to be able to feel light and free in the summer. With the temperatures today, that definitely includes a hand fan and deodorant.
Source: Stern
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
