Picture by Johan Wilke & hair & make-up by Melissa van Zyl
It’s not everyday one gets to work with a supermodel. And by ‘supermodel’, I mean a model that’s landed a highly coveted American beauty brand campaign.
Yesterday, I styled a beauty editorial (for the April 2015 issue of Destiny Magazine) with none other than Miss Adeola Ariyo. You may recognise her face from the Elizabeth Arden ad’s on billboards and magazines coutrywide. Adeola is the brand ambassador and African face of Elizabeth Arden (not just SA, the whole of AFRICA).
This Nigerian born beauty is now based in Cape Town, but travels the world regularly. She spends her time between New York, South Africa, Europe and Africa. Adeola is a true professional and works the camera like the supermodel she is. There’s no tantrums or drama with her – just hard work and lots of giggles. She has the most incredible skin, beautiful bone structure and is intelligent, witty and fun too! Oh, and she makes the MOST INSANE real hair lace wigs you’ve ever seen!!!
Taking selfies and having fun in the sweltering heat yesterday
Even though we were manically busy yesterday, I couldn’t resist throwing in a quick interview with Adeola. I hope you enjoy it.
What are your 3 essential beauty items?
- Skin Illuminating Smoothing Cleanser by Elizabeth Arden is great at removing makeup and I like how it gently exfoliates my skin.
- I love soothing and hydrating my skin with the Elizabeth ArdenVisible Difference Gentle Hydrating Cream after a long day in front of the camera.
- The iconic Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant by Elizabeth Arden is my ‘go-to’ beauty product, I use this for everything – elbows, dry lids, cuticles, it even soothes sunburn.
What’s the one makeup items that you can’t do without? The Elizabeth Arden Flawless Finish Perfectly Nude makeup SPF 15 – It’s really lightweight, perfect for summer and it gives my skin a gorgeous glow.
What’s your favourite fragrance? At the moment I’m loving Green Tea Yuzu by Elizabeth Arden. It’s light and so refreshing – a perfect scent for summer.
What’s your biggest skincare don’t? I would never go to sleep with my makeup on – NEVER! I have to wash my face before bed. I mean, eeeeuw – who would want make-up smeared on their pillows?
What’s your favourite clothing shop? I do a lot of shopping online and love ASOS. My go to stores in SA are Zara & Woolworths.
Are you a healthy eater and describe your typical breakfast? I try to eat as healthy as I can. A typical breakfast is a full on English breakfast with sausages, eggs, tomato mushrooms, the works! I just don’t eat the bread. I also LOVE fish fingers and could eat them for every meal!
How do you feel about the word beautiful, especially when it’s used to describe you? When people call me beautiful, I still don’t understand what they see. Often, people refer to my cheekbones or skin as beautiful. Funnily enough, growing up, I never liked my high cheekbones. The compliments have helped me embrace them. In fact, now I think they’re beautiful.
What’s your must-visit destination? The One&Only Rheethi Rah in the Maldives. I’d also like to honeymoon in Bora Bora.
Who is your inspiration? My father. Growing up, he was always loved by everyone. He has a great disposition and is always friendly, helpful and hardworking. I aspire to be like him.
You are originally from Nigeria, do you plan on living there again one day? Yes, when I marry my Nigerian boyfriend. Long distance relationships are hard and I can’t wait till we’re in the same city living together.
What do you love about living in Cape Town? It’s such a beautiful city. Waking up & seeing the mountain and ocean is amazing. I love nature, so Cape Town really resonates with me.
Do you exercise? I try to do yoga every so often. I also walk everywhere, so consider that exercise.
Finish the sentence: If I had just one day to live I’d… spend it on an island with my boyfriend and father, reflecting on everything I’ve been able to accomplish in my life thus far. I’d also pig out of fish and fruit.
