Tattoos. Shaved heads. 90s-inspired plucked eyebrows.
Conventionally, these aren't topics you'd expect to hear discussed by a member of the royal family. But, if you've always wanted to know just how down-to-earth the royal family are - including honesty about eyeshadow mishaps and beauty imperfections - look no further for your answer than Lady Amelia Windsor.
You'll no doubt have seen the 22-year-old university student - who is the daughter of the Earl and Countess of St Andrews - grace the Dolce & Gabbana catwalk, or spotted her in backstage pictures at the SS18 Dior show, or even on her way to Buckingham Palace for Christmas lunch with the Queen.
But behind her royal title, her place as 39th in line to the throne, and her fashion notoriety, the refreshingly-grounded model is on a mission to make real and permanent change, at a far more grass-roots level.
Whether it be running half marathons for War Child, or throwing her support behind cruelty-free make-up brands such as Illamasqua (she's the face of its Reign of Rock collection), Windsor is exactly the kind of outspoken and convention-defying woman that the royals need in their ranks this century.
From royal beauty lessons passed down through the generations, to rebelling against unrealistic beauty standards on social media, we caught up with the Amelia to find out what it takes it be a royal rebel.
What royal beauty rules do you try to rebel against?
For me, it's all about the eyes. I really love sparkly eyeshadows. But, you definitely need a mirror to make sure the eyes are even because I’ve done it in the past without and ended up with sparkles all over my face [Laughs]!
I never used to wear much make-up. On a day-to-day basis, I wear a far more simple bare make-up look, but it’s nice to experiment for a night out. I think it’s important to feel comfortable in the make-up you’re wearing. I’ve been caked in a lot foundation sometimes and don’t look like myself.
You should wear make-up that celebrates your own features and brings out your individual beauty. It’s nice to feel like you’re not changing all that you all have. Make-up is about celebrating what you have already and making it fun. It’s good to explore and experiment.
What beauty lessons have been passed down through your family?
I have really thick bushy eyebrows that I used to pluck into a thin line which used to really annoy my Mum! I’ve got to a point now where I let the brows grow freely.
I actually once shaved the sides of my head - that was a bad point. I was 15-years-old at a festival and there a hairdresser there who shaved some of the sides. I wanted to be really cool, but it wasn’t a good look for me.
As a woman in your 20s, how do try to combat unrealistic beauty standards?
It’s important to remember that what you see on Instagram is not reality. I find it hard to not be on my phone the whole time comparing myself to what I see on social media. You often need to take a step back and think about what reality is, and what the world was like before Instagram - things weren’t about perfecting something for an hour just for a photo. Life isn’t like that. You should celebrate your imperfections because every day isn't going to be great.
It was World Mental Health Day recently and it was one of those funny things where Instagram was being used as a tool to tell us about it, but it’s also one of the main reasons for it. At the end of the day, you’re the only person who can be strict with yourself, put your phone down, not look at it, and take time to look around you, not just at a screen.
If I’m going to be on my phone, I choose things to read or listen to things that are a bit more beneficial to me. If you ever see me walking around London you’ll see me reading out random Italian phrases from Audible [Amelia is in her fourth year at the University of Edinburgh].
I also try to do a lot of sport and gym classes. I particularly like yoga because I don't want to go to the gym only to be on my phone again. I like to put my phone away for an hour, breathe and listen to an instructor.
What beauty imperfection are your most proud of?
That’s a good one! You’ve got to rock what you have. There’s always going to be something you’re not happy with - it changes all the time. At the end of the day, no one else is doing you, so rock you.
What beauty trend would you love to experiment with in future?
I’d always like another tattoo, but you should only get a tattoo if you’re really sure about it. I’ve got two tattoos on my wrist. One is of three bear cubs, which represent my brother, sister and I because we saw three cubs in Canada when we were really little and thought they were us on the beach. It was a really magical moment.
I haven’t got an idea for another tattoo yet, but I’d only get another one if I can think of something I really want. You’ve got to think about it!
I’d also love to try to rock a fringe. I just got back from having a haircut at my hairdresser’s, George Northwood, and I nearly got one but decided against it. I think I’ll do it one day. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do - I love fringes!
Are you planning on going for an outrageous Halloween look this year?
I prefer to go silly rather than scary – I never manage to pull off the scary. I was an octopus once which was pretty epic. One year I didn't really have anything to wear so I ended up painting my face blue. It worked!
Perhaps I could rock a David Bowie lightning bolt across my face using some of the Illasmasqua eyeshadow, this year.
Illamasqua is know for being outspoken, bold and rebellious. Do you think it's important for brands to have a strong message?
I think so, it gives you something realistic to hold onto and relate to. I really like the message they’re giving out. All of their products are animal cruelty-free which is really important, I think all companies should be doing that. They’re are so many easier ways of not having animal testing. It’s a good message for people to see.
Amelia Windsor is the face of Illamasqua’s new The Reign of Rock collection in celebration of its 10th anniversary. The collection is available here and in stores.
