If many years of being a beauty editor and interviewing some of the world’s most beautiful models has taught me one thing, it’s this: Genetics count for a lot. So many times in my career have I sat down to quiz supermodels with buttery complexions, thick, luscious lengths and perfectly made-up faces on their beauty secrets and have come away with no real insights at all. Because the truth is, so much of it is down to genetics. In fact, one supermodel I spoke to a few years ago informed she simply washes her face with a splash of tap water in the morning and she’s good to go.

More often than not, I would walk away feeling hard done by and wondering where I could be going wrong with my own beauty routine. It poses the question: How is it possible that all of these beautiful women that I deem icons can have such a disregard for beauty products themselves? So, after many years of feeling let down, I had started to feel a bit deflated (call me a cynic). But then, last week, I found myself sat down with Heidi Klum (via Zoom, of course) chatting about her life-long relationship with beauty, and I found myself fully captivated.

You see, it’s rare to come across someone in real life that looks quite as picture-perfect as Heidi Klum does (she herself admits that even she doesn’t look like Heidi Klum when she doesn’t have her glam on). But, at 47 years old, it’s very clear that, even when she’s makeup-free, Heidi has been doing something right all of these years. I mean, that skin?! And, as it turns out, her beauty routine is extensive. Sure, at face value, it might seem down-to-earth (there’s a definitive lack of Hollywood pretentiousness and shallowness), but her beauty values are considered, mindful and deeply integrated into her daily life. Intrigued? Keep scrolling for the six beauty lessons I learned from Heidi Klum herself.

#1: A Good Beauty Routine Comes Down to Common Sense

"A lot of beauty comes down to common sense. I get bombarded with products from all over the world, and I love trying all of those different things, but for me, the basics are most important. When I eat well and keep hydrated I can see the difference in my face when I look in the mirror. You’ve got to look in the mirror and see if there is something up. That way, you know if you break out it could be because of the garbage you ate. If you look dry and your skin doesn’t snap back, you’re not hydrated. If you just look at yourself and listen, you know what to do.”

#2: What You Put Into Your Body Is More Important Than What You Put on It

"For me, beauty is all about food. There is only so much you can do topically. I learned that a really long time ago. I’ve been in this industry since 1992 and I’ve always believed you are what you eat. Having said that, a lot of work has to go into every meal to make sure you’ve got all of the fatty acids, vitamins, antioxidants and hydration you need. We can’t do it all because it’s a lot of work to prepare. Often, I’ll find the time to do the prep (like put chia seeds in to soak overnight), but not everyone has the time and freedom to do things like this, especially as we get older! I find that a supplement is a great add-on to my already pretty healthy diet. A couple of years ago I started taking one Perfectil a day because I was getting older and thought, ‘What do I have to lose?!’ Of course, no pill will solve your beauty problems. Food always comes first, but I do think it’s a good boost.”

#3: Baby Shampoo Makes for the Best Facial Cleanser

"A long time ago, I went to see an eye doctor because I had a sty and they told me to wash my face with Johnson & Johnson Baby Shampoo. Some days I’ll get home from work and have multiple layers of fake eyelashes on and lots of makeup and they told me that Baby Shampoo will mean I can really get into the eye and clean all of the makeup out. It made sense to me! Now it’s all I use. It’s not super-harsh unlike all of these products at the moment that strip your skin. Personally, they don’t work for me.”

#4: Coconut Oil Is the Best Multitasker

"I love using just plain, old coconut oil that you get in the supermarket. Especially in Los Angeles right now [where Heidi lives], everything is so dry and I’m outside a lot. I love to lather up some coconut oil in my hair and on my body too. It’s so inexpensive and it just makes everything feel so yummy and nourished. In general, I like going more towards the natural things instead of the sorts of products that are full of perfumes and astringents. I really love trying all of those things but very rarely do I actually stick with it. I’d rather use coconut oil.”

#5: Less Is Always More

"I love transforming. That’s why I love my job! But at the same time, it’s just dress-up. It’s one thing if I’m getting ready for a shoot and I have to pile all of this makeup on, but what you do in real life is totally different. Over the years I’ve learned so many makeup tips that are fit for the camera (always more powder!), but I could never apply them to my day-to-day life. In the real world, you do real things. For filming, I have to pile it all on so that people can still recognise me! I have adapted a different look over the years. I like to show the skin more and keep things light. I think it’s nice to see the texture of your skin. If I’m not filming, I usually just go for a tinted moisturiser, mascara and blush.”

#6: Learn How to Squeeze Spots Properly

"I tell my 16-year-old daughter that she must not pick or touch her pimples, but I do it myself. Sometimes you just have to! Over the years I’ve learned how to squeeze them properly, and that’s the key. You must never do it with your nails. You need to do it with your knuckles, go deep and really get the whole thing. If you don’t get it all properly, it will take longer to heal than if you have just left it alone, and it will leave scarring too! I find that Mario Badescu Drying Lotion does the job, but only once you’ve got it all out.”

Shop Heidi's Go-To Products

Congratulations are in order for Heidi Klum and musician Tom Kaulitz. The couple, who got engaged at the end of 2018 with a stunning nontraditional ring and were reported to have legally married earlier this year, has just sealed the deal with a wedding on a boat in Capri, Italy, (as one does) over the weekend. A slew of celebratory events surrounded the wedding, and Klum wore white outfits to all of them—perfect for the occasion and the stunning Italian Riviera location. But you probably just want to hear about the wedding dress, right? We don't know who the model's wedding dress designer is yet, but we did get a great glimpse of the dress itself. One thing's for sure: It's decidedly on-trend.

Klum's billowing, heavy lace gown featured a low neckline and off-the-shoulder cut with massive puffed sleeves, which is a trend that's dominated in 2019. The puffed sleeves gave a romantic, princess-like quality to the gown, which she appears to have worn with bare feet.

Klum's other white looks for the events surrounding the ceremony included a caftan for sightseeing around Capri and a plunging white swimsuit, among others. If all of this isn't living la dolce vita (sorry, had to), we don't know what is. See Heidi Klum's wedding dress and the rest of her wedding weekend looks below.

More of the Happy Couple on Instagram

Next, get another look at Sophie Turner's wedding dress from last month.

Celebrities, they’re just like us! They, too, revel in the fun that is dressing up for Halloween, and each year the costumes seem to get more extravagant. From the downright creative (Katy Perry as Jane from Daria) to over-the-top glamour (we’re looking at you, Heidi Klum), we present our favourite famous trick-or-treaters.

WHO: Lauren Conrad

WHAT: This adorable Minnie Mouse costume has us hoping the designer actually made her matching dress and bow. 

WHO: Chrissy Teigen

WHAT: The model’s hilarious interpretation of Toddlers & Tiaras­ earns her the covetable title of Ultimate Grand Supreme. 

WHO: Cindy Crawford

WHAT: The supermodel’s version of guitarist Slash is so good it had us doing a double-take. 

WHO: Iggy Azalea

WHAT: Azalea’s high-fashion Cruella De Vil, complete with an actual dalmatian, is spot-on.

Related: 13 It Girl–Approved Halloween Costumes

WHO: Gwen Stefani

WHAT: Once upon a time in Los Angeles, Stefani dressed up as Cinderella with the chicest accessories we’d ever seen. 

WHO: Julianne Hough

WHAT: Hough is a spitting image of beret-clad Bonnie of the outlaw duo Bonnie and Clyde. 

WHO: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

WHAT: It’s hard to tell exactly what Huntington-Whiteley was going for here, but we give her major props for the flower crown and furry jacket. 

WHO: Paris Hilton

WHAT: The only thing missing from Hilton’s Miley Cyrus MTV VMA costume is the giant foam finger.

WHO: Kim Kardashian

WHAT: Kardashian made a big splash in her mermaid costume at the Midori Halloween party. 

WHO: Katy Perry

WHAT: Is there anything more genius than Perry’s throwback to MTV’s Daria? The answer is no.

WHO: Heidi Klum

WHAT: It’s difficult to pick a favourite Klum Halloween costume, but last year’s Cleopatra might just take the cake. 

WHO: Molly Sims

WHAT: We wonder what part of Sims’ Chiquita Banana number came first: the fruit headwrap or the polka-dot mermaid dress?

WHO: Alessandra Ambrosio

WHAT: No detail was too small for Ambrosio’s sexy Queen of Hearts costume. 

WHO: Ashley Madekwe

WHAT: And the best fashion costume goes to Madekwe for playing Karl Lagerfeld’s cat Choupette.

WHO: Lindsay Ellingson

WHAT: The Victoria Secret model is electrifying as Sandy from Grease.

Which celebrity costume is your favourite? Tell us below!

 As is our habit, we looked to our favourite celebrities for inspiration, and it turns out the stylish set love a thrifty thrill as much as we do. From Cara Delevingne’s ‘90s-inspired floral pants to Gwen Stefani’s perfectly slouchy tank, click through to find your own guilt-free indulgence today.

MINKPINK Polka Dot Sweat Pants ($70, similar style available here) in Floral

Aryn K. Flip Skirt ($55) in White

Topshop Moto Black Leigh Jeans ($76)

Levi’s 501 Shorts ($58)

This Is Genevieve Like A Version Smile Muscle Singlet ($79)

Splendid Caspian Loose Knit Tee ($64)

WILT Twisted Tank ($96) in Vintage Black

Michael Stars Solid Silk Georgette Collared Button Down ($74) in Ship

LOFT Marisa Plaid Ankle Pants ($80)

Levi’s Authentic Trucker Jacket ($78)

J.Crew Cyrille Studded T-Strap Sandals ($100)

Tolani Navajo Square Scarf ($99) in Orange

Juicy Couture Nautical Stripe Sweater ($90) in Fire