Who can forget Leanne Amaning, the beauty from Love Island? She might not have found true love on the show but she did leave a lasting impression especially when it came to her spectacular makeup looks.
Leanne is a beauty boss, while she was at University she launched her own cruelty-free makeup line which stemmed from her passion for beauty. She also has a degree from the University of Nottingham in Psychology plus a Masters in Occupational Psychology from University of Hertfordshire. I caught up with her to discuss her career and all things beauty.
What were you doing before Love Island?
Prior to Love Island I was working in customer service and marketing, I really loved it and it was the best job I had ever had. The work culture was cool, I loved the people plus I could work from home which was a huge bonus.
What made you decide to go on Love Island?
Well the opportunity came up and i could not turn it down. Even though I had a job i loved, I knew that opportunities like this do not come up very often so I had to take it.
How did you keep yourself looking so glam on the show?
Well I came into Love Island with my whole makeup kit in a big bag. My saviour product was Mary Kay Timewise Foundation, it is the only foundation that matches my skin. I feel like Mary Kay is a brand that people come across because they know someone who sells it. In fact, my auntie sells Mary Kay.
On the show we did not have a lot of time to get ready so everything was rushed. For instance in the mornings we would literally have five minutes, however, in the evening we would have more time (between 30 minutes to two hours) but that includes showering, hair, makeup and picking something to wear. Because everything was so rushed my hair would be the last thing I would do so I would just put it up in a bun.
Talking of buns, how did you create that perfect up-do?
(Laughs) I didn’t think it was perfect at all. In fact I got so much stick for my hair. During the show my hair was half natural and half relaxed so it would just put it up in a bun but when I had more time I would I straighten it out.
Which beauty products did you rely on during the show?
I used a product called Gorilla Snot to slick my hair down. Another item I used for my face was Black Soap. At home I have a step by step skincare routine but on Love Island I would only have time to wash my face so I would use this product. Makeup wise I would use ColorPop Limbo and Huda Beauty Day Slayer for my lips - I would always put foundation on my lips before I applied the products. Of course I had my lashes - I don’t do wispy lashes, I go for 25mm - the longer the better. My friend owns her own lash brand which I use. For my brows I used MUA Brown Pencil. When I left Love Island I went on a skin face detox for two days. Because of the time restraints on the show you cannot wash your face properly and as you have to wear makeup constantly my skin broke out.
What are your favourite skincare products?
My skin type is normal to dry so I cleanse, tone and moisturise and use a clay detox face mask once a week. I love anything by The Ordinary, and I am also a fan of Caudalie Vino Perfect Serum and Dr Dennis Grossman Moisturiser.
What are your favourite haircare products?
I will admit I could take better care of my hair, however I am about to do the big chop. To be honest I am not into brand names but I do use products by Got to Be and anything with olive oil in it.
What is your go-to look when you are going out?
LOL My go-to look is to slap it all on! Contour, bronzer, highlighter - I do it all. I have toned down my highlighter recently as I used to go mad. I also use eyeshadow and I tend to go for reds, burnt oranges and browns. I always use a setting spray, right now I am using Smashbox Set and Prime or I just use water. I am definitely a makeup girl, skincare as well but hair is last.
What does the future hold for Leanne Amaning?
I would like to have my own makeup brand again. When I was at University I used to have a small makeup business so I would love to do that again. I would also like to get into acting.
