At Milk Makeup, we believe it’s not just how you create your look; it’s what you do in it that matters. That’s what our motto Live Your Look is all about. It means forgetting the rules. Having the freedom to show up as you every day, whether that’s with graphic liner or a glossed lip. Being seen and celebrated for living your truth. And there's no better way for us to show what that looks like than passing the mic to our Milk Fam.
In this series, we're opening it up to our community to share their inspirations, self-expression, beauty routines, and so much more. Get to know the faces behind our campaigns who are as inspiring off camera as they are on. This week, we're getting to know Karolyn, a stylist who’s really into Miles Davis right now.
Meet Karolyn, who you’ll definitely recognize from our RISE Mascara campaign. You’ve also seen her work in magazines and for brands; on top of modeling, she’s a wardrobe stylist and brand consultant whose work has been featured in Vogue, Interview, and SSENSE. Never one to sit still, she’s always on to the next thing, hopping back and forth between NY and LA. In between, she carves out time for wellness, alternating between yoga, pilates, and tennis. On rare occasions where she comes to a standstill (usually in LA’s infamous traffic), she’ll put on some Miles Davis for the drive. “I don’t get stressed out by traffic when I listen to it,” she says.
To balance out her fast-paced schedule, she keeps it simple when it comes to her style and beauty routine. You’ll find a curated edit of essentials in her makeup bag: moisturizer, SPF, lip balm, and a tube of RISE Mascara. Read on for her straightforward beauty philosophy and ideal day.
How would you describe your personal style?
My personal style is easy, sexy, androgynous.
How would you describe your approach to beauty?
Good maintenance will be less work in the end. Taking care of my skin, eating healthy, drinking tons of water, getting tons of sleep. I think it’s the best beauty regimen for anyone. Sleep and the water thing has been the most important thing for me and my skin.
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If you could only use one Milk product for the rest of your life what would it be?Probably the new RISE Mascara. I really like it. It feels light, not goopy. It just looks like natural lashes. I was surprised by the lengthening and the lifting! What are the other makeup products you use every day?Moisturizer, sunscreen, lip balm. That’s kind of it—sometimes I’ll throw in a tinted lip oil. What album or song are you currently listening to on repeat?I’m really into Miles Davis right now—Some Kind of Blue. I drive a lot since I live in LA. It keeps me calm but still upbeat where I don’t fall asleep. It just kind of zeroes out my mood; I don’t get stressed out by traffic when I listen to it. What is your ideal day?I wake up at 7:30 AM—that’s my optimum rest time. Ideally, my dog hasn’t had an accident in the house somewhere. I take him on a walk, I do a workout class, and then do whatever things I need to do. Run errands or whatever—I don’t like to sit. Go to the market, grab some food, and make a fun dinner with my fiance. I just got engaged, I’m just learning to say fiance. And then just chill with the animals and watch TV. |
What kind of dogs do you have?
They’re both rescue mixed breeds. One is Doberman-esque, and the other is a Jack-Russell-type. Margot and Bean.
What is your favorite hobby?
I love hot yoga—it's very meditative to me. I also do pilates and play tennis. I go to a pilates studio in LA called Motivate. And Modo Yoga here in NY and LA.
Where would you wear this look to?
This is something I would wear every day or going out. I wear the same makeup every day and every night. At night, I would throw on a lip color—shades of red.
Follow Karolyn on Instagram @karolynpho.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
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