The most exciting change in the beauty industry this year was the sale of Elizabeth Arden to beauty giant Revlon. Heading up the merger of these two super brands is general manager Valerie Riley. Editor Trudi Brewer visited her at home.
Photographer Milana Radojcic
Today women can have it all. Financial independence, an exciting career and if they choose a family - the only challenge is staying well and keeping stress at bay. Influencer Valerie Riley shares her career highs and lessons she has learned from her daughter Claudia.
Career
How has your career influenced your style?
I don’t think it has. However, when you get to travel, you have access to lots of different things like accessories, fashion and great shoes.
What lessons have you learned on your way to the top?
It’s all about the people you surround yourself with - having a good team.
What do you love most about your career?
As a woman working in the cosmetic industry you can get to the top, and it’s such a dynamic industry, it’s never boring.
What advice would your share with other working mums?
Try to balance your family and work life to ensure you don’t burn out.
Mother and daughter
Valerie (VR) how has Claudia influenced your style?
She helps to keep me on trend.
Claudia (CR) how has your mum influenced your style?
She has taught me the art of coordinating my wardrobe, like not wearing spots with stripes.
What personality traits do you share?
(VR) We are both very bossy.
How has your relationship changed over the years?
(VR) We are good friends and confide in each other.
What is the one life lesson your mum has taught you?
(CR) To always try and be positive.
What about Claudia, what has she taught you?
(VR) To be patient.
What do you admire most about your mum?
(CR) That she is independent, determined and very strong willed.
Fashion and beauty
Describe your signature style?
(VR) I would say classic for work and sporty for the weekends.
And yours Claudia?
(CR) I feel my best in a T-shirt, jeans and cool sneakers.
What is your fashion weakness?
(VR) Most certainly shoes.
Claudia, and yours?
(CR) It would have to be jeans.
What fashion designers do you admire most local/International?
(VR) Here in New Zealand Trelise Cooper, and international: Louis Vuitton, Kate Spade.
What labels to do wear?
(CR) Uniqlo, and the SPRZ label by Uniqlo.
What does beauty mean to you?
(VR) When a woman feels comfortable in her skin.
(CR) Being confident.
What is your one beauty indulgence?
(VR) Prevage skincare and a Shellac manicure every two weeks.
What’s your beauty weakness?
(CR) Lipstick – I could never have too many.
What would we always find in your beauty bag?
(VR) Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream, and a range of different lipstick shades.
What beauty product would your never be without?
(CR) Mineral powder.
What beauty advice do you find yourself sharing with your daughter?
(VR) Never leave the house without applying some makeup.
What advice to you share with your mum?
(CR) Make sure you groom your eyebrows.
What is your favourite fragrance?
(VR) Right now it would have to be Elizabeth Arden White Tea.
(CR) I like a floral Oriental like Elizabeth Arden Untold.
Home
How would your describe your home?
It is minimalist. White walls with accents of blue, red and orange.
What makes a great interior?
Plants, and music in every room.
What is your favourite room?
Our main living area with the view out to the pool. It’s airy and light and where we tend relax as a family.
What do you always have on your bedside table?
My iPad and Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream.
What are your most treasured possessions?
I have always loved my sports cars - and I would have to say my handbag collection.
What’s the best interior advice you have learned decorating your home?
Less is more.