StyleNest take five minutes with Lanolips creator Kirsten Carriol.
Mother and entrepreneur, tells us about her journey to create the lanolin based moisture line, Lanolips. Kirsten shares her top beauty tips and tells us how she balances being a working mum.
Your childhood has been an integral part of your development of Lanolips. What was the inspiration behind Lanolips?
It was inspired by my childhood holidays on the family farm, and a mad scientist Father who always (and still does) swear by lanolin. Over time I’ve tried so many different products being a beauty junkie, yet nothing else has quite matched lanolin for intense hydration. I knew I had to bring lanolin back; it’s like a raw gem that just needed a good cut and polish.
How did the Lanolips venture begin?
It began on my honeymoon. I was on my way to the airport in Paris on my honeymoon and was dreading the flight ahead and the toll it would take on my skin and lips. I was daydreaming about using lanolin when I was a little girl and how nothing else has quite matched it since, and the idea hit me. We launched in 2009 in Australia and since then we have launched here, Hong Kong and New Zealand.
Before Lanolips you owned your own PR company. Have you always been a driven businesswoman?
Yes, this is my third business, but this will definitely be my last. Everything in my life I have done has led me to Lanolips. It is my calling. I enjoyed the experience of the others and it was critical training for me, I learned more in one year of running a business than my 4 years of university.
What advice would you give our readers who want to set up a business?
Be passionate and you really must, truly believe in your business idea. If you don’t, there will always be someone who does and will do it better. The reason for my business success is my absolute love and passion for the ingredient, lanolin.
What was the design process behind the story?
My packaging design was purposely simple and sweet. I didn’t want anything too serious, and feel that it’s really what is what is on the inside that counts. It’s meant to be a little secret to discover, and true beauty connoisseurs and insiders discover the magic on their own.
You are a working mum and have two sons. You certainly have your hands full. What do you do for some well deserved “me time”?
Anyone who juggles business and motherhood knows that at this stage in your life there is no “me time”. A glass of good Champagne, and I’m happy.
What beauty advice would you give women who are time short but want to have a regime?
Keep it simple. Some tricks I have learnt are tying my hair up into a chignon whilst wet and releasing when dry for instant waves. I give myself a mini pedi in the bath while bathing my boys, St Tropez Mousse for the 5 minute perfect tan, and a thick layer of Lanolips 101 Ointment on my lips and cuticles before bed every single night.
Family is obviously a big part of your life. How do you balance being a working mum?
You have to prioritise, as there is never enough time to get everything done. Be easy on yourself, some things will slide, but that’s ok. You simply cannot do it all. My biggest workday tip is that your email inbox should never be your to-do list. You should create your to-do list every day before looking at your emails.
What are your top 3 products in the Lanolips range?
This is a tough one, The 101 Ointment, Lip Ointment with Colour in Sunshine and my new Herbal Treatment Body Oil are my current favourites.
Any top tips for our readers on how to look fabulous in just five minutes?
Team up your outfit with fabulous accessories. I love statement jewellery with a simple tee; my latest favourite is a necklace from J.Crew.
What are your beauty secrets? Products you can’t live without?
Lanolips 101 Ointment, St Tropez Tanning Mousse, Tweezerman Tweezers, Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser with SPF30 and Tangle Teezer brush.
Women often lose their confidence and sense of self after having children, what advice would you give to women to help them get their style back after giving birth?
Streamline your grooming and choose products that multitask. Focus on looking after your skin, wear mascara and a little lip balm and you will glow. Men normally prefer less makeup anyway. Invest in great fitting jeans, simple tees, a few tailored stretch jackets and chic flats – and you will always look effortlessly stylish. Just throw away any clothes that make you feel uncomfortable or bad about your body and a great pair of sunglasses will always make you look fabulous.
What summer fashion spots have you made this season that your wardrobe simply won’t and can’t be without?
My Tom Binns jewellery and a super light Carven dress which I can roll up into a ball to pack for trips. Amazing.
What do you think is real beauty?
A smile when you talk (even if you are on the phone) breaks down even the iciest barrier.
What’s your motto?
Honesty – in business, in life, to yourself and your friends and try not to care what anyone thinks, (except your family), as none of it matters.