An Interview with Leilani Green — A2Z Fashion Magazine

Leilani Green is undoubtably one of the fasting rising stars within the online beauty community. With an accumulated 9 million followers across varying social media platforms, the young influencer has made a name for herself through her make up transformations and ‘get ready with me’ style videos.

Recently named as one of the top fifty creators for Forbes’ fashion list, Leilani has carved a space for herself within the online community after first starting out in middle school as an extension of her hobbies. Now in her early twenties, the content creator works alongside major brands in online partnerships and continues to pave the way in online trends and engaging video formats. We had the opportunity to speak with Leilani about her journey into her chosen career, being a role model and beauty trends we can look forward to seeing!

Having started out so young, how did you find navigating being an online personality whilst staying authentic to yourself?

I began this future for myself with two things in mind. One: I need to help inspire as many people as possible to feel and be their best through beauty, and two: you can be beautiful and quirky/weird at the same time. That’s the best combo. I’ve been the same since I was a kid. No amount of money or position I am in can change that.

A large part of your audience now must be the same age as you were when you first started making videos. What message do you hope they take from your content and how does it feel to be a role model for the younger generation?

I hope that the message they take from me is to stay true to yourself. Do not LOSE yourself. Enjoy the things you’ve always enjoyed, and don’t stop because the “famous people” do it, or the “cool people” do it. Recognizing that you have genuinely stayed true to yourself is the best reward. It’s true happiness. Being a role model is the biggest reward because I’ve experienced first-hand what I encourage them to do. Sticking to what I know makes me happy, and not doing a thing beyond that. You can see it through my content. You can see it when you look at people if they’ve lost themselves or not. I am here for those people who have and have not.

Autumn is upon us! We’re really feeling it here in London, what beauty trends can we look forward to seeing as the seasons change?

Spooky SZN is here which means a dash of spooky makeup looks!!! You will definitely see more of the deeper toned shadows and neutrals such as browns and blacks. THE MATTE SKIN IS BACK BABY! Summer is all about the glow, and we start to transition into matte skin for fall/ winter :)

Your makeup transformation videos are so amazing to watch! How would you describe your makeup style in three words?

Powerful, sultry, and bratty (Bratz doll bratty!)

There’s been a huge rise in the popularity of the ‘no make up, make up’ and clean make up looks at the moment, how has this aesthetic influenced your own routine?

The “no makeup makeup” trend has HEAVILYYYY influenced my routine. Before, there was no such thing. I would either go to the fullest with my face, or completely bare. Now I know that I can have a set routine for the more chill days. Concealer, blush, brow gel and a coat of mascara. It’s an entire 3-minute routine that lets me leave my house feeling simply beautiful on days where I needed a little touch, but nothing major.

What beauty products could you not live without?

⁃ SAIE beauty starglow. This is beautiful under foundation and stunning on its own. It’s like a fresh, dewy new set of skin.
⁃ Nars radiant creamy concealer. It’s just the IT GIRL of the concealer world. Almost everyone who wears makeup has seen her!
⁃ Clinique high fi mascara! 1 coat does it for me. And she does NOT budge.

With A2Z Fashion Magazine being based in London, I’d love to know what you’ve noticed to be the major differences in UK and US make up styles, what can we learn from each other?

Over time, I have noticed that makeup in the UK is very different from US. I feel like people go fuller on the face in the UK! Lots of product which I am not mad about! Bold brow and lip! It’s honestly iconic. I feel that in the US, you see more of a simple sultry lash and subtle foundation, if any.

The trend cycle moves so fast online, especially within the spheres of beauty and fashion. How can your viewers engage in these evolving trends whilst searching for their own personal style that resonates with them?

Trends are kind of like a train. If you’re not awake, you’ll miss it! And that’s okay! Catch the next! There will always be more. If I don’t feel like I am head over heels about a trend, see ya never! I only hop on the trends or test out the ones that are intriguing to what I truly enjoy for me, which I feel like is the fun part of social media. You get to choose what you partake in and choose what you ignore.

It’s been great speaking with you Leilani, what is next for you in your make up journey? Where can our readers stay up to date with your content?

Next for me is really locking in my space in this community. Recently, being on the Top 50 creators for Forbes Fashion list has made me realize that putting in the work and staying true, true, true to YOU, and you ONLY, will place you exactly where you need to be. I really want to do more of this. I am not exactly sure, but slowly leaving my mark such as hitting these milestones is what I live for. I would love to create a product. A product that transforms the look of a face placed underneath makeup… I update Snapchat every single day with more personal parts of me. :) Thank you!