Pizza, red lipstick and Pilates: Victoria's Secret model Sara Sampaio reveals her beauty and exercise secrets

Growing up, I didn’t really care much about beauty products or make-up

My mum never used a lot of make-up and I don’t remember it being a big thing in Portugal, besides shampoos and perfumes. It’s changed so much, and the internet has really brought beauty into focus in a way that wasn’t the case when it was just magazines.

Fashion, and modelling for Victoria’s Secret helped me come out of my shell

When I started, I didn’t know much about fashion or modelling, and didn’t even think people were paid money for it. I definitely didn’t think I could be one of those models on TV or in magazines, but actually while it wasn’t always sunshine and rainbows, fashion really helped me come out of my shell, and made me more confident at times. Modelling for Victoria’s Secret made me feel some pressure about being in lingerie constantly, but, if anything, it made me want to be healthier.

I always loved a red lip

I wasn’t really into make-up or beauty, and really only started paying attention to it when I started modelling, but a red lip was always something I loved.

(KIKO Milano)

I loved the challenge of creating make-up palettes for KIKO

We’ve been wanting to collaborate for years. Most shades in the three palettes I’ve created are earthy tones with lots of matte and sparkle options so they’re versatile and you could use them on a day-to-day basis and also for special occasions.

I’m not that strict about how I eat

To be honest it’s all about balance. I love pizza, and French fries and popcorn, but I just can’t eat like that every day like I did in my early twenties, so now I focus on moderation.

My skincare and exercise routines are simple but consistent

I have sensitive skin so for skin I just use a good moisturiser, serum, and sunscreen. When it comes to working out, being consistent used to be my biggest issue, but now I find it really helps to keep me sane, so I do a lot of weights, resistance training, and Pilates, as well as walking and hiking — but I also just love staying home, and one of my favourite things to do is to watch a movie and have a cuddle.