MTV presenter Laura Whitmore was in town recently and the RTÉ Guide's Suzanne Byrne caught up with the Wicklow native to talk beauty, fashion, festivals, men and Marilyn Manson.
Did you get any beauty advice from your mum when you where growing up?
My mum’s mantra was cleanse, tone and moisturise! And she also used to tell me to make sure I would take off my make-up. I always try and do it when I have time, but there have been many times, after a night out, when I have just gone to sleep and would wake up the next morning to find my face imprinted in the pillow. Since working in TV I‘ve got a lot better at it though, you need to give your skin some time to breathe.
What are your beauty must haves?
For starters I am a big fan of the RoC Hydra+ skincare range, especially the moisturiser with SPF 15. It is important to protect your skin on a daily basis. Apart from that I couldn’t be without my Rimmel Liquid Eyeliner and Mac red lipstick. If I’m heading to an event after work I don’t often have much time to get ready – it’s usually in the back of the car on the way there, but if I have my eyeliner and lipstick I always feel ready to go.
How would you describe the contents of your wardrobe?
I hate defining my style because I change my mind so often about what I like to wear. I have a lot of leather jackets. Right now I am into the festival look, but it’s summer and I also like to wear floral, coral and peach. I’m also a big fan of the vintage look. But I hate being too girly or too pretty. If I am wearing a girly dress I’ll team it with a leather jacket or biker boots, or else I’ll just feel like I’m either 5 or a WAG.
You’re from Bray in Wicklow, but live in London for work – where is home?
I feel really bad because I always say I’m going home, referring to London, then my mum will just give me this look. But I have to say the more time I spend in London the more it feels like home. I have a lot of friends there. But there’s nothing better then coming back to Ireland to see my mam, my family and my friends here. Can I have two homes?
You won MTV’s Pick Me competition over two years ago, has the prize of becoming one of the music station’s presenters started to feel like work yet?
Right now it doesn’t feel like a job, but there are certain times late at night when I’m tired and all I want to do is go home. When you’ve had a long day in the studio it just hits you, but you have to keep on going. And because you are on TV you have to keep smiling. It’s not like an office job where you can hide at your desk if you are having a bad day – you always have to be on.
Meeting celebrities is part of your everyday life, have you ever been so starstruck that you were lost for words?
No – something just kicks in and I go into professional Laura mode and it’s like I don’t care who you are, you could be anyone. You have to see everyone as a normal person and treat them that way. Although, in saying that, there was a time when I was in RTÉ reception and heard this voice beside me on the phone. I turned around and saw that it was Gay Byrne – that left me pretty speechless.
You travel all over the world with MTV, where are your favourite places?
New York is my absolutely favourite place. I just love it. I was there for the VMAs last year and it was amazing, it always is. I also love Austin in Texas because it is full of music and so vibrant.
Has there been anybody who was really difficult to interview?
Marilyn Manson was... interesting. He was quite hard work. He was rude. But it’s all fun and games really.
What’s your favourite thing to do on a day off?
PJs, cuppa and crap TV! Or a box set. My guilty pleasure at the moment is 'True Blood'.
You were at Glastonbury this year – any tips for surviving festivals?
Don’t camp, bring baby wipes and always try and go with a friend who has a car where you can keep a spare change of clothes. Wet jeans are not nice.
Are you dating anyone at the moment, or do the men of Ireland still have a chance?
Yes, I am single! I don’t have a particular type, it all depends on the guy. I do like guys who are creative and I like Irish guys because they have good banter. I love Johnny Depp - apparently I turned him down, oh and Tom Cruise as well, who I haven’t even met! My friends always slag me off because during college I used to always fancy boys in bands. Then when I got the MTV job they where like ‘Oh no Laura, what have you started!'
Suzanne Byrne
