The Beauty Interview

DANNII MINOGUE

THE SINGER AND X FACTOR JUDGE DENIES THOSE LEWIS HAMILTON RUMOURS, BUT KNOWS HOW SHE FEELS ABOUT SHARON OSBOURNE. BY TABITHA LASLEY

I went through an ugly duckling stage as a teenager. I got a lot of stick from the UK press, saying I was fat. I look back on pictures and I was certainly bigger than I am now, but I felt good about myself, so I found it a bit weird that other people had a problem with it. A friend at school had anorexia, was in hospital and almost died. Seeing that made me think, ‘I don’t want that to happen to me’.

I’m more at ease with myself and my imperfections now. I think age does that because you’re not so focused on your looks, it’s more about who you are and what you can do. At least you’ve got a few achievements under your belt.

I posed for Playboy after my divorce. It was kind of a wild thing to do and I was a lot wilder when I was younger. I always laugh about it and say ‘Most women break up with their husbands and get a haircut, I posed for Playboy!’ It was quite incredible and gave me confidence that I didn’t have before.

I can’t believe all this stuff about me and Lewis [Hamilton]. I’ve met him a couple of times: at the TV awards and at other races, because I go to loads of them, and because of one picture of us together there was this whole big thing. I’m looking forward to seeing him again. He’s such a nice guy and, as an F1 fan, I really admire what he’s managed to do. I know how much pressure there is. I’m just looking forward to seeing him kick some butt this year, he’s got to do Britain proud.

I go to Ibiza every year. I love being surrounded by the music, the DJs and friends of mine such as Roger Sanchez and Carl Cox. Even when you’re waiting in the airport for your flight, they play the most amazing compilation albums from all the clubs and beach bars. It’s definitely influenced my music.

I take off my make-up as soon as I get on the plane and lather on a thick moisturiser, something that doesn’t dry out my skin. I also drink loads of water. I still haven’t worked out what to do with frizzy hair when you get off the plane, except put on a hat.

When I arrived at X Factor, Sharon [Osbourne] and Louis [Walsh] made it very clear they didn’t think I should be there. By the end of the series, Sharon made it public she didn’t like me. I still don’t know what I did to deserve that kind of treatment. It was very hard because I was excited to be on the show and had so much new stuff to learn. I was three years behind everyone else and it was interesting that they kind of went out of their way to make it as difficult for me as possible. I think it forced Simon and I to be better friends because I was getting attacked so much from the other side of the judging panel, I really needed some confidence about what I was doing there.

There’s nothing Sharon can say that will make me feel angry or bad. I couldn’t live my life the way she lives her life. I’m just happy for her to get on with it and I’ll stay out the way. All of her comments and behaviour say so much about her, and nothing about me. I know who I am and what I do, and how I conduct myself, and I’m secure in that. I’m excited Leon and Rhydian both got record deals, which they’ll be releasing soon [October].

I’m thrilled Cheryl [Cole] has joined the judging panel. She has experienced the whole process first hand and successfully carved a recording career with Girls Aloud. She brings a breath of fresh, young air to the show and isn’t afraid to voice her opinions, even with Simon! We’ve got a good chance of really finding people who’ve got longevity and I’ve got to come back, defend my title, and do it again!

I recently did Olivia Newton John’s Great Walk to Beijing. I’ve never done anything like it before; never camped or trekked. It was a really personal mission. I know so many people who’ve had to deal with cancer – you need to be there to support them. For more information visit greatwalktobeijing. com and danniiminogue.com.

FIVE OF THE BEST
BEACH BEAUTY

1 If you’re already sunkissed, you might want to forgo foundation – just blend a little Touche Éclat (£19) concealer where you need it.

2 This strawberry shade from Lancôme Juicy Tubes Five Pack (£20) looks fresh and summery against tanned skin.

3 Make your eyes pop without mascara. Try a slick of Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream, from the Eight Hour Set (£24), on curled lashes.

4 Boost your natural colour with a liberal application of Lancaster Tan Maximiser After Sun (£17).

5 Soothe thirsty complexions with a spritz of hydrating face spray from Clinique’s Moisture Surge Extra set (£28).

Photo: Andrew Hobbs © Kdb Artists Pty Ltd

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