FJ Shoot: Next in Line

Edgy.

Her father may be one of Australia’s most recognisable faces in beauty, but that isn’t stopping Lianna Perdis from making her own way in the world.

Not only has the 16-year-old daughter of makeup king, Napoleon Perdis, recently launched a makeup line, Lianna’s also turning her hand to modelling. All while she finishes high school.

Amid her travels between Athens and Australia, we managed to catch some time with Lianna to chat Total Bae and what’s next for her rapidly expanding resumé

Tell us about Total Bae. How did it come about and what was the process?

Growing up in LA, I noticed Napoleon Perdis cosmetics were being [increasingly] stocked at luxury retailers. But there wasn’t makeup available for the younger generation or products I’d be able to afford if my parents didn’t buy them for me. I discussed this with Dad and he thought we could call an upcoming range ‘Total Babe’. I told him ‘babe’ is old school and has now been replaced by ‘bae’ all over social media. So, Total Bae it was. The range is amazing, in price and quality. It’s all about having fun with makeup and creating looks to love.

Was this the first time you’ve been able to really work on the business side of things?

I’ve grown up around makeup, so it’s always played a big role in my life. As I’ve grown older, Dad is asking for my input when it comes to product formulas, shades, packaging, artwork, etc. I love attending weekly product development meetings with the team and sharing my point of view.

You’re starting to make your way in the modelling world. Is this something you’ve always wanted to do?

I wouldn’t say it’s something I’ve always wanted to do, more so something that’s just evolved over the last year. I’m enjoying every minute of it and learning so much about the business side of things. I’m excited for what the future holds, whatever that may be. I have the love and support of my family and that’s what counts.

Do you have any advice for girls still figuring out their ‘look’?

Remember to always be yourself. Don’t feel like you need to follow the trends and be a clone of everybody else. Use makeup to enhance your look, not mask who you really are.

What’s the key to nailing a perfect face of makeup?

Primer. Not to prime is a crime! Applying primer before your makeup will not only prepare your skin for the perfect landing, but assist your foundation in lasting from day to night (and beyond).

Quickfire Questions

I currently live… in Athens, Greece.
But I would love to visit… Brazil.
My favourite place to holiday is… Australia
Because it’s… home.
I’m pretty good at… applying my lipstick without a mirror.
If there’s one thing you should know about me it’s… I’m obsessed with skincare and cleansing!
When I’m not studying I’m… taking a nap.
On the weekend… you’ll find me in my local square catching up with friends.
My family is… everything.
Dad always tells me… I’m beautiful, smart and can achieve whatever I put my mind to.
The best piece of advice he’s ever given me is… to always be confident within yourself and do everything with love, grace and to remain humble.
I think girls my age need to stop worrying about… their insecurities and focus on all the positive things in their lives (health, family, friends, goals). 
If there is one trend I could get rid of, it would be… the heavy makeup trend we’re seeing so much of on social media.
And I’d love to see more… natural beauty – [people] enhancing their features with makeup, not masking them.
My favourite makeup product of all time is… Total Bae Own it! Mascara in Jet.
I’m most comfortable when… I’m surrounded by people that love and care for me.
The greatest lesson I’ve learnt is… you’re not going to be everybody’s cup of tea and that’s okay.
I would describe my style as… edgy.
The one piece of clothing you’ll always find in my suitcase is… a cool pair of sneakers.
I love to shop… in little laneways and boutiques in Melbourne and Kolonaki in Athens.
My favourite piece of clothing is… my John Richmond green bomber jacket.
My biggest style influences are… from street brands like Supreme, Diamond…I like mixing street with chic.

This feature was originally published in Fashion Journal 159. You can read it here.