While Beyonce’s twins might not need a middle name, it’s proven very useful for Stephanie Smith—what started with an Instagram handle (@stephclairesmith), is now a name known all over the world.
As an international model and co-founder of Keep It Cleaner—a blog turned business about leading a healthy lifestyle—she’s a poster girl for the new generation of women proving it’s sexy to be fit. But being in the industry from a young age, she admits this wasn’t always the case.
“I was a very sporty child, but I also really made the most of my fast metabolism back in the day! Up until I was about 18 years old, I would eat and drink just about anything and everything, and was very unhealthy in that sense.”
These days, things are quite the opposite. Take a look at her ‘gram and you’ll see she’s the picture of good health: workouts, green smoothies and a never-ending smile. She’s athletic, healthy and she exudes beauty, and with 1.2 million followers, she’s inspiring others to do the same.
We chat to Steph about life as a model, how she manages to stay in shape and the secret to her effortless tousled hair. Spoiler alert: it’s not the beach—she’s afraid of the ocean.
Where are you in the world right now? Why?
London, England! I had two weddings over this way and a couple of modelling jobs over here so decided to make a trip of it.
Where did you grow up?
Melbourne, Australia. North Balwyn to be precise
If you weren’t a model, what career would you pursue?
Something to do with kids, either a teacher or something on TV like playschool.
Where have you never been but wanted to go?
Italy. It’s my favourite kind of food and it’s meant to be incredibly beautiful.
What makes you feel sexy?
My boyfriend, Josh. Doesn’t matter what I’m wearing or what day it is, he seems to make me feel sexy every day.
Do you read the comments on your social posts?
Yes, I scan through just to make sure no ugly debates are going on and to block any super nasty people.
What is the craziest thing you’ve done on a shoot?
Shot a bridal gown under water in a pool, it was crazy difficult but the shots turned out beautiful.
Take us through your morning routine.
Wake up, check phone notifications, snuggle Ari my dog, have a glass of water and then make my way downstairs for some brekkie.
Take us through your weekly exercise regime. What type of workout do you most enjoy and which does your body respond best to?
At the moment I generally train six days a week but that can change depending on work. I box 4 times a week and absolutely love it!!! I do Pilates (either at home or a class) 1-2 times a week, and I love power walks, I try and go around 4 times a week.
You’re well known for your perky behind, how have you built such an incredible booty?
A lot of it has to do with genetics, but it wouldn’t be as perky without my power walks and Pilates.
Do you follow any particular diet or way of eating?
Nothing particular other than the 80/20 rule—eat clean 80% of the time and the other 20% I can treat myself. I try and make sure my breakfast and lunch are super healthy and fresh and dinners most nights too, but if I’m going to treat myself it’ll be a nice dinner out somewhere and I also have dark chocolate just about every night.
What does an average day on your plate look like?
Breakfast: Buckwheat porridge with peanut butter, yoghurt, cacao nibs and blueberries
Lunch: Smashed avo on GF toast with poached eggs, spinach and goats cheese
Afternoon snack: Usually a green smoothie or an apple with peanut butter
Dinner: changes all the time, but something with meat and lots of veggies!
Being a model, you have to be a bit more cautious than most, how often do you indulge? … Do you ever just cave and eat a burger or donut?
I don’t have a particular number of days or times a week I indulge—I just do it when I want to, because I know I can because of how hard I work out and how clean I eat the majority of the time. Plus it makes me happy.
Are you restrictive with alcohol?
Yes and no. I’ve never been a huge drinker. But I do love red wine, and mid week sometimes I have one or two with dinner.
If you could give one pearl of beauty wisdom, what would it be?
As I don’t dye my hair anymore, the Fudge Professional Clean Blonde range (Shampoo, Conditioner and now new styling product, Clean Blonde Violet Tri-blo) is the most effective and easiest way to keep my blonde bright. This range instantly neutralises brassy tones into a cool, clean blonde!
What’s your typical beauty routine?
Wake up, shower and wash my hair with Fudge Professional Clean Blonde Shampoo and Conditioner after my workout. Then Clinique Moisture Surge is always the first thing to hit my face. Then I usually just wear Laura Mercier tinted moisturiser and Kevyn Aucoin mascara and get on with my day! If I’m coming home from a job, I remove my makeup with Clinique ‘Take The Day Off’ wipes and balm.
You lead an active lifestyle and are often on the go, what are your tips for low maintenance hair and effortless beauty?
Dry shampoo, dry shampoo and dry shampoo. Fudge Professional Dry Shampoo is my saviour!
What is your number one productivity secret?
Just keep swimming, just keep swimming, just keep swimming swimming swimming! Hehe. I just remind myself that hard work pays off.
Quick questions…
Daily mantra: treat people how you wish to be treated
Pizza topping: pesto base, chicken, spinach and cheese
Coffee order: English breakfast tea! Or a soy chai latte
Favourite café: Short Straw in Melbourne, Australia
Favourite emoji: 😏
3 things you’ll always find in my fridge: spinach, cheese and almond milk.
Best new app I’ve used: the health app that’s already on the iPhone, it tracks how many steps you take a day.
Most people probably don’t know this about me, but: I’m scared of the ocean
