The Moodie Blog: In awe of Murphy’s lore

Who knew I had so much in common with a supermodel? (Stick with me, I’m not a) delusional or b) drunk. Although it is still early.)

Last week I had the pleasure of meeting Carolyn Murphy, the face of Estée Lauder’s new Pure Color Envy Sculpting Lipstick, set to launch next February. Murphy attended the official London press event – along with Estée Lauder & Tom Ford Beauty Senior Vice President, Global Product Development Anne Carullo, and Estée Lauder Director, Global Makeup Artistry Blair Patterson – at the jaw-droppingly gorgeous Café Royal.

Carolyn Murphy in the Pure Color Envy Sculpting Lipstick ad visual

I’ll confess that, ahead of the launch, my heart sank a little. At my age and stage, interviewing supermodels is simply not what the ego needs – and professionally speaking, you never know how forthcoming/disinterested/hungry they are going to be. I’ve had my share of monosyllabic nightmares.

Meeting Murphy, however, was a true pleasure on every level. Intelligent, articulate, witty and modest, she spoke warmly about her daughter; honestly about the realities of keeping in shape; and eloquently about the brand’s new lipstick – and the difference the right shade can make to a woman’s outlook and mood.

That day, Murphy – a fan of the classic red lip – was wearing Impassioned, the very shade this writer had selected during the launch presentation and informal trial session. She had paired hers with a complementary red manicure, a form-fitting black leather frock and to-die-for, skyscraper Louboutins (see, I told you we had stuff in common). I had left my fave Loubs at home, but there we were, both clad in black dresses, both wearing the same lipstick shade and, er, both in the same room. See? Three things. Practically sisters.

Estée Lauder’s new Pure Color Envy Sculpting Lipstick Collection

Like me, Murphy is also no stranger to airports, being obliged to travel extensively for her job. “I’ve learned the tricks of the trade, especially when travelling,” she explained, when asked for tips on how to stay looking good. “It’s so important to keep hydrated, and to stay away from caffeine and alcohol.”

Here endeth the similarities. The thought of a ‘dry’ long haul flight (or even a short haul one) holds about as much appeal for me as a date with Chris Ashton. As a compromise, I’m prepared to lay off the coffee though.

“A good skin care routine is also super-important… as is sun block,” Murphy continued. “On a long flight I always make sure I cleanse, take off my make-up, and moisturise throughout. I’m a big Re-Nutriv fan. And my go-to product has always been Advanced Night Repair. I grew up with Estée Lauder and don’t really know anything else.”

I too am a fan of the iconic ANR, although given my current whey-with-a-tinge-of-blue November-in-the-UK complexion, I’m not sure Lauder would consider me its ideal advocate. And I never take off my make-up on a flight. There’s just no way I could afford everybody’s therapy.

Murphy and Mann strike a pose (the former rather more expertly than the latter)

But despite her commitment to healthy living, Murphy is no fanatic, and has a surprisingly grounded attitude to ageing. “My nanna always said ‘beauty is as beauty does’,” she explained with a smile. “So if you take care of yourself, and you enjoy your life, you’re going to look and feel good.

“Confidence is another big factor,” Murphy continued, warming to her theme. “The older I’ve got, the more confidence I have; I feel better now at 40 than I did at 30.”

And as for some artful intervention? “I’m not opposed to tidying up little bits here and there,” she replied easily, “but I haven’t got to that stage yet.” Whereas I fantasise daily about a full face and body spring-clean – never mind a little “tidying up” – but after speaking with Murphy I feel more inclined to knock back some water, juice up some vegetables and swipe on my favourite scarlet lippy.

Murphy ended the session by happily posing for personal photographs (a rarity among actresses/models/celebrities obsessed with air brushing and image approval). As spokesmodels go, she’s super in every sense of the word – and a genuinely fabulous ambassador for Pure Color Envy Sculpting Lipstick.