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To celebrate the launch of THE ICONIC Beauty, our I AM ICONIC series explores your unique sense of style and self-expression. Bold, creative and inspiring, we talk to some of our favourite creatives to explore the link between self-empowerment and beauty. From must-have beauty products to finding inspiration in the everyday, here’s how these creatives put their best selves forward.
Content Creator Millie Ford started posting fictional characters on TikTok early last year and has since become one of Australia’s biggest talents on the platform. Her hilarious impressions range from disgruntled school teachers to the most accurate portrayals of Aussie retail workers we’ve ever seen – and she’s just getting started. After seeing her success on TikTok, Millie was approached to play the role of a school librarian on season two of the hit Stan show Bump. We chat with the Content Creator about getting started on TikTok, being authentic on social media and cringeworthy beauty regrets.
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How did you get started on TikTok?
“I was working in social media and marketing when I first joined TikTok. I accidentally got addicted to it when I was in charge of creating an account for the company I worked at – happiest accident ever! I created a personal account and at first I was experimenting by just posting random clips from my life but then in February of last year I started posting my POVs and that's when my account really started to grow.”
Were you always this confident putting yourself out there on social media?
“Honestly no! I feel like I've had a really toxic relationship with social media in the past, constantly wondering what people were thinking of me and trying to curate the perfect image. Ironically, as soon as I let all of that go and stopped worrying about perfection, I started to feel way more confident. But it was definitely baby steps in the beginning. I actually made myself visualise in my head the individual people who I thought would judge me. It was the most random people from my past and I thought, 'am I seriously holding myself back from being happy because of a few people who MIGHT judge me?' and from there I thought this is ridiculous, I don't want to live my life with any regrets so I'm just going to put myself out there and do what I want to do. Now I look back and wonder what I was afraid of.”
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What advice would you give someone who wants to start posting on TikTok?
“It sounds cliché but I can't stress enough how important it is to just be authentic and be you. People don't want to see more of the same, they want originality. Have fun with it and stay consistent. Develop your own personal style of creating and don't forget nurturing your community is so important! It can sometimes be the reason you get through a hard day.”
Where do you get inspiration for all your characters?
“Real people and real-life interactions! All my videos are based on personal experiences and I think that's why people relate – if it's happening to me then chances are it's happening to someone else too. I will be going about my day and see someone or something that sparks an idea. Often I'll be mid-conversation and say ‘wait sorry that's a good TikTok idea, I need to write that down…’ So I whip out my phone and write something down to remind myself for later. There are actual people walking around who have no idea they are the inspo for one of my TikToks!”
Do you have a beauty look that makes you feel your best?
“I don't wear much makeup on a day-to-day basis but I love a super clean and subtle look that highlights my natural features and gives me that confidence boost I might need in the morning! I usually pop some concealer on any super distracting blemishes and fill in and set my brows. I don't fake tan my face so if I don't feel like doing a full face of foundation I'll pop on some bronzer to bring a little bit of colour back. I have quite long lashes but because they are so light sometimes I forget they're there so a bit of mascara helps me feel a little more elevated in the morning.”
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If you could only use three beauty products to get ready for an event, what would they be?
“I'd honestly go super natural with a good concealer, my fave is the M.A.C Studio Fix concealer. I'd give myself a little eye definition with mascara, I'm currently loving Hourglass Unlocked mascara. Then M.A.C Velvet Teddy on the lips – ALWAYS! And then I'd pop a little on my cheeks to give myself a bit of blush.”
Any beauty regrets from the past that make you cringe?
“Not having a proper skincare routine makes me cringeeee. When I was younger, I used to be SO bad at remembering to moisturise my face because I have oily skin so I thought I didn't need to, and looking back you can tell. My skin was begging me for some moisture.”
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Must-have beauty products to wear while filming for TikTok?
“I usually wear my Estée Lauder Double Wear Sheer Foundation because it's super natural and works across multiple characters, and then to distinguish if I'm in ‘mum’ character that day I'll pop on a gorgeous red M.A.C lipstick.”
What do you do on those days where you have to put content out there but you’re not feeling your best?
“Oh gosh, these days happen more often than you'd think! I absolutely love my job but it is incredibly high energy and like most people, there are days when you just aren't feeling 'it'. Whenever I find myself feeling demotivated I first ask myself if I need something to eat or drink, that usually helps. And if I'm just burnt out I definitely am kind to myself. But otherwise, if it's just a laziness thing I practise gratitude and remind myself how lucky I am to be in this job. Instead of 'I have to film' it's reframing your mindset to 'I GET to film.' I have a stern chat with myself and say, ‘Ok well would you rather go back to your old job?’ and I'm like hmmm you got me. A truly humbling experience.”
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