CQ: Um, I would say currently, no, but, a few years ago, yes, absolutely. I mean, I was 29 years old when season one came out, and I didn’t have social media. They told me, ‘You need a social presence.’ I never had Facebook, I never had Twitter, I never had Instagram, I never had any of that. It’s difficult. But I think at the end of the day, it just comes down to being really confident and comfortable with yourself and who you are. And that’s kind of what I had to do.
Allure: What was the experience of going from no social media at 29 to 3.5 million Instagram followers at 34?
CQ: I’m actually a very private person, believe it or not. I know, people probably wouldn’t think that, but I’m not usually posting my food and where I’m vacationing or my hotel rooms and all that stuff. But then people start to expect that. I’ve finally gotten to a place where I’m comfortable, and I don’t need to show off everything and explain everything to everyone.
Allure: How do you feel about aging?
CQ: Unfortunately, I can’t do anything about it, but thank God for Botox and fillers. I was actually in France at a dinner with Julia Hobbs from Vogue, who has the most beautiful glass skin I’ve ever seen. And I was like, ‘Tell me everything.’ And she’s like, ‘I do yellow light therapy three times a week.’ I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, on it.’ So I immediately went on Amazon. I got this light that I made sure has yellow therapy. And I’ll try to do that when I’m home.
Allure: Who is the most beautiful person to you?
CQ: Scarlett Johansson and Naomi Campbell. Scarlett is my movie-television [idol], and Naomi is an incredible supermodel.
Allure: Where would you say you are in your career right now? Is it fair to say you’re more focused on modeling?
CQ: Yeah, that’s definitely fair to say. Fashion and beauty has just been my realm forever. So when I got approached to work with [Beachwaver], I was really excited. Because, you know, I love anything that’s glam and can make your life easier.
I just love the beauty industry, because it’s constantly evolving and making people feel like the best versions of themselves. I think that’s what’s so alluring… no pun intended. [Laughs]
This conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity.
The Beachwaver B1 in limited-edition black and pink glitter and new holiday hair accessory collection are available now at beachwaver.com.
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