MORE THAN A PRETTY FACE LAURIJN BIJNEN

MORE THAN A PRETTY FACE  LAURIJN BIJNEN


The new face of Narciso aeu de parfum Ambree is much more than a pretty face. Most of us already recognize this Dutch beauty from the runways and advertising campaigns and yet she is just in the beginning of her career.

Could you tell us your memories regarding that shooting with Viviane Sassen?
We shot in Palm Springs, LA. And we were surrounded by palm trees and mountains. It was such magical and ‘out of this world’ place. There was clear sky all around me which made it feel like movie scene. Viviane Sassen is a very inspiring woman who gets best out of everyone during the shooting. The mood was uplifting and energizing.

How did you feel meeting with Narciso Rodriguez ?
I felt very honored and inspired meeting Narciso in his studio in New York City. He is a very kind and warm person who made me feel comfortable.

You are the new face of Narciso eau de parfum Ambrée fragrance, what does it mean to you?
I feel overwhelmed, privileged and passionate about being the new face of Narciso eau de parfum ambrée fragrance.

How would you define the Narciso woman?
Narciso women are ambitious, captivating, glowing, authentic and magnetic. She has respect for herself and what she believes in.

Did you start wearing the fragrance? How does it make you feel?
The fragrance makes me feel confident, dreamy and empowered. Wearing the fragrance knowing that I’ll be the new face of the scent makes very proud inside.

Do you use every day the same Narciso fragrance? Or do you have one for special occasions?
Every day I use the same Narciso fragrance because it gives a good vibe during the entire day and feeling very honored that my sister and mom are wearing the same fragrance as me.

What is your type of perfume?
My type of perfume is a musky and powerful scent.

Are there any smells that you associate with a special memory?
A special memory I associate with any smell is fresh washed bedding. It reminds of the time my sister and I used to have a sleepover at my grandparents’ house. The smell of rosy linen makes me feel nostalgic and happy.

What is your first scent memory?
It may sound weird but my first scent I remember is the earthy scent that is produced after rain.

How did you become a model?
My agents scouted me when I was on a family holiday in Ibiza. After a little while I decided to send my first snaps to my agency, not knowing what would happen next. At that time I was still in high school, so I didn’t know anything about the fashion industry. But I always had a big interest in clothes and styling.

If you were not a model, what job would you like to do?
If I was not a model, my job would probably something in the management, creative direction, and graphic design area. I really enjoy organizing party’s or brainstorming about future plans and creating new concepts.

What is your biggest strength?
I find it difficult to say it about myself, but if I had to choose; empathy and dedication.

Can you tell us something about your future professional projects?
Unfortunately I cannot share any details yet, but some incredible projects coming up. I am very grateful for all I have achieved in my career so far, but have the feeling this is still only the beginning. I hope I will be part of so many more special productions with the most inspiring, talented teams. I still have the hunger to reach for the highest at all aspects of my work; editorials, shows, campaigns.

If you had to summarize your career with a few key words, what would they be?
Exiting, happy, passion, learning, unexpected and grateful.

What are your interests and passions beyond modeling and fashion?
I have a big passion for photography and drawing. I like to fantasize things in my mind a make them become alive. Also I really enjoy making a huge dinner for friends and family with table decorations, recipe research etc.

Where and how do you see yourself in ten years’ time?
Visualizing is an important habit in my lifestyle. So I like to think about my future in only happy thoughts. For example I see my family and friends around me in a happy state of mind and health. Also I hope to be in an always learning progress in life and to become an expert in my skills.

What is your definition of beauty?
My definition of beauty is self-confidence, rawness, radiate strength and happiness.

Who is your beauty icon and why?
My all-time beauty icon is Audrey Hepburn. I really admire her strength, dedication and her effortless beauty in her career as ballerina, model, actress and ambassador of UNICEF. She is a timeless icon and inspiration.

What is your beauty routine?
My beauty routine is in two parts; skincare and nutrition. For skincare; The first thing I do is rinse my face with cold water and clean it with an oil-free make up remover. After that I use moisturizer. During the wintertime I usually go for a hydrating cream to keep my face moisturized during the entire day. And not to forget, some hydrating lip balm. For nutrition; I try to eat a lot of fruits, vegetables and organic food to keep my body balanced and healthy.

What is your must have beauty product?
Sunscreen!

What are your best beauty secrets?
My best beauty secret is to place a cold spoon under my eyes in the morning and give it a slight pressure so it will constrict blood vessels and reduce puffiness. If you want to try it, rinse your face with cold water afterwards, and voilà the puffiness is gone!

Are you athletic? Do you work out?
When I was younger I just did gymnastics and played field hockey, which I really enjoyed. Nowadays I like to go for a run with my dog in the woods or go to a hot yoga class.

What makes you feel your most confident and most ‘yourself’?
I feel the most confident when I achieved a victory or challenge in life. For example after a fashion show, you feel so happy and proud of yourself and the team. Which can give me such an euphoric feeling.

Who is the woman you look up to?
There is not one particular woman I look up to. I feel the utmost respect for every woman that has the power and determination to see possibilities to get ahead in life and give back to society. I am not only talking about famous icons like Oprah Winfrey, but every woman in her own capacity and level.

What are your sources of inspiration in life?
My inspirations in life are the people I work with, my family and friends, past achievements and goals.

How would you describe your personal style?
Funky yet sophisticated.

How did you feel wearing custom made dress from Narciso Rodriguez during the shoot?
I felt very special, unique, comfortable, pride, adventurous, confident and mostly feminine. The fabric of the dress was so soft, silky, and smooth it felt so pleasant.

What’s your favorite way to relax and unwind?
My favorite way to relax is to turn off social media, start drawing in my room with rose flavored candles burning. And on the side; fresh berries and a chai latte.

What’s your favorite place to travel to? Do you often go back to Netherlands?
My favorite place to travel to is Greece. I absolutely love the food, the people, the ocean and to learn about the Greek mythology. After a working trip I always try go to back to my family in the Netherlands. It is where I feel the most at home and safe.

What are your rules for staying fit and healthy?
I don’t have any particular rules. But I like to treat my body well so I feel the most energized, fit and healthy. That means for example exercising on a regular base and taking care of myself. Taking workout classes or get a massage to recharge my body.

Do you have a special diet?
I don’t have a special diet, just healthy; a lot of vegetables and fresh fruit.

How many times a day are you on social networks? What are your three favorites apps?
In the morning and the evening I like to check my messages. But overall I don’t really like being on my phone a lot because it can be negative or distracting. If I do, my three favourite apps are Pinterest, Instagram and YouTube.

What are you looking on social media?
Artwork, education videos about different cultures, fashion or about our mind. I also like to watch funny sketches.

Do you prefer Instagram or Facebook?
Instagram.

Describe your perfect day.
A crispy autumn Saturday morning, baking an apple pie with my sister and taking my dog for a walk in the woods with my family. And after the walk returning back home to watch a comedy movie with the fireplace on.

A daily gesture for the environment?
At home we always recycle plastic. And I try to waste less food and consume less animal products.