In an incredible display of grace and beauty, Danielle Mullins, hailing from the picturesque state of Kentucky, captivated the hearts of judges and spectators alike as she claimed the coveted title of Miss Earth USA 2023. As the spotlight now shines upon her, Mullins embarks on a remarkable journey as the ambassador for the United States at the forthcoming Miss Earth competition.
Beyond the glamorous world of beauty pageants, Mullins’ talents extend far beyond. Residing in the vibrant city of Louisville, she embraces a dual identity as a professional stylist and makeup artist.
Recently, she sat down with Celeb Secrets, allowing us a glimpse into her inspiring collaboration with Lady Code cosmetics and the empowering makeup line that emerged from it. In this exclusive interview, Mullins reveals the inspiration that fuels her passion, and reflects upon the transformative experience of being crowned Miss Earth USA.
Keep scrolling for our full Q&A with Danielle and let us know if you’re loving her collab with Lady Code by either leaving a reaction at the bottom of the post or by sliding into our DMs on Instagram at @celebsecrets.
You can connect with Danielle by giving her a follow on Instagram at @thedaniellemullins and @missearthusa and shop the collection here.
Celeb Secrets: What was it like winning the title of Miss Earth USA?
Danielle Mullins: “Winning Miss Earth USA was an overwhelming experience! Vying for the title had been my main focus of life for the year prior. To see the my hard work, dedication, and sacrifices come to fruition is truly an indescribable feeling in the most positive way possible.”
CS: What makes Miss Earth USA different from other pageant systems?
DM: “Miss Earth USA stands out with their focus for environmental service, by being beauties for a cause. It goes to prove that we pageant girls are so much more than what meets the eye, we are breaking the mold of the stereotypes, we are well educated women, who have a deep passion for making an impact for our Mother Earth.”
CS: What was the inspiration for this makeup collaboration?
DM: “We knew we wanted all of the Miss Earth USA delegates to have their own collection, so it had to have everything an ‘Earth Queen’ would need. We also wanted it to be representative to the organization from the colors to the naming.
I also wanted to help design the first mascara for LADYCODE to help benefit Wands for Wildlife. Getting a beauty product that is for a cause in the hand of other makeup lovers helps spark the conversation that makeup can be MORE!”
CS: Tell us about Wands for Wildlife and how you got involved with them?
DM: “This is a full circle moment! I saw their viral Facebook post back in 2017 about how mascara wands can be used to provide medical aid to wildlife animals in need. I at the time worked in cosmetic sales and passed the info to my clients. I stepped out of the beauty industry on a soul searching mission and came back a year later to be a makeup artist. I noticed all the waste that was produce by disposable wands artists have to use for sanitary purposes and started seeking a solution. I came across Wands for Wildlife again and it was such a light bulb moment! I directly reached out to them to pursue an ambassadorship… and the rest was history!”
CS: How important was it to have use clean ingredients?
DM: “his was a top priority! LADYCODE is actually a vegan and cruelty free brand- this is something they have already had in place in their business practices. I have always dreamt of a makeup collection- but I knew it would have to be with a company that completely, ethically aligned with my morals- not just for my collection.”
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CS: Being a makeup artist yourself, are there any other brands you use that you swear by?
DM: “LADYCODE has always been a staple in my kit! I also love other vegan and cruelty free brands like RCMA and Milk makeup.”
CS: If you could only use one makeup product for the rest of your life what would it be?
DM: “Definitely mascara! This girl loves lashes! And I think my hair is dark enough I could maybe sweep that wand through my eyebrows. Strong maybe there ha ha!”
CS: When you won the title of Miss Earth USA did you do your own makeup? Will you be doing your own makeup while competing at Miss Earth?
DM: “I did do my own makeup! I spend my time ‘glamming others.’ It was really nice to spend a minute with myself and taking the time to pamper me. I definitely think come Miss Earth time I will be doing my own glam! I just enjoy it so much!”
CS: For readers who are as familiar with beauty products, what are the staple products or brands one should focus on when starting out building their makeup bag?
DM: “Aside from the Earth Queen collection, you absolutely need a good primer that works with your skin type and foundation! The two must have the same base (I.e. like a water base). You also need a good setting product. I’m personally a powder girl and use it on all of my clients regardless of age! But some swear by setting spray. Best advice here is to try different products until you find what best suits you!
And a pro tip, good makeup start with good skin care! You wouldn’t paint a dirty canvas… treat your face the same.”
CS: Anything else you want to add about the collection?
DM: “It’s a dream come true. I remember a year ago signing up for the LADYCODE influencer program and falling in love with her products. I saw the GLAMBELLE collection come out and immediately added the idea of my own collection to my vision board. When Lisa Opie shared with me her idea of something special for this years delegates, I did like the ball team and knew I had to shoot my shot!
So I say all of this to say the collection is a symbol to relentlessly chase your dreams.”
