Kiss and Tell with Meganne Young
Self-proclaimed as driven, honest and strong, South African actress — Meganne Young — best known for her role as “Rachel” in the Netflix must-watch, rom-com trilogy, The Kissing Booth, shares with us her favorite career moments, how she stays grounded online and her simple styling techniques.
Photographer: Tom Belding | Stylist: Jason Pillay | Makeup: Jada Cianne Arriola | Hair: Shabnam Saeiarasi | Creative Director & Model: Meganne Young
Meganne Young’s mother is from Australia and her father is from South Africa, so living near a coast with epic views is literally in her blood. The actress currently resides in Vancouver, British Columbia which keeps her connected to her shoreline lineage, but also allows her to continue to pursue her on-screen dreams. Booking her leading role as “Rachel” in Netflix The Kissing Booth, Young was brought back to Cape Town for the duration of the films. “I knew I wanted to act and I knew I wanted to be on stage,” began the actress as she reminisces her time before set. “And later the focus evolved into being in film and television. I think I’ve always felt like this was a very natural path for me to take. Difficult, but natural.”
Young began her acting career at a film school in Cape Town after spending most of her childhood traveling and learning all over the world in destinations such as Nigeria, Switzerland, and Sri Lanka. With her almost decade working in the film industry, Young has learned to celebrate the small wins like cherishing the opportunity to work with other incredible actors — such as her co-stars in Black Sails. “I love meeting people and collaborating with other artists,” admires Young. “I love being on set, even if I’m not working or I haven’t got much to do that day. I love watching everyone work. It’s a very special energy on a film set.” On the other hand, “I’ve also worked with some unpleasant actors and I’ve learnt from them too. Nothing really prepares you for being in this industry other than just being in it.” With many memorable moments on set, one scene that will forever live in her mind - rent free - is the Halloween scene in The Kissing Booth 2, with new memories made on the latest in the trilogy, recently released on Netflix on August 11th.
“It’s a very special energy on a film set. Nothing really prepares you for being in this industry other than just being in it.”
Outside of her on-screen occupation, Young attempts to live a low-key, balanced lifestyle. “I have a small circle of very close friends,” shares the actress, “some of them are not in the film industry and I feel like that has always helped me keep perspective [especially online]. I do think I felt a lot of pressure when my follower count went up,” continues Young. “It’s not that anyone was making me feel as though I had to behave or portray myself in a certain way, but I’m actually quite private about most things in my life. I enjoy sharing certain things with the fans, but I do sometimes feel a lot of anxiety when I think about how many eyes are on me.” While no days are one in the same for this young actress, her life on-screen allows little time for much else. “When I’m working it’s usually a lot of early mornings and long days. I sometimes find working on a film or a series can be quite all-consuming. When I do have off days, I’m at the gym or doing something low key with a friend. The crazy work schedule is then inevitably balanced out by the time between gigs.”
Keeping her daily routine as low key as her down time, Young sticks to the basics and foundations of style and skincare to create her effortless look. Considering herself a “sunscreen queen,” it is no surprise the actress deems sunscreen as her hero beauty product. Ensuring that her skin is always well protected gives her the perfect foundation to build her everyday makeup look. Like her two Sphynx cats, whom she co-parents with a close friend, Young prefers a clean, au natural, and flawless makeup look so protecting her skin is of paramount importance. As for her wardrobe, Young takes a similar approach keeping her attire minimal and uncomplicated.
Scrolling through Young’s Instagram page, it is easy to see that she gravitates towards timeless staples in neutral colors. Reoccurring pieces like crisp button-down shirts, structured trench coats and jackets, and denim are featured frequently in her very approachable feed. However, she keeps those classics feeling new in every photo by pairing them with different pieces ranging from solid turtlenecks to funky patterned sweaters. Young finds style inspiration from many avenues, but like us, she is also inspired by social media creatives. “There are a few people I follow on social media whose style I really love. One in particular is Anna from the blog called The Anna Edit. She has a capsule wardrobe filled with lots of black and neutrals. It’s just so easy and classic,” shares Young. However, lately, Young has been seen leaning into adding pops of color.
Next on the horizon for the literal starlet are many great things, but in the meantime, she leaves us with some sage words,
“Keep safe, look after each other, and wear sunscreen!”
