Christobelle Grierson-Ryrie can't believe it's been more than a year since she was crowned the New Zealand's first Next Top Model. We chat to her about all things beauty!

How has New Zealand's Next Top Model changed your life? Well I’m modeling now! And that’s something that I’d never done before. So life’s a lot busier nowadays, and my future’s changed too, I hope to make a career of modeling, and get overseas!

Do you get recognised on the street a lot? Not too much these days, it’s been a year now, but definitely while it was on TV and immediately after, mostly by girls my age and a bit younger. That was a new and interesting experience! It was so sweet, everyone was so lovely.

You are also now the brand ambassador for Nivea, what does that involve? It includes print and commercials, I recently shot a commercial with the winner of Australia’s Next Top Model in Sydney which was heaps of fun! It also involves interviews, attending media events and speaking as the ambassador for Nivea.

Why did you decide to get on board with Nivea? My family’s had Nivea products around the house for as long as I can remember. I love it because it’s always gentle, leaves my skin feeling soft, and is just so reliable! Everyone knows, loves, and trust’s Nivea.

What are your must have beauty products? The Nivea Sun Light Feel Daily Face Veil, I put it on every morning without fail, it makes your skin feel so soft and silky, is perfect for putting on under make-up, smells amazing, and more importantly, is SPF 30! I also love the Nivea Visage Refreshing Facial Gel, it’s so gentle and doesn’t leave my skin tight or dry.

How do you stay in shape? I try and avoid junk-food (not including chocolate!), eat lots of fruit, drink lots of water, walk the dog with my mum, and go for the occasional run.

What defines beauty to you? There’s really no formula for beauty, but if I had to choose something, I think that it’d be inner confidence (cliché I know), but if someone feels great, then chances are it’ll show through and they’ll look great too!

Do you have words of advice for aspiring models out there? Even if you’re not sure if you have what it takes, give it a shot, you never know what could happen (trust me, I know!) and there’s nothing to lose! Take all the advice and criticism you get from the professionals and work with it, they know what they’re talking about. But it’s also important to be ‘thick-skinned’, never take it personally when ‘rejected’, it is just a part of the job and is doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with you; they’re just looking for something else for this particular job.

What are your plans for the future? After this year (my final one) at school, I’m going to take a gap year! I’m definitely not ready to go to Uni yet, I would love to model in New York and maybe London, I’ve got lots of family over there, and then off to Uni the year after.