Ellidy Pullin Is Cosmo’s Summer Girl

Our inaugural summer digital cover star, Covergirl ambassador Ellidy Pullin, opens up about embracing new beginnings and healing through grief.
Published December 6, 2024

It was a sunny Sydney day when Ellidy Pullin stepped onto the golden sands of Curl Curl for her Cosmopolitan Australia summer digital cover shoot. This wasn’t just another photoshoot; it was a deeply personal, full-circle moment. The Northern Beaches have always been a place of comfort and reflection for Ellidy, who grew up in Narrabeen. But on this day, as she stood by the surf, the weight of memories washed over her in a profound way.

Curl Curl wasn’t just the backdrop—it was the very beach just steps away from the unit where she and her late partner, Chumpy, shared six cherished years. On this warm day, a sea eagle appeared near the surf club—a  subtle, yet powerful reminder of Chumpy, who had always felt a special connection to the bird. For Ellidy, it felt like a quiet sign, a poignant reminder of the love, loss, and resilience that have defined her journey.

" I think we underestimate ourselves until we’re faced with something that tests us beyond what we thought possible"

As Covergirl’s ambassador, Ellidy’s role transcends beauty—she embodies strength, authenticity, and the power of embracing life’s imperfections.

In this heartfelt conversation, she shares insights into motherhood, grief, and her path toward healing. From candid moments on her podcast Darling, Shine! to finding peace by the ocean, Ellidy’s story is one of discovering strength in vulnerability and forging new paths after loss.

Below, Ellidy reflects on love, life, and what it means to keep moving forward.

Ellidy wears Covergirl makeup, Eres swimsuit, Bixby and Co jewellery (Photograph by Natalie Koval; Styled by Paige Victoria Leigh)

Cosmopolitan: Shooting the Summer Digital Cover for Cosmopolitan Australia at Curl Curl feels like a full-circle moment, given you grew up on the Northern Beaches. How does it feel to represent this new chapter in your life while being in a place so full of memories?

Ellidy Pullin: Returning to the Northern Beaches always feels special, but this time it felt different. Curl Curl is just steps from the unit where Chumpy and I shared six years of our lives. On the day of the shoot, there was even a sea eagle flying near the surf club — Chumpy had this thing for sea eagles, and I truly believe it was his way of sending me a sign. The whole day felt so meaningful, with an amazing crew and perfect weather — it really was my favorite shoot to date.

Cosmo: Are there any specific memories you can recall from the area?

Ellidy: Oh, definitely! Every year, these beaches cope with huge cyclonic swells, and South Curly is the best place to watch those massive waves. One time, a storm was coming in, and Chumpy and I drove down, sat in the car with his guitar and my glass of red, and sang while we watched the spectacle. It was pure magic.

Ellidy wears Covergirl makeup; Rip Curl Top, Topshop swimsuit, Lorna Murray hat, Bixby and Co jewellery (Photograph by Natalie Koval; Styled by Paige Victoria Leigh)

Cosmo: You’ve shared so much of your journey through grief and motherhood. What’s been the most surprising thing you’ve learned about yourself?

Ellidy: I’ve been amazed at how capable we are of enduring the toughest times. People tell me I’m strong, but I don’t always feel that way. I think we underestimate ourselves until we’re faced with something that tests us beyond what we thought possible.

Cosmo: In your book Heartstrong, you touch on love, loss, and resilience. What do you hope readers take away from your story?

Ellidy: I hope Heartstrong reminds people to cherish every moment, big and small. Life is so fragile, and it’s important to seize it fully. I also love that Chumpy’s spirit continues to shine through the book. I’m grateful people can learn about him through my words.

All wear Covergirl makeup; Brianna (left) wears Re/lax Remade hat, Bondi Active swimsuit, Ralph Lauren polo; Summer (right) wears Ripcurl swimsuit, Versace by Sunglasses Hut glasses, Bixby and Co necklaces (Photograph by Natalie Koval; Styled by Paige Victoria Leigh)

Cosmo: As a Covergirl ambassador, how do you adjust your beauty routine for summer? Any favorite products or tips for glowing skin?

Ellidy: I don’t actually change my routine much with the seasons. My go-to items are the Covergirl Clean Fresh Yummy Gloss and Clean Fresh Brow Gel Wax—they make me feel put together, even when I’m keeping it simple.

Cosmo: Summer often brings a more effortless beauty approach. How has your perspective on beauty evolved over time, especially since becoming a mother?

Ellidy: I’ve embraced a more natural look over time. A little bit of Covergirl Clean Invisible Foundation does the trick, and I love enhancing my brows with the Clean Fresh Brow Gel Wax and adding a touch of Yummy Gloss. These days, less is definitely more for me.

Cosmo: What does it mean to you to be part of a brand like Covergirl that encourages women to feel confident in their own skin?

Ellidy: I’m definitely the “whack-it-on-and-go” type, so working with Covergirl feels like a perfect fit. It felt so right when they chose me, as it truly aligns with who I am. My friends were all like, “Of course! That’s so you!”

Ellidy wears Covergirl makeup, Hugo BOSS top and pants, Bixby and Co jewellery (Photograph by Natalie Koval; Styled by Paige Victoria Leigh)

Cosmo: Your podcast, Darling, Shine!, is a platform where you share your story. How has having these candid conversations helped in your healing process?

Ellidy: Chloe and I want to be a voice for anyone navigating difficult times. We hear so often that people feel alone, but when listeners tell us that our stories make them feel seen and heard, it makes us so proud.

Cosmo: How has social media shaped your healing journey, and what role do you think it plays in fostering real connections?

Ellidy: I’ve connected with so many beautiful people through social media, some of whom have become real-life friends. Hearing others’ stories of grief has helped me feel connected. After this Cosmo shoot, I even met up with Susan, who I connected with over shared loss. Talking with her was so therapeutic.

Cosmo: What role does the ocean play in your healing process and sense of peace?

Ellidy: Living by the beach is like therapy for me. I walk down there multiple times a day with my dog, Rummi, and my daughter, Minnie. I always tell her, “Your dad is out there.”

All wear Covergirl makeup and Relax/remade hats; Summer (bottom) wears Eres swimsuit, Dinosaur Designs jewellery; Ellidy (centre) wears Bassike swimsui, own ring; Brianna (top) wears Seafolly swimsuit, Dinosaur Designs jewellery (Photograph by Natalie Koval; Styled by Paige Victoria Leigh)

Cosmo: How do you share your love for the beach with Minnie? Any special coastal traditions?

Ellidy: The beach is such a big part of our lives, and I love sharing that with Minnie. It’s our peaceful connection and a place where we feel close.

Cosmo: How do you balance sharing your story publicly while also protecting your peace?

Ellidy: It’s tricky, and I’m still figuring it out. Sometimes, I need to turn inward and focus on self-healing. Recently, I went on a 3-day retreat — no child, no technology — and it made such a difference. Every mom needs that time to recharge.

(Photograph by Natalie Koval; Styled by Paige Victoria Leigh)
(Photograph by Natalie Koval; Styled by Paige Victoria Leigh)

Cosmo: What advice would you give to someone experiencing grief and unsure of how to move forward?

Ellidy: I know it’s hard to hear when you’re in the thick of it, but time really does help. Your life grows around your grief; it doesn’t go away, but it becomes more bearable. Therapy, energy healing, and talking to others who’ve been through similar experiences can make you feel less alone.

Love Ellidy’s beauty looks? Find out how to recreate them with Covergirl here.

All images photographed by Natalie Koval; Styling and production by Paige Victoria Leigh; Makeup by Brooke Low; hair by Michelle Dube. 

Tessa Ogle
Tessa is the Editor in Chief at Cosmopolitan Australia. Following roles at The Age newspaper and The Conversation, Tessa moved from news to fashion and beauty, launching Harper’s BAZAAR and Esquire online in a Digital Director capacity. After a short time consulting and freelancing for titles including T-Magazine (NYT Style), Tessa began as Digital Managing Editor at Marie Claire and ELLE.
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