Gisele On The Best Beauty Tip Her Mum Gave Her And Why She’s Looking Forward To Ageing
Madonna, Cher, Sting... there's only a handful of A-listers who have earned the privilege of being referred to by a single moniker. Completing the limited list of the elite is the one and only Gisele. Known for her mane of golden hair and legs up to there, pioneering the pilates lifestyle now synonymous with supermodels, and for being 50% of the healthiest couple to grace the Met Gala each year, Gisele is a name that needs no explanation.
As the 90s fashion scene grew tired of sallow skin and skinny nonchalance, Gisele hit the runways serving up a refreshing display of Brazil, bronze and body-ody-ody. Since then, the mother of two has gone on to become one of the highest paid models in the world, an ally of eco activism and the face of Dior's Capture Totale skincare range.
ELLE caught up with Gisele to talk beauty tips from her mum, minimalist skin routines and why even supermodels can be concerned about their complexion...
Talk us through your morning beauty routine...
My beauty routine is brief because my mornings can get so crazy! I wake up to meditate or do yoga before the kids get up which doesn’t leave me much time for make-up, but over the years I have learned that less is more. I’ll always start the day by washing my face and using a moisturiser, and now I’ve added the Super Potent Serum into my routine as well. It’s quick but effective, and perfect for people like me who are always on the go.
What's your biggest skin concern?
I have found that my skin is often a reflection of what is happing to me internally. If I am stressed or exhausted, I feel like that can be written all over my face. I never want my skin to look tired (even if I feel it!) so a combination of meditation, eating well, drinking lots of water and a simple beauty routine, no matter how busy I am, has been key to keeping my skin looking fresh and healthy.
What beauty advice would you give to your younger self?
‘Less is more’. My mother taught me that and I have carried it through every aspect of my life and career. Through the years, I found that beauty comes from within and how you feel on the inside will reflect on the outside. The best advice I can give regarding beauty is find what works for you. No one person is created the same, so a beauty routine should feel personal to you and make you feel your best. I always gravitate towards natural ingredient-based products like Dior's Super Potent Serum to help protect my skin.
Looking back on your career, what are some of the best pro skincare tips you picked up backstage?
Definitely never go to bed wearing make-up. I would work such long hours in all different kinds of make-up so the first thing I would do when I finished work was wash my face and make sure to go to sleep with cleansed skin. Sometimes I was so tired after working a long day that all I wanted to do was fall into bed, but I always kept an evening cleansing routine! It helped keep my skin looking fresh, no matter how many wild and fun looks I had during the day.
What's the best advice your mum has ever given you?
Everything I know about women’s power, I learned from her. She perfectly embodies the idea that beauty is ageless, and I feel so lucky to be able to share that experience with her. The best advice I inherited from her is to keep things simple – cleansing and hydration go a long way.
A post shared by Gisele Bündchen (@gisele) on May 10, 2020 at 5:39am PDT
As an environmental activist, what role do you think beauty plays in conserving the environment?
Nature is an endless source of inspiration. It is the purest form of beauty. But its power goes far beyond that. It’s an infinite source of essential ingredients for health and beauty. Nature is our greatest teacher, provider and healer and it is our duty to protect her. The beauty industry has to use natural resources wisely, respect the environment, use technology to reduce our impact and help to restore nature. We need nature to thrive if we want to continue enjoying its blessings.
What’s the biggest change you’d like to see in the beauty industry in the next decade?
I am happy to see the strides both the fashion and beauty industry have made throughout the years to improve their sustainability practices and the use of nontoxic ingredients. Of course, there is still a lot to be done and they have a long way to go. Brands must think outside the box and find innovative solutions. They have already started reducing their environmental footprint by using recyclable materials, plant-based inks and limiting the use of plastic. I hope to see an even bigger increase in the use of organic resources and less harmful chemicals.
A post shared by Gisele Bündchen (@gisele) on Jul 28, 2020 at 11:16am PDT
How do you feel about beauty as a means of activism?
I believe any and all forms of activism are valuable. Small, meaningful steps such as focusing on brands who offer plastic-free packaging and natural ingredients is a great first step. I focus on supporting brands who make a commitment to maintain eco-friendly and sustainable practices and share my values. I try to incorporate sustainability in every aspect of my life, even if it is small. My family always keeps in the mind the 3 Rs - reduce, reuse, recycle. It can be challenging to know where to start, but the most important thing is recognising you play a vital role in protecting mother nature.
As a woman and model, what are your thoughts on ageing?
Age is a beautiful thing and a natural part of life, but it can also be challenging. It’s all a matter of how we look at it. Life is made by so many different experiences that shape who we are. The one thing about getting older is that you get more comfortable in your own skin. I love that every year that passes I get to learn new things and have the opportunity to use the tools I have acquired throughout my life to make a positive impact on the world.
Like this article? Sign up to our newsletter to get more articles like this delivered straight to your inbox.
In need of more inspiration, thoughtful journalism and at-home beauty tips? Subscribe to ELLE's print magazine today! SUBSCRIBE HERE
You Might Also Like
