Helena Christensen on "the most poignant beauty moment" in her career
A bonafide part of supermodel history, Helena Christensen is synonymous with the storied ‘90s modelling scene, and her image has remained indelible in fashion and beauty culture ever since. With chameleonic capabilities, she is as versatile as her fellow iconic models also known by their first names – from Linda to Naomi. But the Dutch native has always possessed a naturalness that was, and still is, her aesthetic signature.
“I was always into natural beauty, feeling healthy and good from within,” Christensen tells me. “This has always been my foundational approach to beauty – it's about more than just the exterior.” Her exterior – comprising piercing eyes which read simultaneously blue and green, perfectly imperfect rich brunette hair, and a remarkable physicality with pin-up proportions – being what took Christensen from Miss Universe competitions as a teen to catwalks and front covers thereafter, of course. But having a career in an industry that revolves around looks to the extent it does has made the 55-year-old “appreciate beauty in all its many forms and shapes”. Instead of encouraging a fixation on perfection, the fashion world has widened her horizons – especially since moving behind the lens herself. “Being a photographer alongside modelling has given me another perspective as well, in terms of seeing beauty from all angles,” she says. “In being constantly surrounded by different definitions and expressions of beauty, I've developed a deeper understanding and appreciation of its diversity. This exposure has allowed me to see beauty beyond the conventional standards and appreciate its many forms.”
Whether working or not, spending time in nature is her passion, which she feels “is beneficial on so many levels, both physically and mentally”. “This has influenced my approach to beauty, encouraging me to embrace simplicity and authenticity,” she shares. “I believe that the natural world offers so many benefits for both the mind and body, which in turn reflect on our appearance.”
Christensen takes me back to a pivotal point for her when this first became apparent. “I think the ‘Wicked Game’ video is the most poignant beauty moment for me in my career; a very special memory where visual aesthetics and beauty in a natural form were merged,” she explains, referring to her role in Chris Isaak’s 1990 hit single music video. Labelled ‘Sexiest video of all-time’ by MTV, the beguiling visual feat sees a topless Christensen on a black-sand beach, with salty wet hair and lived-in eye make-up. “The video, shot in black and white, captured a sense of natural, effortless beauty that resonated with many people. The simplicity and rawness of that moment has always stayed with me.”
Undeniably, her career spent working alongside renowned make-up artists and photographers has given her other “invaluable beauty insights”, she reveals, “such as the importance of a good skincare routine and the magic of a bold red lip to elevate any look”.
Day-to-day she’ll forgo ‘a lip’, but certainly prioritises skincare products. “I’ve learned the importance of sun protection and the long-term benefits of taking good care of my skin,” she notes. “I’m a sucker for serums, oils, tonics, and mists, and try to apply them throughout the day,” she says, citing Penny Frances Apothecary products as her favourites. “These all help to maintain my skin's moisture and elasticity, which is crucial for a healthy glow.” This is something she’s adamant not to completely conceal with cosmetics on top. “I’ve learned to use your fingertips when applying make-up and to use creamy rather than powder forms. This method allows for a more natural, dewy finish that lets the skin breathe, letting freckles to be seen and the skin to glow.” Embracing the natural texture and tone of your skin can enhance your overall look, she feels. “These simple yet effective techniques have revolutionised the way I approach make-up and skincare, emphasising the importance of enhancing rather than masking.”
She approaches her haircare (hair being “such an important part of who you are”) with the same mindset. “When you take great care of the health of your skin, a luminosity and strength shines through from within – and it’s the same for the health of your hair and scalp.” Since testing out Scandi brand Hårklinikken for years before working with them, Christensen uses their Hair Gain Extract, Stabilizing Scalp Shampoo and Daily Conditioner religiously. She expands: “It feels right to work with ethical companies that promote products which really make a difference,” allowing her to endorse something that she genuinely believes in. “When your hair is strong, hydrated and truly healthy, you feel better and more confident.”
Essentially, whether thinking internal or external, being healthy is her beauty priority. “Health is everything and, at the end of the day, it’s true beauty.” Beyond spending time in nature, she cites regular professional check-ups and “all-year round” cold plunges as ways she stays on top of this. And her low-maintenance philosophy, too, is actually a pillar of her self-care.
“Really, I am very low-key about products and routines; some periods I’m more disciplined and other times I don’t really think about it too much. Balance is everything when it comes to one’s life. Not being too stressed out or strict is a health benefit alone.”
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