In celebration of the birthday of former supermodel, mogul and spokesperson Iman, we thought it was only appropriate to highlight this stunning Somalian beauty and fashion icon for being able to make aging never look so good.
Between her Bravo TV show “The Fashion Show” and IMAN Cosmetics line for women of color, this business woman still remains flawless with a young and humble spirit to match. Iman is a firm believer in wearing sunscreen to keep your skin looking supple and radiant.
Take a look at some of Iman’s shared and coveted beauty secrets and excerpts below from previous interviews that have kept her looking, oh, so youthful. –mckenzie harris
Her Definition of Beauty in an Older Woman
“Commercial beauty doesn’t interest me. A woman who is 50 can be as attractive as a girl who is 17, as long as she recognizes her own strengths. For example, as a young girl, I was much more preoccupied by my flaws. Everyone teased me because of my long, skinny neck. To hide my so-called deformity, I was wearing a turtleneck when I was 3! Yet, my neck is probably my best asset. At the end of the day, what counts is the entire package.”
How She Enhances Her Self-Esteem
“For me, skin care rituals are a form of meditation — they keep me balanced. I am kind to my skin. I remove my makeup as soon as I get home, and I apply moisturizer. But just as important as being kind to my skin is being kind to younger women. Kindness is a lovely quality to nurture as you get older. It makes you feel good about yourself.”
The Secret That’s Saved Her Skin
“Patricia Wexler is my dermatologist, and, 10 years ago, she told me to start wearing SPF 50 sunscreen on my face every day. At first, I balked. I said, ‘I have dark skin — I don’t need that high of an SPF every day!’ But I took her advice, and I’m convinced that’s why my skin has stayed in such good condition. Women with dark skin often think they don’t need to wear sunscreen, but everyone needs it. It has literally saved my skin.”
Her Advice for Women to Follow as They Get Older
“Don’t try to look skinny. After a certain age, thinness is not attractive. You’d be surprised, but five extra pounds can make you look healthier, younger, more attractive.”
