Nobody knows beauty like a supermodel. Nobody. So when Cindy Crawford offered up some beauty tips (some more beauty tips, really, because we learned a lot from this), we had to publish. What follows is a bit of that brilliance—one that can only be obtained with decades in the business, coupled with an innate spa mentality. We'll let Cindy take it from here:
Beauty, to me, is really about two things: confidence and passion. It's the way you carry yourself, trusting that what you have to say is interesting, being engaged, and having that spark of excitement in your eye. That’s beautiful. But, with that said, I love a good spa day and a hair mask as much as the next person.
People always ask me what my beauty secrets are—but the truth is, there’s really no such thing as a secret anymore. After decades of working with some amazing makeup artists and hairstylists, I can definitely say with confidence that I’ve learned a few tricks. Sharing them is the best part.
While I use my skincare line, Meaningful Beauty, to take care of my face and décolletage, I also really like to take good care of my hair and my body, too. I find that if you have fun with it, it’s easier to see as a treat rather than a chore. But still, finding the time can be hard. This is what I do weekly, from head to toe:
Combine The Spa And The Gym
I’m a huge fan of double-duty beauty—because good things take time, and none of us have enough of it! I try to include beauty treatments into my workouts. For instance, since I know I’ll be washing my hair right after I exercise, I put a pre-wash conditioner in my hair—especially on my ends. A greasy ponytail during a workout never hurt anyone. Recently, I’m obsessed with the Lush Jasmine and Henna Fluff-Eaze Hair Treatment. I also always buff my heels and apply healing ointments to them to take advantage of the fact that I will be wearing socks for at least an hour.
Preserve A Blow Dry
Sadly, my hair isn’t as strong as it used to be. Too many years of abuse and color have left it brittle at the ends. If I do take the time to blow out my hair (or, even better, get a blowout), I want it to last more than that day. I found that if I sleep in a loose topknot, when I wake up in the morning, my hair is still smooth and has the added benefit of having some pretty waves as a result. The key: DO NOT use a ponytail holder. Instead, I secure it with one very large bobby pin. This way, it doesn’t get frizzy and there are no marks.
Don’t Neglect Your Neck!
Over 20 years ago, I saw a woman doing exercises for her neck. She explained that if you keep those muscles toned, it helps preserve the line of your jaw. You can do these exercises anywhere, but I usually do them as part of my workout. They’re simple to do—just lay flat on your back with your chin pointed up, and lift your whole head about an inch off the ground. Without putting your head back down on the floor, bring your chin to your chest. I do three sets of 10 repetitions, but you can build up to that! I alternate the chin-to-chest one with a side-to-side movement. Start the same way—flat on your back with your head lifted one inch off the ground. Without putting your head back down on floor, turn your head to the right, back to the center, and then to the left. I also do three sets of 10 of these.
Get Into Dry Brushing
I love using a dry brush before I bathe or shower. On dry skin, I use the brush all over my body, always brushing toward my heart. Not only do you brush off dead skin, you invigorate your body, stimulate your lymphatic system, reduce cellulite, and decongest your skin (talk about a miracle tool). After I shower but before I dry off, I use Neutrogena Body Oil all over. I let it soak in for a few seconds before drying myself with a towel.
Indulge And Relax
I try to go into an infrared sauna for 20 minutes at least once a week. Before I invested in my own, I just went to a local tanning salon that also had an infrared sauna—my homeopathic doctor suggested I get one because it’s good for detoxing. It’s not like a normal sauna, which can be harsh. Instead, infrared is a super gentle, soothing, and therapeutic heat that helps me relax and improves my sleep (and we all know how much I value sleep). It also works somewhat like a Japanese hot spring in that it stimulates collagen production to reduce wrinkles, improve overall skin tone, and improve circulation. Another added benefit? Twenty minutes of uninterrupted time to read!
—Cindy Crawford
Cindy Crawford photographed by Jen O. Hill. Read Cindy's Top Shelf here. For even more beauty tips, check out ITG's Best Beauty Tips all in one place.
