My Beauty File: Helena Christensen

Who hasn't been obsessed with Helena Christensen since she set foot on that secluded beach with Chris Isaak in the infamous Wicked Game video? Meeting Helena recently, I was surprised to see that she looks even more gorgeous almost thirty years later—so natural, so real. I met Helena at a press event for her newly endorsed Lumity supplements, which she swears by—think of them as your new all-around anti-aging, daily "glow" vitamin. She was glamorous and gorgeous. But I can also tell you that I have seen Helena makeup-free and stripped down on the weekends in Woodstock, New York. If you follow me on Instagram you know that's my weekend spot, and if you follow Helena, you know the Catskills is her spot too. Little did she know when I met her at Lumity's press event that I had already been secretly stalking her at the local market on the weekend! And I can confirm that a makeup-free, dressed-down Helena is just as glowing as a fully made-up press event Helena. Needless to say, when I got the opportunity to get Helena's full Beauty File, my inner fan girl was jumping for joy. Her modeling career—which includes covers of Vogue, Elle, and Harper's Bazaar—has been illustrious. Helena is also a photographer, a clothing and lingerie designer (with stores in both New York and Denmark, where she was born), and was named Creative Director of Nylon magazine at its founding. She has also been vocal about how climate change has impacted Peru, where her mother was born, and partnered with Oxfam to raise awareness about this issue. With all that under her belt, Helena's just 48 years young, with the glow and beauty of someone at least 10 years younger. What magic is she wielding? Maybe it's the porridge with a pat of butter in the morning. We can hope! Image via Helena's instagram here. 

MORNING SKINCARE:

My routine is mostly very simple: I cleanse my skin, I tone, I moisturize. Although some days I use several serums, oils, drops, and moisturizers, hoping the combination will have a magical outcome. I work with and truly love Nimue skincare products. My favorite is the Nimue Skin Technology Rejuvenating mask; it instantly hydrates. Another favorite is Rodin Olio Lusso face oil.

MORNING BREAKFAST:

I switch between porridge made with milk, with a lump of butter in the middle, and brown sugar plus banana slices. Or a soft boiled egg with grapefruit, and yogurt with granola and berries.

NIGHT SKINCARE:

I take my 3 little white pearls, the Lumity supplements, and then I cleanse and scrub my face. I switch between Joanna Vargas Vitamin C Face Wash and the Nimue face wash. Then I use Nimue Night Fader and night cream.

SUPPLEMENTS:

Between the morning and night formulas, Lumity supplements have everything you need and nothing you don’t.

FITNESS:

Boxing and most recently pole dancing, which is incredibly hard!

TECH:

I just got a printer and am making little postcards—very fun. Also, obviously all the cameras I can get my hands on. And my phone!

HAIR:

Harry Josh pro tools and a deep conditioning hair mask.

DERMATOLOGIST OR FACIALIST?

Facialist! I love getting a great facial. You just glow afterwards. But a visit to the dermatologist is definitely important once in a while.

WELLNESS:

My biggest wellness passion is being in water—the ocean, a lake, river, or pool. I'll even lie down on a stream if that's what's around. Or jump into a harbor. I also drink all sorts of juices I make myself, mixing cucumber, aloe vera, parsley, mint, apple, or pear. They make me feel refreshed and clean.

MY BEST PIECE OF BEAUTY ADVICE:

Hydration and sleep are my two very obvious tips, but also… keep your skin glowing, don’t cover it with too much foundation or powder.

BIGGEST BEAUTY MYTH:

I believe that superficial beauty won’t do much for your self-confidence. On the contrary, some of the most insecure people I’ve ever met are regarded as physically beautiful. I believe that confidence comes from knowledge, wit, and charm.

MY CHARLOTTE:

My 100 year (and 3 weeks) old grandma is pretty unique. She’s never used anything more sophisticated than Nivea and Vaseline and she’s still one of the prettiest ladies I know! I believe that her secret to longevity comes from knowledge, wit, and charm. She would tell you that at the end of the day, if you possess one or all of these, you’re smart enough to know that it’s not about exterior beauty. It’s about being healthy and just plain taking care of yourself.

READ MORE

Sabrina Tan, founder of Skin Inc., gave us her Beauty File—check it out. Plus: model and beauty entrepreneur Jamie O'Banion reveals her best beauty secrets.

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