Ever feel like your inner strength is a rollercoaster, plummeting one minute and soaring the next? Supermodel and actress Cara Delevingne gets it. She's opening up about how she navigates those ups and downs with a unique blend of beauty rituals and mindful practices, revealing a wellness routine that's surprisingly relatable.
Speaking after the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, Delevingne, a spokesperson for L’Oréal Paris's Stand Up program (which empowers people to safely intervene against street harassment), emphasized the link between beauty and personal growth. She shared how her wellness routine is constantly evolving as she learns to meet herself where she's at each day.
Delevingne's approach to finding strength is multifaceted. She incorporates self-defense workouts to feel empowered physically, but also relies on the power of breathwork, rest, and relaxation to recover after emotionally challenging moments. It's a holistic approach that acknowledges the interconnectedness of mind and body.
But here's where it gets interesting: Delevingne views beauty as a tool for self-expression and even meditation. "I find it quite meditative when I take my time to get ready for something," she explains. Think about it – the focused act of applying makeup can be a surprisingly mindful experience, a way to connect with yourself before facing the world.
"Honestly, forget the party, it’s about getting ready sometimes for me with the music, and having fun," she admits. It's not always about impressing others, but about enjoying the process and boosting your own mood. A vibrant lip color, she suggests, can make a big difference even when things feel overwhelming.
And this is the part most people miss: Delevingne also emphasizes the importance of not forcing beauty rituals. Some days, she skips makeup altogether, prioritizing how she feels over external expectations. "It just depends on how I feel and is about meeting myself where I’m at," she says. It's a refreshing reminder that beauty should be empowering, not a burden.
When she's feeling under the weather, Delevingne is more likely to reach for Vitamin C than concealer, highlighting a focus on inner health. Supplements aren't a rigid part of her routine either; she takes them only when needed, adapting to her body's signals. Even her social life is flexible. She allows herself to change her mind about attending events, prioritizing her well-being over social obligations. "I tend to proclaim my flakiness early, so technically I’m not flaky," she jokes, illustrating a commitment to honesty and self-care.
What are her non-negotiables? Delevingne starts each day with 10 minutes of breathing exercises and yoga before checking her phone. This helps wake up her muscles and get her blood flowing, setting a positive tone for the day. She also aims to drink a large bottle of water daily to stay hydrated.
“I try to take little moments for myself before my day really starts. And throughout the day, I remind myself to take a breath. I get overwhelmed pretty easily, so I think it’s really important to take a deep breath and try to let everything go — clear my head and get all the negative self-talk out,” she shares. This focus on mindfulness and self-compassion is key to managing stress and maintaining a positive outlook.
And here’s a powerful takeaway: Delevingne believes in celebrating every day, regardless of accomplishments. “And at the end of the day, as you’re going to bed, congratulate yourself on having a successful day — even if you’ve done nothing — because every day lived is a successful day.” This perspective shifts the focus from external achievements to simply being present and grateful for life itself.
Now, here's a potentially controversial point: Some might argue that Delevingne's privileged position makes her wellness routine more accessible than it is for most people. Is it realistic to expect everyone to have the time and resources for daily yoga, self-defense classes, and a flexible social calendar? What do you think? Does her message of self-compassion and mindful beauty still resonate, even if the specific practices are not universally attainable? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
