Supermodels: Beauty Beyond the Camera

If you ever thought a supermodel’s life was just endless designer clothes and champagne, you’re in for a surprise. Once the flashbulbs stop popping, most supermodels are juggling work, travel, self-care, and the same real-life worries as the rest of us.

Behind those perfect shots, there’s a ton of effort—think early mornings, uncomfortable shoes, skipped meals, you name it. Lots of them have to work even harder to keep up with changing beauty standards and a crazy industry. Want to know what keeps them looking and feeling their best? It’s not magic—it’s small, practical routines anyone can try, from drinking tons of water to choosing comfort over trends when no one’s watching.

Ready to see what beauty really means to a supermodel outside the camera lens? Stick around, because the secrets are way more down-to-earth (and useful) than you’d think.

• What Defines a Supermodel Today
• The Reality of Life Off the Runway
• Beauty Routines and Wellness Habits
• Dealing with Pressure and Staying Authentic
• Tips from Supermodels for Real Life

What Defines a Supermodel Today

So what even is a supermodel these days? Sure, you’ll recognize the obvious ones like Gisele Bündchen, Naomi Campbell, or Kendall Jenner. Forty years ago, supermodels were just a handful of names who dominated magazine covers and were the faces of the world’s biggest fashion houses. Now the landscape has totally shifted.

Models today aren’t just tall, thin, and conventionally pretty. Social media basically changed the game. Having a massive following on Instagram or TikTok can bump you up to supermodel status just as much as landing a Vogue cover can. People want personality, influence, and even activism—not just a pretty face.

• You’ll spot models running businesses, launching skincare lines, and even working as brand ambassadors outside typical fashion gigs.
• Being relatable goes a long way; top supermodels share their routines, struggles, and real-life moments with followers.
• Diversity counts now more than ever—brands want all kinds of body types, backgrounds, and personalities represented.

Here’s something wild: as of 2024, about 70% of top campaign models have their own product lines or side businesses. That never used to be a thing. On Instagram, models like Paloma Elsesser and Ashley Graham have more daily engagement from fans than many celebrities. People don’t just want to see perfect beauty anymore—they want someone who lets them in on the behind-the-scenes stuff, from beauty secrets to the not-so-glam parts of their lives.

Bottom line: A supermodel now is just as much a brand as they are a person. The most successful ones mix old-school modeling skills with real influence and business smarts. It’s way more about the whole package, not just looking great under studio lights.

The Reality of Life Off the Runway

When you spot supermodels stepping off the runway, it might seem like their lives are all red carpets and luxury perks—but that’s only half the story. Most models face long days packed with casting calls, early-morning flights, and a lot of time in airports or waiting rooms. It’s not unusual for a model to do three cities in a week during fashion season. One study found top models fly an average of 250,000 miles a year. That’s basically like circling the globe ten times!

The gig also has a ton of behind-the-scenes hustle most people never see. Think: strict scheduling, fitting in meals between jobs, and even squeezing in online classes or side hustles. Models like Karlie Kloss have taken coding bootcamps, and others run small businesses on the side. So, success in the modeling industry means juggling gigs and keeping future options open.

The truth is, nobody gets off easy when it comes to staying healthy. Jet lag, constant travel, and hotel food can throw anyone off balance. To handle this, many rely on simple habits—like moving their bodies every day, searching for healthy take-out options, and sticking to steady sleep routines as much as possible. Sleep masks and noise-cancelling headphones? Pretty much essentials in any model’s bag.

And then you have the big social media push—keeping up with posts, connecting with fans, and managing brand partnerships. A lot of supermodels spend several hours a day just planning, filming, and posting content to help their personal brand stand out. It’s like having a second full-time job on top of the photoshoots.

If you’re thinking about all the glamour, don’t forget these real stats: more than half of working models work freelance, which means chasing invoices and looking for gigs is just normal life. The work is not as stable as it looks from the outside. One tip from working models? Build routines and small comforts you can control—like your favorite playlist, a good book, or skincare products that work anywhere. These little rituals help keep stress down no matter where you wake up tomorrow.

Beauty Routines and Wellness Habits

Forget the 10-step skincare trends or wild expensive creams—most supermodels swear by routines that keep things simple and consistent. A ton of them credit their glow to regular sleep and super basic habits. For example, Gisele Bündchen calls water her "beauty weapon," drinking about 3 liters daily. Hydration is basically a must, especially when back-to-back shoots can seriously dry out skin.

Instead of endless fancy products, models like Kendall Jenner stick to gentle cleansers and always take off makeup before bed. Many say they use sunscreen every single day—rain or shine. If you ever wondered what’s in a supermodel’s bag, it’s often lip balm, travel-size moisturizer, and a ton of sunscreen, not the whole beauty aisle.

The routines don’t stop at skin. Wellness is a big deal too. Joan Smalls has talked about squeezing in meditation between shows to de-stress. Karlie Kloss runs or boxes for her mental health just as much as her body. And let’s be real—workouts for supermodels are pretty hardcore. Most try to find what fits their life, whether that’s Pilates, yoga, or just long walks outside instead of always hitting the gym.

• Morning: Cleanse face, drink water, and eat a protein-packed breakfast (like Greek yogurt or eggs).
• Daytime: Keep sunscreen handy and touch up with moisturizer if skin feels dry from AC and flying.
• Evening: Remove all makeup, use a gentle moisturizer, and unwind with a book or guided meditation.

Nutrition matters too. Chrissy Teigen once said she snacks on nuts, fruits, and lean protein all day to avoid sugar crashes and to keep her energy up. A lot of modeling industry pros steer clear of extreme diets and instead aim for balance—yes, that means dessert isn’t off-limits.

So if you want a realistic tip from those in the know? Set a nighttime routine you actually stick to, hydrate like it’s your job, and don’t fall for every “secret” cream on Instagram. Consistency matters more than magic.

Dealing with Pressure and Staying Authentic

Being a supermodel can feel like walking a tightrope. There’s constant pressure to look a certain way, handle busy schedules, and show up cheery and camera-ready even on bad days. Many supermodels have spoken up about how this stress takes a toll. Cindy Crawford once shared in an interview that she felt more confident in her skin at forty than at twenty because she learned to tune out opinions. Bella Hadid has openly discussed her struggles with anxiety and the work it takes to keep her mental health in check.

Showing your true self in an industry built on flawless images isn’t easy. Some models—like Ashley Graham and Adut Akech—use their platforms to talk about body image and call out impossible standards. They admit to saying no to jobs that go against their values and setting boundaries, even when it could mean missing out on big opportunities.

Here are some of their real-life ways to keep stress in check and stay authentic:

• Self-Care Routines: Gisele Bündchen swears by meditation and limiting screen time at night to unwind from the day.
• Support Networks: Most models rely on friends and family to keep them grounded. Having someone who understands your world makes all the difference.
• Setting Boundaries: Karlie Kloss took a stand about not posing for certain brands if it didn’t feel right for her. Saying ‘no’ can actually open better doors.
• Therapy and Counseling: Jourdan Dunn once shared that talking to a therapist helped her deal with industry criticism and personal challenges.
• Speaking Up: Models like Naomi Campbell and Cara Delevingne encourage others in the industry to talk openly about their struggles instead of pretending everything’s perfect.

If you look at the numbers, things are shifting. In a 2023 survey of runway models by the Model Alliance, nearly 70% said they feel less pressure to conform to just one look compared to a decade ago, thanks to more conversations about diversity and mental health.

At the end of the day, cracking the code on authenticity is something even the biggest names in the modeling industry have to work at. Their stories remind us that gorgeous magazine covers only tell part of the story—and showing up as yourself will always matter more than playing a role.

Tips from Supermodels for Real Life

Think of supermodels as regular folks who just happen to get paid for looking a certain way. Surprisingly, their best tricks for feeling confident and looking great are things you can copy without living in a fancy penthouse.

One of the top beauty secrets that Gisele Bündchen has shared? Prioritize self-care over perfection. She swears by meditation and staying grounded, even when stuff gets wild. Sounds simple, but downtime actually helps with both looks and mental health. It’s not about pricey spa days—sometimes just unplugging your phone and going for a quick walk does the trick.

Naomi Campbell is famous for not skipping out on water. Seriously, you’ll see her hauling a water bottle everywhere. She’s all about hydration (that’s a big one in the beauty secrets department). Drinking enough water keeps your skin fresh—so basic, but it works.

Let’s talk diet. Instead of crash dieting, Karlie Kloss talks about eating clean but not being extreme. She focuses on protein, veggies, and the occasional treat. No one’s living off celery only, not even supermodels.

• Stay Consistent: The “5-minute rule” is a real thing. Just do one productive thing for your skin, body, or mind daily—even if it’s short (like moisturizing or a couple push-ups).
• Less Is More: Supermodel Joan Smalls says you don’t need a bathroom full of products. Figure out which three work for you and stick with them—scout the self-care aisle smarter, not harder.
• Authenticity Wins: Adut Akech has talked about owning her look and sticking up for her boundaries, even in a tough industry. Trying to fit in everywhere just burns you out. The takeaway here? Be real—it shows.

Ever worry about flopping in front of a camera or a group? Bella Hadid admits she still gets nervous before big events. Her trick: breathe deeply, prep ahead, and don’t compare yourself to everybody else online.

Bottom line: supermodels don’t have some secret club or wild hacks. It’s the everyday stuff—routine, rest, water, eating real food, saying no when you need to, and not beating yourself up over slip-ups. Steal their survival strategies and ditch the idea that you need a full-time glam squad to look or feel your best.