Role Models - Living Beauty

Excerpted from
Bobbi Brown Living Beauty
By Bobbi Brown

Words of Wisdom from Women Who Have Come of Age Beautifully

I have admired many women over the course of my life-from family members like my mother, grandmother, and Aunt Alice, to silver-screen beauties like Ali MacGraw, Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren, and Audrey Hepburn. As my role models, these women have inspired me and helped me become the person I am today.

When I was about twenty years old, my mom and I saw Goldie Hawn and her children in the lobby of a hotel. Goldie was wearing cool jeans and sneakers, and her kids were dressed to match. She seemed totally comfortable and happy. I made a mental note that I wanted to be that way when I became a mother.

As a freelance makeup artist, I got my fashion inspiration from the magazine editors with whom I worked. They seemed to have it just right. I liked their simple style, hardly there makeup, and big watches (a look I adopted and that is still my trademark today).

When I was thirty years old, I saw a black-and-white picture of Debra Winger in Rolling Stone magazine that I thought was amazing. She looked sexy, confident, radiant... but she didn't look like a kid. Her head was tilted back, she had a huge smile on her face, and there were little laugh lines around her eyes and mouth. She looked like the kind of woman I wanted to become. Gazing at Debra's self-assured beauty, I remember saying to myself, "OK, I can do this." The memory of that picture has been with me ever since, and I think of Debra when I look in the mirror now.

All the women featured in this chapter are beautiful-inside and out. They are confident, strong, and charismatic. And most important, they are comfortable in their skin. These women inspire me on many levels, and I hope they inspire you too.

Susan Sarandon on

... Beauty When I was a kid I sought beauty in perfection. As I got older I began to value the imperfect-for it is there that the unique, the authentic, is manifest. It is there that we see that which makes an individual unique. I am moved by anything that reminds me of the vulnerability of life, and the courage it takes to live.

... Aging 'It's not for sissies," to quote Bette Davis.

... Looking Good Not smoking, cardiovascular exercise, greens, and, most important, attitude. When Fin open, joyful, curious, and compassionate, I look my best. Self-love. The realization that age brings wisdom, confidence, and perspective that is palpable and admired by those who are still trying to figure out who they are.

Vera Wang on ...

...Beauty It's an artful way of looking at yourself and understanding what will make you feel a little cleaner and neater. Your personality should always come through. Beauty is the thing that makes every face unique... and you should never lose that.

...Aging I have friends in their sixties and seventies whom I consider absolutely beautiful-not because they look young, but because they have maintained their character. They haven't given in to plastic surgery and the idea that you have to fit a certain aesthetic to be beautiful.

... Looking Good My biggest secret is sleep. It's amazing what a few nights of rest do for how my face looks. My other secret weapon is maintaining a healthy (rather than bone-thin) weight. I keep my look very simple and clean. When I do my makeup I focus on evening out my complexion with foundation... it literally takes twenty years off my face. I'm obsessed with skin because it's what we're all packaged in-it's the ultimate accessory.

Lorraine Bracco on

...Beauty Personality. Someone who is comfortable in her own skin. That's beautiful.

... Aging When I turned fifty, I decided my life motto would be "more fun!" I have had a much younger boyfriend for the past four years.... That helps!

... Looking Good I struggled with adult acne for years. It started in my mid-twenties. For years, my dermatologist encouraged me to go on Accutane. After more than five years of consistent breakouts, it was obvious that I had a hormonal imbalance that was often triggered by stress. Despite my doctor's encouragement, I waited almost ten years. I had a lot of mixed feelings about going on medication. When I finally went on it, my skin changed completely. I can't tell you what it did for my confidence and overall well-being. My only regret is that I didn't do it sooner. Keep in mind, medication is not right for everyone, but it's important to know your options. For me, it was the right choice. Also, a good haircut is a great beauty boost!