FACE OFF

Cara Delevingne is a multi-faceted beauty who likes to keep things natural, from her social media to her skincare.

Portrait of Tammy Strobel

Cara Delevingne is a multi-faceted beauty who likes to keep things natural, from her social media to her skincare. 

Imagine how amazing your complexion would be if, instead of makeup, you touched up with skincare throughout the day. That just happens to be one of Cara Delevingne’s off-duty beauty secrets. And with a face—and skin—that could launch a thousand ships, who would disagree? Always on the go, the model-actress-musician has added novelist to her resume, having recently debuted Mirror, Mirror, a young adult fiction story on the topic of LGBT, which she is a loud and proud advocate of. One of fashion and show business’ busiest multi-hyphenates, Delevingne is also a coveted brand face, and fronts Dior Beauty’s Capture Youth range, which is designed to help millennial women prevent signs of ageing.

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Capture Dreamskin Moist & Perfect Cushion, $105, Dior 

Often called the final step of this anti- ageing line, the Capture Dreamskin Moist & Perfect Cushion is packed with perfecting skincare—not foundation—which allows for beautifying hydration and protection in the palm of your hand. The latest improved formulation comes in Dior’s first non-tinted shade, 000, an ultra-sheer, fit-for-all “colour”. It infuses skin with a blend of proactive hydrating agents, while its advanced age-defying skincare complex plumps, deeply moisturises and brightens. Next, innovative ingredients of biomimetic mica and soft-focus powders correct and blur out imperfections. It also has SPF 50 PA+++, so your skin is consistently protected. All this settles down into a matte but radiant veil, leaving skin just as picture-worthy as it is the perfect base for a full face of makeup. 

In view of this high-tech “000” cushion launch, Delevingne talks beauty risks, her once silver bald head, and the truth behind what she shows her 40 million followers on Instagram. 

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Cara Delevingne is one of the most sought-after faces, who goes from a top model in front of the camera to a blonde heroine (and villainous enchantress) on the big screen  

What are some of the guiding principles you have in life?

Taking risks and pushing the envelope have been a huge part of my life so far. I don’t like to stay in one place for too long, so I’m constantly looking for the next challenge and to constantly better myself. Keep asking questions, finding the truth, connecting with people in a deep way and trying to spread joy as much as possible. 

What is one beauty “risk” you are happy you took?

Some would say my tattoos are a risk, but they all have a special meaning to me. Also, shaving my head—I have never felt so strong and liberated for doing something that seemed so scary to me. 

What are some of the most elaborate hair and makeup looks you’ve had so far? 

I’ve definitely done some outrageous or uncomfortable looks for the runway. And for events, my red-carpet glam team Molly Stern and Mara Roszak always come up with really innovative, elaborate ideas that I love. I had pretty awesome hairstyles for the international premieres of Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets, from a [finger wave] hairpiece in Los Angeles to glitter all over my hair in Paris. Also, my silver-painted bald head for the 2017 Met Gala done by makeup artist Romy Soleimani. 

Off-duty, when do you find it best to apply the new Capture Dreamskin Moist & Perfect Cushion? 

I usually apply it in the morning before I head to set, and on days off when I wear next to no makeup. It’s great both ways, and I love that it leaves my skin hydrated and protected. 

You have over 40 million followers on Instagram. What are your thoughts on social media? 

Social media is a great outlet to connect with my friends and fans. I don’t put too much thought into everything I post but I’m glad over 40 million people enjoy it enough to keep following me. 

What’s your advice on taking a great photo for Instagram?

Capturing a moment in its fullest. It doesn’t matter if it’s perfect. I like seeing people post all ranges of feelings and emotions. It’s about being open and honest. People shouldn’t be ashamed of the truth.

“Shaving my head was a beauty risk, but I have never felt so strong and liberated for doing something that seemed so scary to me.” 

PHOTOGRAPHY: JEAN-BAPTISTE MONDINO FOR PARFUMS CHRISTIAN DIOR.

STYLING: GILLIAN WILKINS.

MAKEUP: KATE SYNNOTT USING CAPTURE DREAMSKIN MOIST & PERFECT CUSHION, DIOR.

HAIR: BEN SKERVIN.

MANICURE: AMA QUASHIE