Bold truth: the path to inner strength isn’t a flawless routine, it’s learning to show up for yourself even on hard days. That’s the core idea Cara Delevingne shares as she blends meditation, makeup, and morning wellness into a flexible, self-compassionate practice.
In a conversation with WWD, following the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on November 25, the 33-year-old model and L’Oréal Paris spokeswoman for Stand Up describes how beauty routines can intertwine with personal growth. Stand Up is a program that empowers bystanders to intervene safely in street harassment, underscoring a broader commitment to safety and well-being. Delevingne explains that beauty and wellness now often converge for her, evolving alongside her ongoing wellness journey.
She starts by describing how strength can come from multiple sources: self-defense training, breathwork, and making room for rest after emotionally taxing moments. When it comes to beauty, she’s learned to ease up on expectations, tune out external noise, and savor her own rituals. Beauty, for her, is a form of self-expression and can be meditative: taking time to prepare for an event or simply getting ready with music and intention.
Sometimes, the ritual is purely about preparation and connection with friends. She notes that slipping into a favorite lip color or sharing a meal with friends can create moments that feel meaningful, even if the occasion isn’t monumental.
There are also days when makeup isn’t part of the plan. If she isn’t in the mood, she won’t apply products, choosing to meet her current mood rather than force an routine. It’s about authenticity and listening to how she feels in the moment.
Her approach to wellness is practical and adaptable. When she’s feeling under the weather, Vitamin C takes precedence over concealer, and supplements aren’t a fixed daily obligation. Instead, she tailors her regimen to how she feels, adjusting products and vitamins as needed. The same flexibility applies to her social life: if a night out isn’t appealing, she’s honest about it upfront, outlining a 50/50 chance of attendance so she isn’t labeled flaky.
Yet certain wellness non-negotiables remain. Each morning, she commits to ten minutes of breathing exercises and yoga before touching her phone, a ritual she uses to wake up her body and boost circulation. She also aims to drink a large bottle of water daily to stay hydrated.
Her philosophy centers on micro-moments of self-care. She makes space for breath throughout the day to prevent overwhelm, striving to quiet negative self-talk and clear her mind. And at night, she offers herself credit for the day’s efforts, even on days that feel unremarkable, embracing the idea that every day lived constitutes a successful day.
Questions for readers: Do you find value in shifting wellness practices to match how you feel in the moment, even if it means skipping parts of a routine? How do you balance external expectations with listening to your own needs when it comes to beauty and self-care? Share your thoughts in the comments.
