Isabella Rossellini, a name synonymous with timeless beauty and grace, has experienced a remarkable full-circle moment in her career, returning to the iconic French beauty brand Lancôme after a hiatus of 23 years. This reunion marks a significant chapter, celebrating inclusivity and a redefined vision of beauty that transcends age.
A Storied Past and an Unexpected Return
Rossellini's initial tenure with Lancôme began in 1982, when she became the brand's first spokesmodel. At the time, she was a highly sought-after model, and her association with Lancôme was a resounding success. However, her contract was not renewed when she reached the age of 42. The reasoning provided was that "advertising is about dreams," and the prevailing notion was that women dreamed of being young, making a woman in her 40s unsuitable to represent that dream.
This decision, perceived by many as ageist, led to considerable media attention. Despite the potential for resentment, Rossellini expressed delight and surprise when Lancôme approached her again at the age of 63. This second chapter began with a meeting with new, forward-thinking executives, signaling a significant shift in the brand's philosophy.
Rossellini will once again appear in campaigns for the brand, notably featuring in advertisements for Rénergie Multi-Glow, a modern iteration of a product she previously endorsed decades ago. This return is not just a commercial endeavor but a statement about evolving beauty standards.
Reframing Beauty: Inclusivity and Self-Acceptance
The conversation around Rossellini's return often touches upon her feelings regarding the past. "No, I was delighted! More than anything, I was surprised," she stated, emphasizing her positive outlook. She recalled the marketing research indicating positive customer response to her, yet the client's preference for younger faces. The new leadership at Lancôme, however, championed a campaign that is "very inclusive," a stark contrast to the past.
When asked about returning after the ageism controversy, Rossellini playfully suggested other legendary actresses like Helen Mirren or Meryl Streep. However, the brand's new executive recognized the powerful narrative of her story with Lancôme, describing it as a "romance or a novel" with a "beautiful new chapter."
The focus has shifted from "anti-aging" to "glow." Rossellini finds the concept of "glow" more appealing, associating it with glamour, elegance, and sophistication. She believes that "the definition of glamour is to assume who you are," rejecting the idea of a cosmetic company dictating one's identity.
A Multifaceted Career Beyond Beauty Campaigns
The period after her initial Lancôme contract ended was not one of idleness for Rossellini. While she admitted that editorial work and acting roles began to dwindle, she used the time to explore her interests. Fascinated by animal behavior, she embarked on creating short films that combined fashion and documentary elements. These films, often featuring her in comical costumes as animals, gained unexpected popularity online, leading to monologues and books, and marking the beginning of a new creative phase.
This period of personal exploration and creative output reinforced her belief in new chapters and resilience. "Some chapters close not because you want them to. Of course, I was sad, and I was for a while. But I was resilient in thinking, What else is interesting to me? I follow my curiosity," she shared.
Her journey also highlighted a broader shift in opportunities for women. Reflecting on a documentary where actresses wished they had pursued directing, Rossellini noted that she, too, initially believed acting was her only path. However, she found alternative avenues, emphasizing that this is a "powerful moment for women."
Challenging Beauty Stereotypes and Embracing Age
Rossellini has been a vocal critic of the societal pressure on women to remain eternally youthful. While youth may be one dream, she asserts that women today "don't want to be told what to do." She contrasts the past ideal of a blonde, blue-eyed woman with the current landscape where diverse and strong women are celebrated. She points to contemporary actresses who are self-produced and self-defined, unlike earlier archetypes that were often creations of directors.
She observes that Lancôme, now 85 years old, has evolved alongside women's increasing strength and independence throughout the century. Rossellini, having been associated with the brand for 40 years, has witnessed this transformation firsthand.
The concept of aging often carries a fear of becoming invisible. However, Rossellini has expressed a welcome for this perceived invisibility. She recounts her youth in Italy, where constant male attention and objectification made her uncomfortable. She notes that while occasional attention is desired, constant scrutiny can be intimidating. The freedom from this intense focus, she suggests, can be liberating.
Isabella Rossellini for Tresor by Lancome
Skincare Philosophy and Personal Routines
Rossellini attributes her radiant skin to the efficacy of Lancôme products, having used them for over 40 years. Her preferred line is the Rénergie collection. She views her skincare routine as a testament to the brand's quality, stating, "I am the living example of the efficacy of Lancôme products."
She openly discusses her approach to cosmetic procedures, choosing not to undergo plastic surgery or Botox. While respecting personal choices, she cites her past surgeries for a spinal deformity as a deterrent. Furthermore, she finds the idea of injecting poison into her body philosophically incompatible with her commitment to organic living.
Rossellini's approach to aging is rooted in positive thinking and self-acceptance. She emphasizes that happiness is a discipline, focusing on gratitude for what one has. While acknowledging the natural signs of aging, like neck wrinkles, she chooses not to dwell on them, preferring to focus on positive aspects, such as a well-applied lipstick.
Her beauty philosophy extends to her makeup and fashion choices. She advocates for a natural look, working with makeup artists who understand her preference. When preparing for events, she engages in conversation rather than reading, as makeup application requires focus. Her style is often minimalist, with a preference for flat shoes and unique accessories sourced from antique stores, valuing the story behind each piece.
Lessons from a Legendary Mother and a Mother Herself
Rossellini draws inspiration from her mother, Ingrid Bergman, who had a "down-to-earth approach to life" and a simple yet efficient beauty routine: lipstick, mascara, and perfume. This pragmatic philosophy has influenced Rossellini's own approach to beauty and life.
As a mother herself, she imparts the lesson of a healthy lifestyle-proper eating, avoiding smoking and excessive drinking-as foundational to well-being. She has also experimented with makeup to express creativity, moving beyond the goal of looking younger. Her current experimentation involves incorporating more color, such as green eyeshadow.
Rossellini's affinity for red lipstick is well-known. Lancôme has even named two shades after her: "Isabella," a bright red, and "Mademoiselle Isabella," a more subdued hue. These shades reflect her personal style and the enduring connection she shares with the brand.
The Meaning of Ambassadorship and the Evolution of Beauty
Being an ambassadress for Lancôme again in her 70s holds profound meaning for Rossellini. She sees it as an indication of a broader understanding of beauty that encompasses inclusivity. Her initial departure from Lancôme at 40 was based on outdated notions of dreams and youth, but her return signifies a more positive, optimistic, and joyful era, aligning with Lancôme's slogan, "Life is beautiful."
She finds the term "anti-age" to be negative, promoting a self-critical perspective. Instead, she prefers language that emphasizes positive attributes like elasticity and nourishment for the skin. For her, the definition of glamour is "that sense of joy, that sense of translating to a joyful act rather than an act of being ashamed of yourself and using cosmetics to hide yourself." She wants to celebrate who she is and is not afraid of getting old, challenging the stereotypes associated with aging women.
Rossellini's personal beauty essentials are minimal: a perfume, a cream, and a lipstick. She favors Lancôme's Rénergie Multi-Glow cream and often uses red lipstick for an instant "made up" feeling. Her makeup routine, when done herself, involves a light base, defining eyebrows, subtle eyeliner close to the lash line, and mascara on the top lashes. She meticulously applies lipstick, often using a lip liner and blotting, to achieve a lasting result.
Her ongoing relationship with Lancôme, spanning over four decades, is a testament to her enduring appeal and the brand's commitment to evolving beauty standards. This partnership continues to redefine what it means to be beautiful, embracing age, individuality, and the celebration of life.
tags: #lancome #isabella #rossellini