They blaze trails, lead, and make the tough decisions: awe-inspiring, prominent women are all around us. To highlight these women leaders, we’re launching a new series on RealSelf called Women Who Make Their Mark—sharing everything from how these distinguished women found success to their tried-and-true beauty secrets. Here, supermodel-turned-businesswoman Elle Macpherson discusses her beauty routine, wellness philosophy, and so much more.
Elle Macpherson doesn’t believe in anti-aging—and why would she? At 56, she’s gracing magazine covers in sequin bodysuits, running a successful wellness brand, and feeling more balanced than ever. We caught up with the model and WelleCo founder at a recent event for TruSculpt Flex by Cutera, a muscle-sculpting device for which Macpherson is a spokesperson, to get her beauty secrets and life advice.
RealSelf: Do you feel the modeling industry is more accepting and diverse today than it was when you were in it?
Elle Macpherson: The fashion industry has always been interested in beauty and it’s great to see that there is an expansion on what is considered beautiful today. The spectrum of beauty has become so much wider than when I was modeling—women don’t need to fit into anyone’s stereotype anymore.
RS: What is your beauty philosophy?
EM: I believe in living a healthy, long, fulfilling life and this includes aging—not anti-aging. I prefer to see it as wisdom building [rather than] simply aging. I am pro-natural, noninvasive, timeless beauty and I’ve found through personal experience and observation that beauty and wellness starts from within on a cellular level. That’s why we founded WelleCo, to share this philosophy with our community and to provide quality powdered plant-based supplements to help people everywhere be welle, feel welle, and live welle—empowering people to positively influence their own health on their quest for inner and outer balance.
RS: Where do you stand on medical aesthetic treatments and which have you tried?
EM: I really believe beauty comes from within. It starts on the inside and then I layer it with sleep, movement, nutrition, mindfulness, body balance, and supplementation. As far as technology is concerned, I spend a lot of time in the sun so I’ve been interested in what could heal sun damage. I tend to stay away from lasers as I live in Miami, but have found a laser called Aerolase through my dermatologist at Del Campo Dermatology & Laser Institute. It works really well for promoting beautiful, healthy and strong skin.
RS: You’re a TruSculpt Flex spokesperson. How do you use the device in your routine?
EM: I discovered TruSculpt Flex through a sports injury I endured. I researched and found that this was great for strengthening my core. I was amazed at how effective it was and this helped me get back to yoga and heal through movement.
RS: Do you have a post-treatment routine?
EM: I do manual lymphatic drainage once a week with Sheila Perez and I have an infrared sauna at home which I use twice a week or more if I am unwell. I also feel it’s important to take a clean protein after working out or using the sculpt machine. I take two scoops of the vanilla WelleCo Nourishing Protein with cold water and blitz in the NutriBullet. As we age, it’s important to support our muscular system with clean protein to maintain muscle strength while doing workouts or treatments like TruSculpt Flex.
RS: What do you do to look your best before a big event or red carpet appearance?
EM: Before a big event, I go to Just Ageless in New York City or Del Campo Dermatology & Laser Institute in Miami and they always find a noninvasive solution to help me shine bright. I turn to facials and lymphatic massages, but at the end of the day, I like it to keep it simple and stay consistent with overall wellness maintenance. I keep my diet plant-based, preferably raw, and drink lots of water. If I have a major appearance, I’ll double up on the WelleCo Super Elixr Greens and within a few days it makes a huge difference.
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RS: Why did you want to launch supplements? What were the biggest challenges and what did you feel was missing from the space?
EM: As I turned 50, I realized that I could no longer rely on genetics or keep doing the same things I did in my 30s and 40s over and over again. I was feeling tired and run down, sleeping sporadically, and experiencing brain fog. My skin was dry, dull, and uneven, I was putting on weight, I was unmotivated and generally not feeling or looking well. I consulted [nutritionist] Dr. Simone Laubscher, PhD, who created a custom-mixed super greens powdered formula that would become the foundation for The Super Elixir Greens. Containing botanical herbs, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and probiotics, when taken daily with water, the Super Elixir helps support gut health, immune system function, glowing skin, and enhanced vitality. It’s a simple routine, with complex benefits—just two teaspoons in water every day, perfect for busy lives. I see it as the evolution of the multivitamin.
After implementing some simple lifestyle changes and including the Super Elixir Greens in my daily routine, I have experienced significant health changes including improved digestion, weight loss, tighter, dewier skin, and a lighter, cleaner, leaner body. I feel more emotionally balanced, don’t get sick as often because my immune system is supported, and because I am finally sleeping properly, I wake up feeling rested and energized.
RS: What is your best advice for women who are trying to make their mark—whether that’s in their career or personal life?
EM: Find what you love and do it relentlessly. Passion and authenticity will get you a long way. Once you take the first steps, you never know the magical things that can happen. This wise quote really inspired me.
“This is your life,
Do what you love and do it often.
If you don’t like something, change it.
If you don’t like your work, do something else.
If you don’t have enough time, stop watching TV, get off your phone.
If you are looking for the love of your life, stop; they will be waiting for you when you start doing things you love.” (and that includes looking after yourself).
1) Mark my words: What is your best life advice? 2) Birthmark: Tell us something about where you’re from! 3) Beauty mark: What is your signature beauty look? 4) X marks the spot: What is your hotspot of the moment? 5) Trademark: What makes you, you? 6) Bookmark: What are you reading right now? 7) Checkmark: What is a bucket list item you’ve completed? 8) Indelible Mark: What do you want your legacy to be?
