Womanhood itself is beautiful—that’s one of the themes at the core of International Women’s Day, which is celebrated around the world on March 8. And as gender dynamics around the globe continue to shift, and diversity and differences—in the stories we tell, the bodies we see—are celebrated, the definition of beauty expands.
To illustrate that point, we asked 10 influential women how they define modern beauty in 2020 and who they see exemplifying it. What we found? They have a vision that’s all about confidence, individuality, and the mysterious magic of a woman who is deeply comfortable in her own skin.
L’Oréal executive Leslie Harris
How the global general manager of SkinCeuticals defines modern beauty
“Modern beauty is knowing what you want and the kind of beauty you want in your life (and the mirror) and never settling. It’s about your own idea of perfection, mixed with kindness to yourself. And great skin and lashes—those help too.”
Her beauty role model
“Dr. Shilu Shrestha, an orthopedic hand surgeon in Nepal. “I first met Dr. Shilu Shrestha when SkinCeuticals partnered with ReSurge International to create Pioneering Women in Reconstructive Surgery, a leadership, mentorship, and surgical training program for first-generation women reconstructive surgeons in developing countries. ReSurge International identified her as a promising and talented young surgeon, and when I finally met her during a ReSurge International surgical training trip in Dehradun, India, she was that and so much more!
For me, modern beauty is about attitude. Dr. Shrestha is powerful, confident, and ambitious and speaks her mind—and she uses these qualities for the betterment of the world. One of the most amazing qualities in Dr. Shrestha is that she could be a top physician anywhere—she has trained internationally and, no doubt, has the talent. Yet she has chosen to stay in Nepal, to help those most in need and to ensure they have access to surgical care. When I had the chance to watch her perform complex reconstructive surgery during the training, I knew then how crucial it was that SkinCeuticals—and I, as a woman—do everything in our power to make sure women like Dr. Shrestha stay and excel in their careers so they can provide life-changing surgical care to those whose lives, often literally, depend on it.”
Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Shilu Shrestha
How the Nepalese surgeon defines modern beauty
“I feel that beauty has to be defined by you, yourself. Now, all over the world, we understand that fair skin is not better than dark skin, tall is not better than short, and thin is not better than a healthy-looking body. They are just relative and different, not better! Beauty for me is how you speak to people, regardless of their position and wealth, how respectful you are toward people’s beliefs, how much empathy you show to your fellow people, and how gracefully you live your life. Women, you are beautiful, but you have to embrace yourself first before anyone can perceive your beauty.”
Her beauty role model
“The person who most embodies the concept of modern beauty is my coach, Anna Maria. She is absolutely graceful and beautiful. She is loving and powerful. She is emotional and balanced. She taught me that we don’t need to be or act like men to do our jobs!”
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Celebrity hairstylist Ursula Stephen
How the hair guru to stars like Zendaya, Rihanna, and Charlize Theron defines modern beauty
“In many ways. A few that come to mind are acceptance, embracing yourself, flaws and all, and owning it. Being strong is a true definition of beauty—strong enough to chase your dreams until they become a reality. And confidence—being confident in who you are, wherever you are.”
Her beauty role model
“Michelle Obama and Serena Williams, because they are two of the strongest role models we have in the African American community. Michelle really embodies brains and beauty. Serena shows how an athlete can be sexy and embrace style, beauty and fashion—outside of the tough exterior of what people view athletes to be.”
Facialist Melanie Simon
How the celebrity aesthetician and founder of the ZIIP nanocurrent skin device defines modern beauty
“It’s about not following any cookie-cutter mold of who we are supposed to be. It’s about embracing our strengths and being vulnerable with our weaknesses and not being afraid to put it out there.”
Her beauty role model
“Vanessa Williams. She is confident, incredibly smart, kind, [and] genuine and does not spend time wallowing in, or on, her flaws—not that there are any!”
Artist Ashley Longshore
How the painter and New Orleans gallery owner defines modern beauty
“I find empathetic, ambitious women to be the most gorgeous. I feel the most beautiful when I am balanced and fulfilled between my career and spending time with people I love. Also, [taking] a bubble bath in a face mask is a glowing, radiant moment for me always!”
Her beauty role models
“Lizzo, Tilda Swinton, and Helen Mirren. They are all unique and radiate beauty!”
Dermatologist Jeanine B. Downie
How the board-certified dermatologist in Montclair, New Jersey, defines modern beauty
“It’s putting your best face forward and being the best person you can be.”
Her beauty role model
“Jennifer Lopez. She embodies tenacity and strength and is a role model for good health. She’s stated that she does not smoke, drink, or do drugs and that she sleeps at least eight hours a night, eats a healthy diet, and exercises like a maniac.”
Nail artist Jin Soon Choi
How the editorial manicurist and founder of JINsoon Spas and JINsoon Nail Lacquer defines modern beauty
“Effortlessness. I think it is all about clean simplicity, encompassed in all facets of a woman’s approach—from her fashion and style to beauty regimen. It’s less about the makeup you wear and more about skin care and inner health and creating a healthy glow.”
Her beauty role model
“Gigi Hadid. She always looks great in anything—from classic to outrageous and extravagant style.”
ToneItUp’s Karena Dawn
How the co-creator of the popular fitness app defines modern beauty
“I believe [in the] confidence and courage to be fully you—whoever that may be—each day as you grow and discover a deeper connection with yourself. A modern beauty doesn’t let others control her destiny.”
Her beauty role model
“Lady Gaga. She’s undeniably and unapologetically herself. As a mental health advocate myself, I love her vulnerability about speaking up and for starting the Born This Way Foundation.”
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Celebrity makeup artist Megan Lanoux
How the makeup artist who glams up stars like Eva Longoria and Sienna Miller defines modern beauty
“Having confidence in who you are, embracing your imperfections, and loving yourself. What it means to me is to speak positively about and to myself. Physical beauty comes in stages—some days you will love how you look, some days, not so much. And aging is inevitable. Overall, to me, modern beauty is to have this attitude—and then enhance with makeup, hair color, etc., where you can!”
Her beauty role models
“Sienna Miller and Julianne Hough. Because my idea of modern beauty comes from within, I would have to say it’s mostly clients I have worked with [who inspire me], since I have had an opportunity to get to know them!”
Actress Joy Osmanski
How one of the voices of Fox’s Duncanville defines modern beauty
“No rules! Long-held beliefs about who should wear makeup and how [are gone]. Now we’re focusing on qualities like strength and resilience and not only acknowledging but celebrating age.”
Her beauty role model
“Regina King. She has been a source of inspiration for me for years, and watching her and her work just grow more compelling as time passes—that, to me, embodies the idea of beauty for 2020.”
