Who is Daria Werbowy?
This Ukranian-Canadian beauty is one of the world’s top models, she has been an ambassador for Lancôme since 2005 and she is now the face of their skincare range Energie de Vie. But there’s more to 32-year-old Daria than meets the eye on a beauty campaign or a catwalk show…
In addition to being Lancôme’s ambassadress, you are one of the world’s most demanded models of our era, which naturally implies a very hectic life. Can you give us an idea of how many shoots you do a year, how many times you board a plane… etc.?
There are too many to count! I am constantly on the move even in my personal life.
What does a typical day look like? At what time do you start? How late do you finish? At what time do you go to bed?
I’m an early riser these days. I like to be in rhythm with nature so I’m usually up at sunrise. I practice yoga in the morning and then start my day. I’m never sure at what time I’ll go to sleep.
How much time do you dedicate to your skin daily?
I wish I had more time to dedicate to my skin, especially while traveling and working. I think the most important thing is to keep my skin clean. I also try to eat well and stay hydrated.
You first moved from Canada to NYC for your modelling career. What do you enjoy of New York? What could you live without?
I like the accessibility to everything in NYC, but could live without the noise and the amount of people. I always miss nature when I’m in NYC for too long.
You belong to a generation of paradox who live a life of contrasts. What are the contrasts in your life?
I do live with many contrasts in my life. I’m someone who appreciates modern life but feels extremely connected to ancient philosophy and nature. I like to have both in my life but I think this is healthy and keeps me open minded.
You are one of the models who had the longest career. What do you do to stay grounded and keep a balance over the years?
I’ve always travelled a lot. This has allowed me to remain open to different lifestyles and cultures that inspire me and keep me grounded.
It seems that fame does not affect you too much… How do you handle it?
I’m pretty under the radar. I don’t really deal with a lot of fame in the “pop culture” way. People tend to recognise me and I enjoy that side of it, I find it interesting that people know who I am… It’s also fascinating to see how much effect you can have on people. Of course it can affect me, make me feel insecure and wonder what you should do and what you shouldn’t do, but I just try to be completely truthful to myself, whatever decision I make… I don’t think I would ever want an extremely public life, I feel that it would be very difficult.
You sail a lot… you’ve even crossed the Atlantic Ocean with your dad, can you please tell us more about this passion?
Sailing was passed down in my family from my father, he was sailing and working on boats… When we moved to Canada, he taught us how to sail. For me, it’s the way to be the most disconnected from the fast-paced world that we live in, and be reconnected to nature in a very raw way. When you’re sailing you’re quite vulnerable, and you really learn about yourself, you act on instincts… You discover your true self. Also, I like the rush of it; I like the fear that things can go wrong.
You split your life between New York and Ireland, another example of the life full of contrasts you live. Why Ireland? What does it bring in your life?
There’s a certain mysticism, folklore about Ireland. I have a connection with this country which I can’t explain. I feels like I’ve lived here before, it feels very much like home.
Have you tried ÉNERGIE DE VIE? Which of the three ÉNERGIE DE VIE products is your favourite?
I was surprised by the strange texture of the Liquid Care as it does not feel like anything I’ve tried before. It feels fresh as soon I apply it on my skin and although it is kind of light, my skin feels nourished. I love the fact that I only need a single product to give the right nutrients to my skin and moisturize it.
Do you have a utilization tip for the ÉNERGIE DE VIE Liquid Care?
What I like about the Liquid Care is that it is such an easy product to use that you do not need to overthink it. I like to apply it after having cleansed my face morning and night; it leaves a fresh sensation on my skin.
When do you feel the most tired during the week? What is your SOS ritual?
Since my schedule is never exactly the same, there is not a day of the week that I feel particularly tired; however I am sure my irregular schedule does not help me in feeling rested. When I need an SOS boost for my skin, I apply the ÉNERGIE DE VIE Sleeping Mask.
Do you often apply masks on your skin?
I do, especially when I feel my skin needs the extra moisture from flying. I also like the white clay mask to cleanse the pores.
ÉNERGIE DE VIE is compared to a superfood for the skin… do you pay attention to what you eat, to the nutrients you find in some kinds of food?
Yes, I’ve always been a healthy eater, I enjoy food and like to cook. I love to cook Indian food and Ukrainian food. I’m interested in nutrition and herbal medicine. I think herbs are the most important part of my diet. I make smoothies and vegetable juices and ferment my own vegetables and make my own apple cider vinegar.
ÉNERGIE DE VIE is also a skincare line made of natural ingredients, committed to a responsible production; does it also resonate with some of the personal choices you make as a consumer?
Yes, very much so! I am very conscious of how food is cultivated and produced. It’s important to support local farmers and producers. In Ireland, it is much easier, but I do what I can when I can.
On the campaign, you are simply dressed in a pair of jeans, a simple white shirt and wear your hair loose… does the woman you embody look like the real Daria?
Yes, she is one of many real Darias!
