After three decades, Paulina Porizkova returns to Estée Lauder as Global Brand Ambassador—but this time, it’s different.

“Unlike the first time around, this is more than a job. It’s my purpose.” Porizkova says. “It’s an opportunity to be exactly who I am, to speak only about products I genuinely love and believe in and to show women around the world that with age comes power and possibility.”
 

Get reacquainted with the beauty industry icon as she shares more about her first-ever Estée Lauder campaign in 1988, her current brand favorites, the best advice she’s ever received and more.

What was your first Estée Lauder campaign?

My first Estée Lauder campaign was in 1988 for a fabulous perfume called Knowing. I loved the fact that it was called Knowing, because I fancy myself a knowing kind of woman! We shot a black and white commercial with a really dear friend of mine, Peter Kagan. This campaign was different, it felt a little dangerous and cutting edge at the time.

What was your favorite Estée Lauder campaign that you worked on?

That is such a difficult question because I adored working with Victor Skrebneski, with whom I shot so many campaigns. First of all, he was such a gentleman, and he laughed at my really bad jokes. But he was always very collaborative, and I feel like every campaign we did was my favorite. I’m really, truly proud of all of them—I don’t think I can pick a favorite.

What was the first Estée Lauder product you fell in love with?

First it was Knowing, because that was the first Estée Lauder product I ever tried. I really love that fragrance. My second would be Advanced Night Repair Serum, or Night Repair as it used to be called. I used it when I was younger and didn’t even need it. Here I am using it still, and now I can truly see a difference.

What is your current favorite Estée Lauder product?

I am completely and utterly fangirling over the new Advanced Night Repair Overnight Treatment. It is one of the most amazing things I have ever put on my face and it really does make you look like you got a great night’s sleep. It is mind-blowing.

How is this partnership with Estée Lauder different?

In my previous partnership with Estée Lauder, I was an image, a blank canvas onto which desires and aspirations could be projected. I was seen but never heard. And I was helping to sell a vision of beauty inextricably linked to youth. This time around, and because of my age, I am a mature, three-dimensional woman with opinions. My face bears wrinkles from a lifetime of experience, from smiles and tears. And I am hoping to promote an image of womanhood which encompasses all of it.

What is your favorite self-indulgence?

I love to read and feel incredibly indulgent when I read. I also love great food and travel. These are luxuries, and I can now appreciate what a privilege it is to be able to have access to them. I’m extremely grateful.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

After I went through a very difficult time in my life, I started reading a lot of self-help books. There was a line in one of the books that said, “nothing lasts," which really resonated. I’m aware that the good doesn’t always last, so hold on tightly to it. But it also means that the bad doesn’t last either, which is comforting in those challenging moments.

What are you most excited for in the future?

What I'm most excited about in the future is literally the future! The fact that I have one, and the knowledge that I will wake up tomorrow and there will be another day— good or bad—is tremendously exciting.