Today sees supermodel and Victoria’s Secret Angel Candice Swanepoel turn 32, so we thought it about time we find out just how she keeps herself looking so good. Savoir Flair spoke exclusively to the South African beauty to uncover everything you need to know about her workout routine, the products she can’t live without, and her penchant for pasta.
What’s a typical day like for you?
A typical day would be waking up at 7 a.m. and getting ready for work. That can involve anything from going to the airport to being on a photoshoot. After work, it’s hard to do anything else as I’m usually tired. I’m lucky if I get a yoga class in. An ideal day would be to wake up quite early, make a nice breakfast, and take my time in the morning before taking my dogs for a walk, going to the beach, or having for a quick swim. I also love being at home, decorating, or FaceTiming with my family.
What three beauty products can you not live without?
I love a red lip and have been wearing the Max Factor ‘Lipfinity Lipstick’ recently. It’s got a really creamy texture, the pigment is really strong, and it lasts too. I love it! Colbert MD’s serum and eye cream are my go-to skin products. I use coconut oil to take my makeup off, and on my hair and body as well. It’s a great, all-round natural product.
Do you have a signature scent?
The Victoria’s Secret ‘Bombshell Perfume’. It’s fruity and floral and good for both day and night.
Have you picked up any expert beauty tips that you can share with us?
Pat McGrath taught me all about contouring. I learned that it’s really important to find the right colors and shades for you. What may suit one person may not suit you, so find what works for your face shape and skin tone.
I take a lot of inspiration from the supermodels of the 90s.
What has been the biggest beauty blunder that you’ve ever made?
A nude, beige lip – it doesn’t suit me at all!
Who’s your ultimate beauty icon and why?
I take a lot of inspiration from the supermodels of the 90s: Linda Evangelista, Bo Derek, and Stephanie Seymour. They were unapologetic, strong women who were both sexy and powerful.
Where’s your favorite place in the whole world?
My favorite places are Africa and Brazil… I can’t choose one! All my childhood memories are in Africa, but then Brazil became my second home from the age of 17, so a lot of my adult memories are from there.
How do you relax and unwind?
I really enjoy working out so, to relax, I’ll do a yoga or Pilates class. What I love about yoga is that it helps both your mental and physical well-being. I also like unwinding by taking my dogs for a walk. When I can, I love to be surrounded by nature or swimming in the ocean.
What is your secret to staying in shape?
The secret is getting yourself to the gym! It’s about putting in the time and finding things you enjoy doing, so it doesn’t feel like that much work.
What is your workout routine?
I try to work out between three and five times a week, depending on how much time I have. Over the years, my workouts have changed. I do a lot of yoga and boxing when I have energy, Pilates on the reformer, and lots of resistance training. I have a trainer in New York who has been working with me for about eight years now.
Do you have any guilty pleasures?
I love really creamy pastas, like a carbonara. I also love jewelry – Jacquie Aiche or Finn Jewelry are two of my favorites.
What’s your dream cheat meal?
I’d have burrata to start, pasta carbonara, and a South African melba pudding to finish.
If you weren’t a model, what would be your dream job?
A travel and beauty journalist. I’d love to travel and test out places in different countries.
Describe yourself in three words.
Adventurous, laid-back, intense.
