Face Time | Liya Kebede

I always thought Liya Kebede was one of the most strikingly beautiful models in the business, so when I heard L’Oréal Paris had chosen her as its latest global brand ambassador, I wasn’t the least bit surprised. When I caught up with the Ethiopian beauty, I found out there’s a whole lot more to her than meets the eye.

T.T.: On your list of things you do: wife, mother, model, actress, running the Liya Kebede Foundation, managing and designing your own clothing line. And now, new face of L’Oréal Paris. Besides being exhausting, is it all quite fulfilling for you?

L.K.: Yes, because they all connect to different sides of me. I can contribute, be valuable and grow in many ways, since my interests are so varied. That is very satisfying.

T.T.: In each area, tell me what strikes a chord in you? Start with your clothing line.

L.K.: With my clothing line, Lemlem, I am passionate about preserving the art of weaving and creating jobs for Ethiopian artisans. I get to incorporate my love of design and fashion into something truly helpful. The meaning of Lemlem in Amharic is “to bloom.”

T.T.: How about the Liya Kebede Foundation — what is the driving force for you there?

L.K.: I am driven by the desire to help save the lives of mothers and children worldwide. I was lucky to give birth in New York City, so I didn’t have to worry about whether my child and I would survive. I am grateful to be a maternal health advocate. It’s something that gives me so much back.

T.T.: You have a starring role in a film coming out soon called “Black Gold.” You recently wrapped two other films. Is acting something you are passionate about and want to continue to pursue?

L.K.: I love acting! So, yes, I’d like to continue to explore and grow as an actress. I am very excited to discover this part of myself.

T.T.: Are there particular actresses you admire?

L.K.: I would say Kate Winslet and Cate Blanchett. Those two are magnificent — from their beauty to their talent.

T.T.: You still keep busy modeling. You have had an impressive career. Do you have some special early memories you can share?

L.K.: Modeling still excites me. It is a great form of expression for me. I have been lucky enough to work with incredibly talented people. I’ll never forget seeing my first French Vogue cover and spread. Seeing all those images of myself in a magazine like that — it gave me such a thrill! Another exciting moment was my first American Vogue shoot. It was a big group shot, of all top models, by Steven Meisel. I was in awe. And smitten with the profession.

T.T.: What side of you does teaming up with L’Oréal Paris connect to?

L.K.: The side that is a believer in individuality and self-confidence. L’Oréal Paris is a great promoter of this and many other great concepts. Our vision about beauty and women is very compatible. They embrace putting out products that enable women to express their own unique beauty. Their taste is modern, the quality is high, and the price is affordable.

T.T.: Who is your beauty icon?

L.K.: I think Jane Birkin is my favorite. She was creative, fearless and fully embraced her individuality.

T.T.: Looking at you, I do not detect makeup, only gorgeous skin. What foundation and concealer do you use?

L.K.: I now use the True Match line by L’Oréal, because it matches my skin tone perfectly and is very blendable. That is one key to a flawless yet natural-looking complexion.

T.T.: Plus good skin care helps. What is your regimen?

L.K.: Very minimal. I figure, Why mess with a good thing? For me less is more. Products that are gentle and simple are great. I am not one for facials, either.

T.T.: Do you have a favorite salon for blow-outs?

L.K.: I can’t give the name away, or else I won’t be able to get in to my standing twice-a-week appointments. It is a Dominican salon in Harlem. They get my hair.

T.T.: What hair products work well for your hair?

L.K.: I find Kérastase products work best. They have great hair masks too, for when my hair has been overworked. When I need hair spray, Elnett is No. 1.

T.T.: What is your diet and workout philosophy?

L.K.: Yoga is my favorite. For my diet, I choose mostly organic. But in general, I am a big believer in trying to strike a balance with everything.

T.T.: I’ve always admired your style. What is the most important wardrobe staple for you?

L.K.: Jeans! I am all about comfort.

T.T.: How about designers? Whose style works for you?

L.K.: I tend to gravitate toward Proenza Schouler and Alexander Wang. Their designs are accessible and easy.

T.T.: And my favorite question: what are your must-have cosmetics?

L.K.: Without a doubt, L’Oréal Colour Riche Le Gloss in Natural Nude. It makes my lips so soft and adds a hint of shine. And my lashes would be so sad without a coat of Voluminous Mascara, by — you guessed it — L’Oréal!

Just as I was about to take Liya’s photo, I rimmed her eyes with L’Oréal’s Extra Intense Liquid Pencil Eyeliner in black. She looked in the mirror and exclaimed, “I just found another must-have!”