Isabella Rossellini talks about ageism in an exclusive interview

Born into stardom, Isabella Rossellini, daughter of actress Ingrid Bergman and filmmaker Roberto Rossellini, began her career as a journalist and later gained international recognition as a model and actress. At the age of 70, she continues to be a major female influencer in the fight for gender equality and against ageism . Breaking old-fashioned paradigms, she resumed her post as Lancôme ambassador (her first participation in brand campaigns took place in the 1980s) and continues, in her prominent position, celebrating the positive side of life and raising its flags. In an interview with L'OFFICIEL , she tells a little about her well-being, beauty and maturity routine, whether at work or on her farm in the United States.

L'OFFICIEL What is the role of beauty in your life?
ISABELLA ROSSELLINI When I was a model, I worked with amazing makeup artists all over the world, so I picked up good tips here and there. But nowadays, I confess that I don't wear much makeup. And when I use it, I follow a very simple line. I fix my eyebrows, do a black eyeliner, apply mascara, lipstick and that's it. A makeup artist once told me to emphasize something I like about the face. I knew my lips were famous, so the highlight came from the red lipstick.

L'O Outside of work, what are your favorite beauty products?
GO When I'm on the farm, I always use Lancôme Nutrix rich cream , a sunscreen, and perfume. I do this even on days when I'm shearing sheep. There is something about perfumery too that is very poetic. When I don't wear fragrance, I miss it as it becomes something like a second skin.

L'O What is the most important message about beauty and well-being that you would like to pass on to new generations?
IR The idea that we women use makeup to seduce men. I find that very old-fashioned. It's not that this isn't one of the tools that exist, but I don't think women use makeup with that motivation. They wear it the way men choose a nice suit, a well-tailored jacket, or a nice tie. It's a way of presenting yourself.

L'O How do you take care of your mental health? Do you practice any kind of meditation or mindfulness technique?
IR There are things in life that we can't control, but I try to be calm. I try not to fight or get angry or resentful. I think happiness is also discipline, so I wake up every morning grateful for the positive events I have in my life. If you really focus on wonderful points, it helps to stay positive. About meditation, I do, but I'm not very disciplined. I practice more when I'm working as it helps me with concentration.

L'O The world is going through a tumultuous period. Has your idea of happiness changed? What makes you happy these days?
IR I always thought I was too nomadic. With Covid, there was no travel and I didn't care about that. Which is great, because I'm in my 70s and not sure I want to stay a nomad my whole life. About what makes me happy, I'm addicted to the Criterion Channel [virtual audiovisual curation platform]. I've watched retrospectives of every director there. Sometimes I wake up and watch a movie on my computer. It's so enriching, especially if it's a beautiful movie. It's like starting the day off on the right foot.

L'O On gender, do you think debates about female empowerment are changing over time?
IR I don't know if they are changing, but they are improving. We're not there yet. We've won one battle, so there's the next one.

L'O In your opinion, what is the most important issue facing women today?
IR Reconcile work and family. Most women work. Maternity and paternity do not have leave with equity. It would be useful for the family, therefore, for the men to learn to share the responsibility with the children and thus not have possible discrimination against women. I think this is the next battle.

L'O You are a Lancôme ambassador [the partnership began in 1982]. And it was one of the first to visit Domaine de la Rose, in 2021, where there is the brand's biodiversity protection program. What resonated with you when you were there?
IR The origin of the perfume is agriculture. I love that Lancôme felt the need to go back to the source and create a story, a knowledge, where the fragrance really comes from. I visited the garden of this farm with 12 hectares. There are irises, a species used in perfumery. It takes six years to deliver its perfume, as the aromas are found in its root and that is the time for it to be considered a mature plant. That was touching for me. It is something that gives the true sense of how precious these perfumes are.

L'O What was your most memorable or meaningful moment as a brand ambassador?
GO I think the most emotional moment was when I was asked to come back. After 22 years I was invited to their 80th birthday, and of course I was. At the end of the party, as I left, Françoise Lehmann, global president of Lancôme said: “I want to talk to you. I want you Back". Frankly, I thought I didn't understand. I asked why. The response was that it was important to include all women. That, for me, was very exciting. I think even younger women look at the image I represent as something positive, something to look forward to. And I feel very lucky to represent that.