With her stunning natural beauty and beautiful bouncy curls, it’s hardly surprising that Morocco-born, Italy-raised and now Paris-based 20-year-old model Riwayaa El Madkouri was scouted when she was only 14. But cautious of her young age at the time, she decided to wait until she was older and mature enough before signing to an agency. Having already walked for Chanel, Koché and Jacquemus, it’s safe to say she’s already secured her place in the fashion industry. “Being more mentally and physically prepared helped me step into a world totally different from mine”, she says.
Despite her young age, El Madkouri has always been fully aware of how much the pressure to confine to the industry’s rigid beauty standards can literally feel crushing. But jeopardizing health and happiness for a job has never been an option for her, beauty is about cultivating self-love. “That’s what’s going to make you go far and do great things, even when others will not believe in you”, she continues.
As she makes sure her beauty routine always intersects with self-care, it’s obvious that what matters the most to her is first and foremost feeling beautiful in the inside. As she puts it, “my secret is that I take care of both my body and my mind and let the human in me just live through this experience called life”.
El Madkouri likes to keep things clean and simple, but there are still a few key products she swears by to maximize her skincare routine. We asked her to share her five favorite products for ultra-smooth glowing skin.
My Clarins RE-CHARGE Relaxing Sleep Mask
It gives you a glow in the morning when you wake up and is the perfect to start the day. By the way, My Clarins is a vegan friendly brand especially created for young people and it’s also very cheap.
142 AED / 27 USD
The Ordinary ‘Hyaluronic Acid’ and ‘Salicylic Acid’ Serums
These serums leave my face very elastic and soft before drying but I love them particularly because they are affordable for everyone.
85.4 AED / 10.90 USD
90 AED / 8.40 USD
The Saem Saemmul Cream Stick Blusher
I love the creamy aspect because it lasts longer and it makes you look constantly sun-kissed and fresh.
91 AED / 8.01 USD
Tom Ford Show It Off Lip Contour Duo
It gives my lips a beautiful rose tint.
258 AED / 55 USD
Yves Saint Laurent Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils
If you suck at applying eyelashes, like me, this is very good and keeps the look very natural. I also use an eyelash curler to make my eyes more open because they have the tendency to look tired.
195 AED / 29 USD
