Anja Rubik, Model

Anja Rubik is one of those high-achieving uber models who, had she missed her calling as a model, would most certainly have made some other kind of splash in fashion. After being scouted at high school in Britain (she was originally from Poland) she walked her way to the top for everyone from Chanel to Victoria’s Secret. She shot the Pirelli Calender with Karl Lagerfeld (she’s one of his favourites) and has appeared on the Polish version of America’s Next Top Model. Two years ago she launched and became Editor in Chief of her own magazine, 25, a fashion-indulgent visual feast that explores sensuality from a woman’s perspective. She has recently added beauty queen to her extensive resume, as the face of Ferragamo’s feminine new fragrance, Signorina Eleganza.

We caught up with Anja to discover the secrets to her iconic beauty and that body. Here, along with the gorgeous behind scenes shot from her Signorina Eleganza shoot, we take a look at our favourite Anja moments.

ANJA FOR VANITY FAIR SPAIN

Beauty starts with great skin…

And beautiful skin is far more important than beautiful makeup. A healthy glow is key. Hydration is the most important thing for beauty and diet. Drink lots of water to stay fresh and hydrated, take vitamins, maintain a healthy diet, have a good skincare regime, and get enough sleep. Never go to bed with makeup on! It’s the worst thing you can do. Change it up from day to day, so your skin doesn’t get resistant. Use different creams since each one supplies your skin with something different, my mother taught me this.

I like to mix my moisturiser…

With a few drops of MAC Foundation. YSL’s Touche Éclat is a miracle, it conceals everything. For some colour on my cheeks, I like Nars Douceur blush. RMS Living Luminizer is a great highlighter that I apply to my inner eyelids, cheekbones and upper lip. Burberry Bronzer gives me the right sun kissed glow, I dust it over my nose to narrow my face. For my eyes, I use MAC Eye Kohl in Smoulder, which is perfect for an easy smudged eye.

ANJA’S BEAUTY ESSENTIALS INCLUDING SALVATORE FERRAGAMO, YSL, NARS AND MAC

NEIL GEORGE INDIAN GOOSEBERRY TREATMENT OIL

Since my hair gets dry from so many products on shoots…

I love to apply Aestelance Protein Mask, which is super moisturising. I also love Neil George Indian Gooseberry Treatment Oil after shampooing and conditioning my hair.

25 is my baby, it’s a very special project

It’s an exclusive biannual that celebrates strong-minded, powerful women with a unique and inspired take on female sensuality. 25 has been a creative outlet for me, a way for me to express all my ideas and thoughts. I get to show my point of view to the world. It is empowering to be at the helm of a creation. I hope people are inspired by the content and it empowers women to be comfortable in their sensuality.

GIUSEPPE ZANOTTI FOR ANJA CAPSULE COLLECTION

ANJA TAKING A BREAK DURING THE CAMPAIGN SHOOT FOR SIGNORINA ELEGANZA

I am very self-aware and comfortable in my skin…

Which wasn’t always the case when I was younger. It’s empowering to know yourself, you’re in control and have a clear perspective. It all comes with some sort of maturity. I think modelling is a great industry if you approach it the right way. It opens so many doors. I’ve also travelled all over the world and I’ve absorbed knowledge and the beauty of different cultures which gives me a worldly outlook and awareness that I feel is very important. I’ve been lucky enough to work with the most incredible people in the industry. I’ve learned so much from them.

I feel the most beautiful and sexy when…

I’m in a great dress by one of my favourite designers. Another thing that makes me feel sexy is a great unique concept for a shoot. I’m thrilled to work with Ferragamo. The brand has always represented iconic classic luxury: strong and beautiful, Italian heritage, the best quality and effortless classics. I’m grateful to be a part of it. Mario Sorrenti has an iconic way of making a woman look both strong and delicate. We shot by the sea, in the most beautiful location, Sorrento. The place has iconic scenery of Italy, there is a natural Italian elegance, which is very inspirational, also Mario is Italian so it was lovely.

ON SET FOR SIGNORINA ELEGANZA IN SORRENTO, ITALY

ANJA IS THE FACE OF FERRAGAMO’S NEW SCENT, SIGNORINA ELEGANZA

Perfume to me is a classic part of my everyday routine

I am loyal to a fragrance that arouses my senses. When you find a scent you love, you always go back to it. Signorina Eleganza (ph 1300095224 for details) would be perfect for a romantic evening out or for a party…with a beautiful dress. I’d wear it with something luxurious, sensual and feminine but modern. A beautiful silk dress in a lighter colour or a white shirt with a pair of cool jeans. I identify with the Signorina Eleganza woman. She is feminine, sensual and elegant. I like the grapefruit paired with floral notes and white leather. It’s unique and a very sensual, indulgent scent.

Yoga and exercise are big for me…

They make me feel energized and fresh. I do yoga regularly and every time I finish a session, I’m in an amazing mood. I love going on long runs, it helps me unwind and get any stress out. I hit the gym twice a week as well and scuba diving is one of my favourite hobbies. Enough sleep is also pretty important. If I’m up late working on a shoot, I’ll try to squeeze a nap in the next day to even out. I’ve been eating organic and local as much as I can and I feel great. I love RAW coconut water, which is super hydrating. I am vegetarian and superfoods like avocado, goji berries, blueberries, beets are both good for your body and skin.