Maria Borges

Angolan Maria, 25, became the first afro-haired model to walk the Victoria’s Secret runway in 2015.

SOUND ADVICE ‘My mum told me that when it comes to beauty, less is more,’ says Maria. ‘But I always take the no make-up-make-up look to the next level with lashes, blush [ Try: YSL Couture Blush in 02 ( 6), £32] and a lipstick [ Try: Lipstick Queen’s Nothing But The Nudes Lipstick in Nothing But The Truth ( 5), £22].’ TRUTH IN TEXTURE Maria is a trailblazer for natural texture. ‘I feel like, before me, we weren’t allowed to have our natural hair out for shows and campaigns,’ she says. ‘Showcasing my natural hair texture makes me feel free and confident. When I don’t, I feel as if I’m trying to embody someone else.’ Grazia loves Shea Moisture Curl & Shine Conditioner [ 3], £10.99. EYE DO ‘For evening, I love a brown, smoky eye with a touch of gold [ Try: Chanel Ombre Première Limited Edition eyeshadow in Electrum Lamé [ 2], £28, and full-on lashes,’ says Maria. And for day? ‘It’s all about a cat’s eye and long, beautiful lashes.’ L’oréal Paris Infallible Unlimited Mascara [ 4], £10.99, has a flexible brush that lets you get to every last lash. KEEP IT SIMPLE ‘I don’t think you need 10 products for healthy skin, just a few really good ones,’ says Maria. For her ‘very dry’ skin, she swears by L’oréal Paris Hydra Genius Aloe Water [ 1], £9.99, which ‘makes my skin feel so soft,’ and a hydrating mask at least once a day. FRAGRANT FINDS It’s all about having a fragrance wardrobe now, don’t you know? ‘I love mixing up my scents,’ she says. ‘I find it difficult to pick one, but use both oils and creams. One of my favourites is 212 by Carolina Herrera [EDT, £44 for 30ml]; it makes me feel strong and confident.’