Andy McDowell.

Madame Figaro.- You have been an ambassador for L’Oréal Paris since 1986. You were 28 years old then…
Andy McDowell.- I feel so privileged and lucky to have worked for such a sexy and powerful company all this time. I don’t know anyone who has worked for someone for 38 years! I love that L’Oréal Paris has been at the forefront of this visibility for women of all ages, showing that they are beautiful, legit and can have style. I am very grateful to the brand for highlighting aging glamorous women, it was very important to me because I have aged at the same time as them.

Do you think there is no age to be glamorous?
Coming from someone who is 65 years old, I can tell you that we want to be part of the party. We don’t want to be excluded. There is no age limit, we are there until the end. I mean, look at Jane Fonda. I admire so much what he is and what he does, he amazes me. She is such a smart woman. And Helen [Mirren] Also: We want to feel glamorous. It’s a different kind of glamour, it’s not quite the same thing, but no less glamorous. It might even be better, somehow.

Every year, new talented women join the clan of L’Oréal Paris muses. Is the concept of sisterhood important to you?
Of course! There is nothing better than that feeling of love and support that comes from it. This was the most amazing part of this parade. They were all so enthusiastic and encouraging for each march. I said to myself. “Every day should be like this. Women should always support and love each other like that.” What we could achieve if we could do this for each other would be incredible.

Aging gracefully means loving who you are and not trying to be someone you’re not

Andy McDowell

What does “Aging Gracefully” mean to you?
Love who you are and don’t try to be someone you’re not. See the qualities in yourself that make you more powerful and strong. Realizing that there is an evolution of who you are and that these things can be better. I have two daughters and all their friends think I’m great. [Rires] Nice to see we have something to offer. And it is also important for them, they want to see our shine, because they know that one day they will be in our place.

I’m open to anything in beauty.

Andy McDowell

Is there a bold beauty look you’d like to try?
When I was young, I was very wise about using makeup… But as we get older, I think you want to try everything. For me, today it has become more fun to try different things, to experiment with the most daring and extravagant looks. I am open to everything!

Best beauty advice you’ve ever been given.
My sister and I loved being in the sun when we were young. The fashionable thing, especially in the south, was to tan. My mother was shouting at us in the yard. “You’ll ruin your skin.” I was lucky because I didn’t have the patience to lay there like that, I had too much energy, so I exposed myself for 10 minutes and that was it for me. But my mother was right. Sunscreen is very important to protect skin from sun damage for many reasons. Sunlight is good for your health as long as you wear sunscreen and a hat.

What do you think about the beauty of French women?
You have a sexual advantage over us. You have this raspy voice because of the way you talk and the movements of your mouth. You do all the sexual things with your mouth [elle soupire], like something like that. You have facial expressions. And then, the French women are all in great shape, I don’t know how it happens. It’s all these little tips that you’re not sharing [Rires].

What do you like most about Paris?
It seems to me that I have a very personal relationship with Paris, I know this city well. I am very lucky to have started my career here. I settled there and stayed long enough to have a French boyfriend. I love the Jardin des Tuileries, walking around. The fact that I can walk down the street and not get lost, that I know museums and can lead people to the Mona Lisa very quickly… I am very proud. My relationship with Paris feels special to me.