Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu: Beauty is not lines and symmetry

Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu has spoken about what beauty means to her as she is named an ambassador for L’Oréal Paris.

Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu insists beauty is “not about lines and symmetry”.

The ‘Emily in Paris’ star, 61, has just been named the new face of L’Oréal Paris and she has spoken about what beauty means to her.

Philippine admits that she avoids looking in the mirror too often unless it’s in a professional manner.

She told L’Officiel Baltic: “I try not to look at myself too much — or if I do, only in a professional context. Beauty isn’t about lines or symmetry. It’s what we’re able to give. When we give beauty, we give joy. We help others feel alive again. And that, I believe, is what we need most now.”

The French star also explained why it’s important not to “dismiss older people”.

She told the outlet: “Life is constant evolution, no matter your age. What worries me more is how society still tends to dismiss older people. There’s so much to learn from them. Not just from celebrities or ambassadors — but people in the streets. They’re living archives. They deserve recognition.”

Elsewhere, Philippine praised the ‘Emily in Paris’ team for making women feel seen and admitted it’s been “liberating” playing Sylvie Grateau.

Asked who inspired her portrayal of the stern marketing boss, she said: “I borrowed a lot from my mother — and from the world around her when she worked in fashion. There’s also a fantastic costume designer on the show, Marylin Fitoussi, and Darren Star — he really sees women. He writes us as whole people, not stereotypes. It’s liberating to play a woman with such complexity. And honestly, I used to be a bit of a tomboy. Darren’s writing allows for all of that — it celebrates layers.”