Emily DiDonato’s Refreshing Take on Beauty: A Down-to-Earth Approach

Emily DiDonato, discovered at the young age of 17, has successfully navigated the world of high fashion, establishing herself not just as a supermodel but also as a wellness advocate and mother. Beyond her runway appearances, DiDonato has pursued certifications in nutrition coaching and yoga instruction, leveraging her platform to explore the intricate connections between beauty, health, and longevity.

This new perspective led her to become the brand ambassador for Vichy Laboratoires, a dermocosmetics company recognized by over 80,000 dermatologists globally. DiDonato reflects on her first encounter with Vichy products in French pharmacies, appreciating their scientific backing and commitment to dermatological expertise. Today, Vichy’s offerings are fundamental to her daily skincare routine, seamlessly integrated into her busy lifestyle.

“Starting modeling at such a young age definitely shaped the way I approach wellness and self-care,” she noted. “At 17, you’re still figuring out who you are, and suddenly you’re in a very adult industry with intense schedules and expectations. Over time, I came to realize that prioritizing my physical and mental health was critical for my long-term success. This realization ultimately taught me that wellness isn’t a luxury; it’s a foundation. If you want longevity in any career, you have to prioritize your health.”

DiDonato’s interest in wellness extends beyond mere appearances. “Wellness was always something I was genuinely curious about. I loved understanding how movement, nutrition, and mindfulness influenced not just my looks, but my overall feelings,” she explained. For her, studying nutrition and yoga provided grounding tools that fostered confidence amidst the demanding nature of modeling.

“Integrative health means looking at the whole picture. Skin, hair, body, and mental health are all connected,” she stated. “For me, it shows up in simple, consistent habits: eating well, moving my body, prioritizing sleep, managing stress, and using products that are backed by real science.”

DiDonato expresses a strong affinity for Vichy’s scientific approach. “French pharmacies always felt like the gold standard of skincare, especially in my early career, and Vichy always stood out to me because it was clearly rooted in dermatology and science. Over the years, as I learned more about skin health and began seeing dermatologists consistently recommend it, that trust continued to grow. It’s a brand that feels credible and timeless, not trend-driven, which is one of many reasons that I’m proud to be their new Global Brand Ambassador,” she added.

Her beauty routine has evolved since becoming a mother. “I’ve made my routine simpler and more intentional. When I was traveling constantly, I focused solely on efficiency and efficacy. Now, as a mom, it’s about consistency. Vichy’s products are both simple and effective, making them a seamless fit into my mom-on-the-go routine,” she said.

DiDonato notes that motherhood has shifted her focus significantly. “I care more about how I feel than how I look. Wellness became non-negotiable because I need energy, patience, and balance—not just for myself, but for my family. I’ve learned that self-care doesn’t have to be elaborate or time-consuming; it just has to be effective.”

On sharing her journey, she remarked, “I try to be honest without oversharing. I share what feels authentic and helpful while still protecting my kids and my private life. Setting boundaries helps me be more creative, and it’s fun to evolve my content based on what my followers want to see from me.”

While some may assume that models lead effortlessly healthy lives, DiDonato emphasizes the reality: “Modeling can be physically and mentally demanding, and without intentional self-care, it can take a real toll.”

As Vichy’s Global Brand Ambassador, DiDonato views her partnership as an authentic reflection of her values. “Vichy values education, science, and authenticity, and they want my voice, not just my image,” she explained. “Being able to talk about skin health, wellness, and confidence in a way that feels honest is incredibly meaningful to me—especially since the products are genuinely transformative.”

In a message to her younger self, DiDonato advises, “I’d tell her to be kinder to herself and to focus on how she feels, not just how she looks. Beauty and health are long games. Consistency, rest, and boundaries matter far more than perfection.”