Model on a mission: Lancôme’s first Muslim model is the face of latest foundation

Tunisian model Hanaa Ben Abdesslem has stunning cheekbones, a certain resemblance to Isabella Rossellini and is the new face of Lancôme’s Teint Idole Ultra 24H foundation, as well as the brand’s first-ever Muslim ambassador.

The first Muslim model ever signed to the French cosmetics giant, the 22-year-old has come a long way in a very short space of time. Having won the Lebanese equivalent of reality show Project Runway, she signed with internationally renowned models agency IMG. She made her debut on Vivienne Westwood’s catwalk last year and has since graced the pages of French Vogue and walked the runway for Givenchy, Ralph Lauren and Oscar de la Renta.

However, don’t be fooled by her pretty face, she is a model on a mission – she wants to make a difference. What she wants is to challenge misconceptions in her homeland and bring greater respect to the modelling profession. Although incredibly proud of her roots, she told New York Magazine: ‘[People in Tunisia] have this misconception about what modelling is about. Modelling can be a career choice, too. I plan to change this misconception within my culture.’

With many beauty brands attempting to cater to more women of different skin tones, the campaign speaks volumes of Lancôme’s attempt to appeal to women across the world.  Lancôme have taken a similarly revolutionary step with the foundation as well as its model, as it is specially formulated to suit all skin types and promises a 24 long-wearing flawless complexion. Eight years in the making, the new Teint Idole Ultra 24H foundation has 18 shades on offer, with 8 of them specifically developed to cater to women with dark skin tones, who notoriously have difficulty finding colour-matching cosmetics.

Youcef Nabi, President of Lancôme International, said of Hanaa: ‘Her universal beauty simply channels the je ne sais quoi that makes the uniqueness, strength and charm of every Lancôme woman.’

 Khaleda Rahman

Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra 24H foundation costs £27 and is available nationwide from 1^st February 2012.