As a world-renowned supermodel, America's Next Top Model mentor, savvy business entrepreneur and author, Tyra Banks has been a longtime advocate of empowering young women through beauty.
And now, the 44-year-old former Victoria's Secret model has come clean about the realities of the modelling industry, admitting that it's not all au naturalé.
In her new memoir, Perfect Is Boring, which she co-authored with her mother, Banks revealed that she's had plastic surgery—specifically, that she has rhinoplasty early in her career.
“I had bones in my nose that were growing and itching,” Banks explained to People. “I could breathe fine, but I added cosmetic surgery. I admit it! Fake hair, and I did my nose. I feel I have a responsibility to tell the truth.”
Although the former supermodel claims that she hasn't had any “age stuff” done yet (which we can only assume means botox, face lifts, etc), she says she's all about fostering an open, judgement-free dialogue about the world of cosmetic procedures.
“If you like your natural self, don’t worry about it,” she told People. “But if you feel insecure about something… I have a magic bag of beauty tricks to make you who you want to be. Permanent or temporary, I do not judge that.”
Banks also admitted that she isn't a fan of the "no make-up" look, stating that people shouldn't be shamed for using beauty products if they need it.
“As a model, I needed make-up. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that,” she explained to the magazine. “It levelled my playing field. Gisele, you don’t need it? I do! And we’re both modelling for Victoria’s Secret.”
At the end of day, Banks believes "we as women need to stop judging" each other for cosmetic choices. "Fix it or flaunt it — I think women should be able to do both," she said.
