Model Diana Veras on Curl Care & the TikTok Beauty Tutorial That Changed Her Routine

What is the most rewarding modeling moment you’ve had and what made it so special?

This entire experience as a model has been a fairytale, but seeing myself on a billboard in Times Square was definitely a life-changing moment. I couldn’t believe that was me up on that screen dancing in my underwear! The campaign was for Aerie and I remember a couple years before, I had seen an ad with a girl who looked similar to me and it was one of the first times I had seen someone like me in an underwear campaign. I thought to myself, ‘one day that’ll be me’ and sure enough, one day it was. It was a very full circle moment for me, and it’s a moment that really solidified the path that I had chosen, even though it wasn’t a conventional one.

How have you seen the industry change since you got into modeling at 15?

Since I’ve started modeling there has definitely been a difference in terms of diversity in front of the camera, but not nearly as much diversity behind the scenes and in boardrooms—and that’s something that has to change in order for this movement to be authentic and long-lasting.

You got a lot of attention for calling out those who body shamed you on Twitter in 2017. What’s your best advice now for dealing with similar situations?

That was very anxiety-inducing for me. I’d never received so much attention at once and the internet can be a very dark and cruel place. I think one of the positives that came from that experience was that I can truly say I felt beautiful around that time those photos were posted and because I had that feeling within myself, being able to empower other people was very fulfilling and helped me feel like I was walking my purpose, somewhat.

How do you maintain a healthy relationship with social media?

I’ve had struggles with social media addiction. I think as a ‘child of the internet’, as I often refer to myself, it’s been hard to separate myself from social media and find worth outside it, when from a very young age I’ve been able to find instant validation through it. Over the last year or so, I’ve tried to redevelop my relationship with social media in a more authentic way and look at the positives that it has brought me, because without it, I’m not sure I’d be where I am. It’s allowed me to find community, discover myself, and has given me opportunities beyond my wildest dreams.

Through the pandemic it's been hard to find a balance, but if I can give a tip [to anyone dealing with the same challenges], it would be to delete the app off your phone whenever it feels too consuming. You can always re-download and come back to it later. It’s not going anywhere.

In the past, you’ve talked about how styling your hair connects to your sense of identity. What have you learned most from your hair journey over the past years?

I’m at a place where I feel like I can experiment with my hair again. For such a long time, so much of my worth was placed on my hair. So cutting it or messing with it just felt out of the question. But last year, I impulsively went to the mirror and chopped most of it off—about six inches. I almost immediately regretted the cut, but it was also deeply freeing.

I remember the first day I didn’t care much, I didn’t even realize honestly. As the days went by, I broke down crying about it so many times. So much of my value was attached to my hair. So when I cut it, I felt like some of my beauty was gone. I also used to hide behind my hair as a defense mechanism and with the short bob I gave myself, I couldn’t hide anymore, which forced me out of my comfort zone.

What are your go-to products, tools, or techniques for when you wear your hair curly?

One of my go-to products when I wear my hair curly is Miss Jessie’s Pillow Soft Curls, it’s a product I discovered when I was younger and has never failed me! It hydrates my curls and makes them a bit more defined. I usually let my hair dry when the weather is warm and when it’s cold I usually diffuse it.

What about when you style your hair straight?

I completely avoid flat-irons because they usually damage my curls. Instead, I usually go to Dominican salons and let them work their magic because when I do it myself, I apply too much heat and can never really get it styled the way the salons do.

What’s the best hair tip or trick you’ve learned?

The best hair tip I’ve received is from my best friend, who is a natural hair expert. She showed me what Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector was and whenever I straighten my hair I use it as a treatment. I apply it to my hair after straightening. Usually, if I straighten my hair, I’m left with some sort of heat damage. The product gives my hair life again. It gives it shine and restores my curl pattern.

Who are your beauty icons, past and present?

My beauty icons are Rihanna, Cardi B, and Pat McGrath—because how could they not be?

What is your skin-care regimen like these days?

I wash my face morning and night with cold water and NeoStrata Facial Cleanser. In the morning I put on an Avène Anti-Aging Sunscreen SPF 50+ and finish my routine with an Avène XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cream. After I wash my face at night, I massage Biretix Tri-Active Anti-Blemish Gel into my skin and that’s pretty much it. I find that the simpler my routine, the better off my skin.

Do you recall what originally attracted you to makeup?

What attracted me to makeup originally was my mom. I used to watch her do her brows and have her little routine that made her feel good… and it always made me curious. When I got to a certain age I would sneak in her room and use her Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse Foundation which had the funniest texture. I used it as a concealer, which I definitely did not need at 14 years old, but I couldn’t help it.

What do you believe about beauty now that you didn’t before?

I now believe that beauty truly comes from a place within. When I feel beautiful, it doesn’t matter whether or not I’m wearing makeup. Beauty is a feeling. I came to this realization when I started taking better care of my spirit. After a series of really unfortunate things happened to me in almost every area of my life, I started to reflect on how I made people feel and how I showed up in the world outside of my physical beauty. This has changed my approach to beauty because I now apply makeup for fun. It's a little treat as opposed to something that I needed to validate my beauty.

What’s one way that you take care of your spirit?

When I play my sound bowl, I forget about the rest of the world. I submerge and surrender myself in the thought that I am rooted into the earth and part of a bigger system, something bigger than myself. I find it helps me think clearly. Afterward, I am more in tune than I was before I started.

What does success mean to you?

Success to me used to mean so many things. It used to mean luxurious items, materialistic things. It used to mean money. It used to mean approval. It meant opportunity because that was what was taught to me and that is where I thought I would find value. Many experiences over the last few years have forced me to shift that perspective. Success to me now means authenticity. It means accepting exactly where I am and enjoying the journey to get somewhere else and not rushing to get there. I had so many jobs that I felt would change my life, and then they happened and it still wouldn’t fill the void I had within myself. I’ve come to realize the most fun part of it all is the people you meet, the memories you make, and the people you can touch by showing up as your authentic self. That’s what success is.

How have you nurtured your creativity in the past year?

I’ve been working on a couple of secret projects with my friends, which I hope will come out before the summer. Other than that, I’ve been learning how to paint. I’m not very good at it yet, but it makes me really happy. I’ve also been writing nonstop, which has been my main creative outlet since I was a teen...I feel like I’m finally inspired again and in a space where I’ve learned enough that I’m ready to execute all the ideas I have in my head.