We often hold celebrities with the highest regard, viewing them as superhumans who are not prone to common people’s problems.
Take a moment to think about models. Modeling requires one to be at the top of their game, especially in terms of physical appearance.
It is no wonder celebrities with interests in the fashion industry or who have modeled in the past aim to have a smooth, spotless, and moisturized face at all times.
However, some common issues, such as cold sores, make it hard to maintain that spotless face.
Cold sores are a common virus that many people have experienced at least once in their lifetime, and models are not immune.
They are characterized by small, fluid-filled blisters that develop on or around the lips and are caused by the herpes simplex virus.
Despite being a common virus, cold sores can be a source of embarrassment for many people, especially when they appear right before an important event.
Some celebrities have been bold enough to make public appearances despite having cold sores.
Here are some of the most famous supermodels who have had cold sores at some point in life.
1. Gigi Hadid
Gigi is one of the big names in the fashion industry. Her beauty and grace have gained her worldwide recognition and won her several awards. Gigi has earned a reputation because of her youthful and vibrant face. But in a post on social media, she was bold enough to post a picture of herself with no make-up on, where she shared her routine to curb acne, cold sores, and pimples on her face.
2. Adriana Lima
In 2016, Adriana took it to social media that she was suffering from a cold. Her efforts to conceal the cold sores on her lower lip were unfruitful, as her lip appeared more full than usual. She has also been spotted with reddish lips on several occasions resulting from cold sores. Though she has not openly discussed it, Adriana suffers from herpes simplex type 1 virus, which is a common cause of cold sores.
3. Hailey Bieber
Hailey’s taste in fashion has made her an idol to many, but she has fallen victim to cold sores several times like the rest of us. In her case, even her grooming reflected the moody feeling and fatigue we experience while unwell. In 2016, Hailey was spotted wearing black leggings, a black hat, and an old t-shirt. But what was most noticeable was the cold sores on her upper lip. In 2023, Hailey posted on Instagram a picture of a scar on her upper lip, which she captioned that it resulted from suffering from cold sores in the past.
4. Alexa Chung
Chung suffered from cold sores back in 2009 during a fashion week in London. Like any person with the condition, Chung tried her best to cover it the entire time, using her hands, scarf, and anything she had at her disposal. However, after returning from the showcase, Chung said that she wanted her cold sores to be discussed on her own terms. After the embarrassment with Kanye West during the fashion week, where she shouted that she was ‘diseased,’ Chung decided to open up to everyone and let them know what she was suffering from.
5. Paris Hilton
Paris began modeling at 19. Everything from her makeup to her outfit shows how self-conscious she is of her outward appearance. But being in the spotlight has been challenging for Paris. She was once a victim of herpes rumors, which also present themselves as cold sores. Paris never came forward to confirm or deny the claims, but she has been photographed alongside her partners and boyfriends with cold sores. Paris herself has also been spotted with cold sores several times in the past.
6. Kim Kardashian
Those who grew up watching ‘Keeping up with the Kardashians’ often aspired to be like Kim. From her perfect curves to her perfect face, Kim has always captivated many. Kim took her fans by surprise in 2012 when she was spotted with a large cold sore on her upper lip and blemishes on her chin as she stepped out of the Miami International Airport. Her outfit was simple, and she had no makeup on, suggesting she might have been under the weather.
7. Victoria Beckham
Victoria’s talent in modelling has seen her achieve great breakthroughs in the world of fashion. And who doesn’t admire her fancy yet elegant outfits? It’s no wonder some of her children have pursued a career in modelling. Victoria is keen on how she looks when stepping out in public. But back in March 2015, while returning to LA from a business trip to Hong Kong, Victoria was spotted with seemingly painful cold sores. This was not the first time. Victoria had a negative reaction to an ancient Chinese detoxifying treatment for hangovers called ‘cupping’ in 2010. The result was visible purple patches on her back and a cold sore on her upper lip.
8. Justin Timberlake
Justin made his Louis Vuitton modelling debut in March 2023, making him a perfect addition to this list. Since his time with NSYNC, Justin has acquired a diverse fan base throughout his career. But the guy many of us find perfect in so many ways, from his voice to his dance moves, from his smile to his sense of fashion, is not immune to health issues. Justin has occasionally been spotted with cold sores on his lips, which he never tries to conceal.
9. Lindsay Lohan
Lohan gained popularity as a model child. Despite having a successful career as an actress and singer, she has kept her modelling spirit alive and is often featured in various fashion events. Despite the physical perfection expected of models, Lohan has been photographed with cold sores on several occasions in the past. Despite the pain, discomfort, embarrassment, and rumors that come with cold sores, Lohan does not bother to cover it up with lip balm or lipstick. On one occasion, Lohan was spotted wearing no makeup with a cold sore on her upper lip.
10. Nicole Kidman
Kidman began her career in modelling before she turned to acting. Interestingly, the 56-year-old decided to resume her modelling career in 2022 despite her success in the film industry. Kidman suffers from a physical reaction to shock and surprises, which manifests itself in the form of cold sores. Kidman shared this during her appearance on The Graham Norton Show.
11. Rihanna
Rihanna is a woman of many talents, and one that very few acknowledge is modelling. It explains her sense of fashion. But despite her beauty and fame, Rihanna is also prone to flaws. During her relationship with Chris Brown, Rihanna was often spotted with cold sores on her lips. One very evident occasion was during their trip to Dublin, Ireland, in 2009, where Rihanna is seen trying to cover her mouth while being photographed by paparazzi.
Also Check: 12 Black Celebrities Who Have Dealt With Cold Sores
Having cold sores doesn’t have to be a career-ending or bedridden condition. It simply indicates that one is human, prone to infections, virus, and flu. Models mentioned in this post have chosen to step out with cold sores despite having concealing makeup tricks at their exposure. In doing so, they help to break down the stigma surrounding the condition and encourage others to do the same.
