Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · September 10, 2025 · Entertainment

How Carolyn Murphy Defies Age: No Makeup, Unstoppable Beauty at 51

The Queen of Natural Beauty: Carolyn Murphy Stuns in Makeup-Free Selfie

In a bold move, supermodel Carolyn Murphy has stripped down (literally) and showed the world what she's working with – and it's a whole lot more than just her stunning looks! The 51-year-old beauty posted a makeup-free selfie to Instagram, sending shockwaves through the fashion community. And, let us tell you, she's still got it!

Murphy, who has been dating Arrested Development star Will Arnett (55), looked absolutely radiant in the snap, with nary a hint of foundation or powder in sight. We're talking effortless elegance here, people! The caption for this sizzling hot photo? "August...lambence and luminosity." Oh, Carolyn, you always were one to speak from the heart!

Seen at the DKNY Spring 1996 Ready to Wear Runway Show in 1995 in New York City

But what's truly impressive about Murphy's latest move is that she's been open about her beauty routine in the past. She's shared with Marie Claire last year that it's all about being kind to yourself – both inside and out. "The catch all about getting older, and much of one’s perspective on life in general, is a lot of it is in the mind!" she wrote, as she shared a glamorous cover photo. And we couldn't agree more, Carolyn!

As a top model of the 1990s, Murphy worked with some of the biggest names in the industry – Calvin Klein, Vogue, and Cindy Crawford, to name just a few. She was the epitome of '90s cool, strutting her stuff on runways and magazine covers left and right. Who could forget those iconic DKNY Spring 1996 Ready to Wear Runway Show photos? Or her sizzling Estee Lauder makeup ads?

But it's not just about looking good – Murphy has spoken candidly about her mental and emotional well-being, crediting a healthy lifestyle for her radiant complexion. In an Instagram caption shared with Marie Claire last year, she dished on her favorite beauty hacks: "Yes I have access to the best potions and health hacks but it’s so much more than that." And what's that secret? Well, we can tell you – it involves lots of veggies, bone broth, and almond butter. The Weleda Almond Soothing Cleansing Lotion is also a favorite of hers.

The star wore a red bikini on the beach for the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue

But here's the thing: Murphy's got a whole lot more going on beneath the surface. As an avid surfer, she's always chasing her next wave – both literally and figuratively. She told Vogue in 2017 that she loves nothing more than taking care of her mental and emotional state. "I commit to following my intuition in decision making (which gets better as you age) and I make time feed my soul," she shared.

Of course, it's not all sunshine and rainbows for the stunning supermodel. Murphy has been open about losing her home in the California fires earlier this year – but even that hasn't dented her sunny disposition. "Nothing makes me more happy than doing what I love and talking about what I love (with the added bonus of doing it with friends I love)," she gushed.

We've got to give it to Murphy – she's always been a true original, never afraid to speak her mind or show off her natural beauty. And let's be real, folks – we're totally inspired by this stunning supermodel and her effortless elegance!

One of her biggest contracts was with Estee Lauder

So what else do we know about this fascinating fashionista? Well, Murphy got her start in the 1990s, when she was named VH1/Vogue's Model of the Year in 1998. She even dabbled in acting, playing Dubbie in Barry Levinson's film Liberty Heights. And let's not forget those iconic "Modern Muses" on the November 1999 millennium cover of American Vogue!

Murphy has shot campaigns for some of the biggest names in fashion – Missoni, Versace, and Tiffany & Co., to name just a few. In fact, she was hired as host of Project Runway All Stars on Lifetime back in 2012 (after Rosie Huntington-Whiteley dropped out). And in case you were wondering, Murphy has two beautiful kids – Dylan Blue, her son with ex-husband Jake Schroeder.

Now, we know what you're thinking: "What's the tea on Carolyn Murphy and Will Arnett?" Well, let's just say that the 55-year-old Arrested Development star is one lucky man to have snagged this stunning supermodel. After all, as Murphy herself once said, "People ask me “what’s your secret” to aging and my answer is never linear and we all know that what works for one, might not work for another."

Murphy, seen here in a monokini, was a big star in the 1990s

So there you have it – Carolyn Murphy: the ultimate natural beauty, always speaking her mind and slaying the fashion game. And if you're anything like us, you'll be following this stunning supermodel for years to come!

The Scholarly Note

By [Your Name]

Here she is seen in another ad for Estee Lauder by photographer Mario Sorrenti

Published on TheScholarlyNote.com

In 1998, Murphy was named VH1/Vogue's Model of the Year. Seen in 1996 at Anna Sui

The 51-year-old, who is now dating Will Arnett, had no makeup on and still managed to look incredible in a new Instagram post. The caption for this photo read: 'August¿lambence and luminosity'

Murphy, far left, for Estee Lauder campaign for Revitalizing Supreme+ with Ana de Armas, Adut Akech Bior