Beauty of the Month - Rachel Peru

June 2025

How did you discover Beyond Beauty Project?

Through Social Media.

How did you break out of the box of perfectionism?

I broke out of the box of having to be a certain size to become a successful older model. I am a UK size 16 and 34G bust, I have silver hair and I'm 55 years old, I know that I don't have the stereo typical model body. I have never let that stop me from pushing the boundaries in the industry and the need for better representation is what still drives me.

What advice would you give your younger self about the pressure to be perfect? 

I would give my younger self advice on the pressure to have the perfect body. I wasted decades being hard on my body and it's taken me years to understand there was never anything wrong with it, it was all the messages from society that were wrong. I'd go back and tell my younger self that our value in life is not about what dress size we are or a number on the scales. To say yes to life and to not hold myself back until I feel like my body is perfect because it never will be , but it is enough just as I am.

How has your perception of success changed over the years?

The older I get the more I appreciate the beauty in older women, there is a quiet confidence that shines through and that is beautiful to see. I've spent too much time worrying about fitting in and conforming when I was younger , I measured myself against other women, magazine covers, and always felt short. I enjoy seeing a diverse mix of beauty in my social media feed and can see the unrealistic anti-ageing beauty marketing for what it is. There is a new sense of freedom which has made me see beauty in a different way. It's much more about our life experiences, the stories our faces tell every day and much less about how we look but how we feel. That doesn't mean I don't want to look after my skin, I've finally worked out a skin routine that suits my face and I want to keep my body as healthy as it can be so I can enjoy life to the full,

What helps you live authentically?

1. Spending time with family, thats when I am the most relaxed and happiest.

2.Letting go of perfection and showing up anyway.

3. Surrounding myself with the right people that support me but also know me well enough to keep me grounded.

4. Being surrounded by nature, I'm a confident introvert so I need calm and quiet space to recharge my batteries.

5. Caring less about other peoples judgements.

6.. Wearing clothes that make me feel good and that express my personality.

7. Learning to say no (that's been a hard habit to break but it gets easier).

8. Dreaming big and following my passions.

How do you practice self-love?

The most important thing I do for myself is getting outdoors in nature for a walk every day. It helps clear my head, gets my body moving and I always feel better for it. I also drink a lot of water every day and I can tell when I don't, I have less energy and my skin looks tired. I've created a bedtime routine that works for me, no phone In the bedroom, I like to journal and read to help me relax. I also have a gratitude diary which I write every morning and I've noticed a shift in my mood, especially when I'm experiencing bouts of menopausal anxiety. My gratitude dairy helps keep life in to perspective.

What are ways you honor your body?

I'm much kinder to my body now than at any other time in my adult life. I no longer weigh myself and I've stopped dieting. I eat a healthy balance diet and listen to my body. I make sure my clothes fit me properly instead of trying to squeeze my body in to clothes that make me feel uncomfortable. I wear matching lingerie sets every day, bras that fit me properly and make me feel confident. Having regular bra fittings has been a game changer for me, getting the foundations right is so important. I need to move my body every day, If I don't get out walking I can feel it in my mood and my joints. i love my weekly pilates classes and how it makes me feel afterwards, It's really helped me stay connected to my body as it's changed through the menopause.

About Rachel

Hi, my name is Rachel Peru, I'm a 55 year old silver curve model, body confidence activist, speaker and champion of midlife women. I started a new career as a model aged 46 and am now an international model, most well-known for modeling in lingerie and swimwear campaigns. I am passionate about showing other women, particularly those in midlife, that we are not invisible. I helped break barriers when I appeared in a ground-breaking Swimsuits for All campaign with Ashley Graham, and my modelling career was launched from there. We can’t be what we can’t see!

I also hosted the Liberté-Free to Be podcast, sharing inspiring women stories from the age of 40 and championing midlife and beyond. After interviewing 158 women since 2018 I’m taking a break from the podcast and concentrating on new projects including writing my book.

Rachel's Socials:

IG & TikTok: @rachelperu1

Facebook: @libertefreetobe

www.liberteltd.com

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