Glee star Lea Michele is the new face of L’Oréal

Lea Michele is the newest addition to L’Oréal’s bountiful collection of spokesmodels, following in the footsteps of Eva Longoria, Cheryl Cole, Beyoncé Knowles, Aishwariya Rai and Jennifer Lopez.

The French beauty brand unveiled the 26-year-old Glee actress as their new brand ambassador this week, in a deal rumoured to be worth a cool $1 million.

Cyril Chapuy, L’Oréal Paris global brand president, elaborated on their decision: “Lea is fun, committed, genuine, with an inspiring sense of style, in total resonance with the brand’s values.”

Lea is thrilled about her new role, saying: “Growing up on stage, I was introduced to make-up at an early age and I will never forget the first time I tried on a L’Oréal Paris iconic lipstick – it was instant glamour and I’ve been hooked ever since!”

“L’Oréal Paris encourages women to embrace their beauty and celebrate their self-worth. I feel very honoured to be working with L’Oréal Paris to help spread that message to young women,” she added.

Since she landed her big break as Rachel Berry on Glee in 2009, Lea’s stardom has just kept on rising. 

She has spoken of her refusal to alter her natural beauty, telling Allure magazine: “When I was 15 a manager said, ‘You have to get a nose job in order for me to work with you.’ ” 

Lea’s first TV ad and print campaign will debut in the US in early 2013.

Khaleda Rahman