Once a supermodel, always a supermodel. Not only did Hanis Hussey, 44, agree to be shot for this week's Urban cover without any make-up and re-touching, the former Yves Saint Laurent runway model was positively raring to do it.

"That's a great idea," she said over the phone.

Days later, the statuesque mother - her children are between the ages of 11 and 18 - appeared at the studio in a fuss-free outfit of white tank-top and jeans, her bare skin glowing without the aid of any cosmetics.

She happily showed off her sprinkling of grey hair to the stylist and scrutinised the barest hint of eyebags in the mirror before striding over to face the camera without any sign of self-consciousness. You could hardly tell she retired from the modelling scene 12 years ago to focus on her family.

"I am a mother, not a model," she says without hesitation when asked if she misses the old days of hanging out with the cream of the fashion scene in Paris. "I will always try to look my best but I'm not going to pretend to be this perfect picture. I like to be real, and this is reality, people."

See what other high-profile women who have hit the big 4-0 have to say about looking good for the camera. (below).

THE PRICE OF BEAUTY

Dr Georgia Lee, 40, aesthetics physician

"I am not overly concerned about the physical aspect of ageing as I have taken precautions to manage (it) before it becomes obvious.

Because I have been consistent with my in-clinic treatments - like treatments to tighten facial muscles and reduce expression lines - my skin has not aged much.

I started exercising this year (I haven't exercised since I left school) and taking customised supplements, and I feel great.

The correct attitude to life is more important than the number - one can be 80 but be positive, happy and active.

However, for personalities in certain professions, their job is to look good. This is the expectation of the public and the price to pay for fame."

Shabnam Melwani-Reis, 40, director of retailer Jay Gee Melwani Group

"Turning 40 was quite a milestone and I do feel the pressure to maintain myself. With all the technology available, it would be silly not to take advantage of anti-ageing products. But I do not want to start fixing this or that and cross the line where people say: 'She's had something done'. I want to age gracefully."

Violet Ho, 44, regional director of Sephora in South and South-east Asia

"Sometimes, lines are there because of a happy life, like when you smile a lot. Because I work in the beauty industry, taking care of my skin is a natural thing. Putting creams on your face is not just about looking good, but it's also a routine that gives me comfort and makes me feel good. There are no ugly women, just lazy women."

Diane von Furstenberg, 62, New York-based designer

"The most important thing is to stay agile - I swim and hike a lot. It is important to be who you are, at whatever age you may be. At an older age, you have an advantage of having lived. I personally have not gone down the plastic surgery route but it is fine if you choose to do it."

Huang Biren, 40, actress

"As we get older, we carry ourselves better, we are more responsible, the way we interact with people is more mature. All these things are part of beauty, too. I realise that people have higher expectations for public figures, but time shows no mercy - celebrities age, too. Whether someone wants to go under the knife is an individual decision. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable with yourself."

Era Farida, 45, actress

"If you are old, you should have wrinkles. If at 45 you don't, people are still going to talk. I don't put on much make-up when I'm not shooting, just eyebrow pencil, eyeliner and lipstick. It is more important to take care of your inner self and be happy, it will make you look younger. I'm glad I still get compliments about the way I look. It is all about how you carry yourself."

Tan Kheng Hua, 46, actress

"It's good to look good for your age, but that does not necessarily mean to look younger, just to look as good as you can. I do fear the issue of ageing. Getting older is making me feel restless. It's like time is running out, so I better go out there and do everything that I want to accomplish, rather than worry about wrinkles."

This article was first published in Urban, The Straits Times.