How Behati Prinsloo Deals With Pre-Victoria's Secret Fashion Show Nerves

Updated on 12/9/2014 at 4:00 PM

Behati Prinsloo (aka the South African goddess who snagged Adam Levine) has a reputation for being one of the warmest, most easygoing members of the Victoria's Secret Angels A-team, and it's a label that's well deserved. She has a kindness and calming energy that makes you want to take a long walk on the beach or sit at brunch with her and just talk about life.

While I didn't get to venture to a shoreline or cafe with Behati, I did get to experience a once-in-a-lifetime moment with her when we flew together on the private plane that was shuttling about 40 Angels to London just a few days before the 2014 Victoria's Secret Show. The air carrier was decked in all things pink (both the color and the brand), including neck pillows, blankets, sleeping masks, and more. There, Behati sat next to me to discuss her travel-beauty secrets, preshow nerves (she's opening this year's catwalk!), and her zen advice for brides-to-be.

POPSUGAR: What is your favorite Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show memory?
Behati Prinsloo: Definitely my first show in 2007. The Spice Girls performed, and I am a very big fan. So, that was a big highlight.

PS: Perhaps they’ll make a cameo this year. We are going to London.
BP: Exactly! Maybe they’ll surprise us. Also, when I wore those huge, white, iconic wings last year. It was a big moment.

PS: What are you most excited about for this year’s show?
BP: This year was a really exciting year for me. I am opening the show for the first time. So I'm very nervous — but very excited! I am superstoked about it.

PS: What goes through your head right before you go on the runway?
BP: You're having fun with your girls, and everyone's there. But the minute I walk out, it's blank and in slow motion. There's nothing specific that goes through my mind. I just take in the moment. Your adrenaline rush is so much because your excitement and nerves just get the better of you.

PS: Over Thanksgiving, you posted a selfie on Instagram stating you're thankful for so much in your life. What are some of the things you're most thankful for?
BP: There's so much — my health, my family, my friends, my job. I just feel so lucky and blessed. There are a million things I'm thankful for.

PS: Like pink blankets?!
BP: Pink blankets, earplugs . . .[laughs].

PS: Since we're on a plane right now — what beauty products do you always bring with you when you travel?
BP: I always have rosewater spray with me when I travel. And La Mer [face cream], because it's thicker and I get so dry on a plane. I usually use Burt's Bees for my lips. Very simple, basic stuff, but important things.

PS: What are your best tips for dealing with jet lag?
BP: Since we are going to London, and I know we are going to land at night, I try to stay up during the plane ride so when I get there, I will be tired enough to fall asleep. Drink tons of water and vitamin C for your immune system. But other than that, I don't think there's any way around it.

PS: Can you share some of your preshow rituals in terms of diet and exercise?
BP: I do different things and train different ways every year. This year, I've been doing a lot of yoga, running a little, and a bit of weights. I always try to find something exciting and fun. Eating-wise, I just try to keep it clean and healthy. Nothing crazy.

PS: Do you do yoga with Adam [Levine]?
BP: I do. He kind of got me into it. He's a big yoga fanatic.

PS: He's definitely put that out there.
BP: Yes, everybody knows that.

PS: Are there any beauty products that you guys share?
BP: I mean, yeah, if it's there. There is no one specific thing. He'll use my cream or something.

PS: You have the best beach waves. Does you hair dry like that?
BP: Yeah, it does. I really don't have to do [much]. It has a natural curl, so it's pretty easy to always have the beach-wave look.

PS: So what's your daily hair routine?
BP: When I do it myself, I usually spray in Oribe thickening or dry-texture spray. My hair doesn't like a lot of product, so I just put in that one thing. Or if I'm in the sun, I'll put in an oil. My hair is easy.

PS: You're so lucky.
BP: I know I am [laughs].

PS: What is the most important step in your skin-care routine?
BP: Cleansing. Cleaning my face is the most important. Then, always moisturizing. And always, always sunblock.

PS: Is there an SPF number you stick to?
BP: For my face, I never go lower than 50. For my body, I'll use 30 . . . 15 . . . 5 . . . 3! [laughs].

PS: Who is your beauty icon?
BP: There are many, but I growing up and seeing how my mom looked after herself makes her my beauty icon.

PS: What is your spirit animal?
BP: Lion [laughs], because I love them. I feel like a cat.

PS: If you weren't a model. What would you want to do with your career?
BP: I wanted to be a marine biologist when I was little. Definitely doing something in nature, like a National Geographic photographer.

PS: Congrats on your wedding this year. What would be your advice for engaged ladies?
BP: Really live in that moment. It goes too quickly, and so many times you don't remember. The best advice I got from someone else was to take in every moment. To realize you're there and be with you husband [grabs my arm] — "we did it." Take five minutes. Be by yourself and take it in.

PS: It's like the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show.
BP: Exactly.