Last Look: Tyra Banks

What makes someone an icon? A pretty good indicator is whether they are widely known by their first name only. Tyra Banks is one of the very few people to whom that applies, and despite taking a step back from modeling to focus on parenthood and her entrepreneurial career, she continues to be a trailblazer in her industry and beyond.

The supermodel has hosted her own talk show (not to mention America's Next Top Model and Dancing with the Stars); she's launching an ice cream franchise; and she was the one to create the "smize" that we all have spent countless hours trying to master in the mirror. None of us do it quite like her, though.

Banks, 49, has one of the most impressive résumés in fashion, modeling for everyone from Victoria's Secret to Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger to Dior, and she recently shot a new campaign with Karen Millen (fittingly called ICONS). After wrapping a long day in front of the camera, the supermodel known for her many "firsts" sat down with People StyleWatch to play a game of "lasts."

Last ridiculous style splurge

I have no idea! It's really bad. I bought $5 earrings — 15 of them on Amazon, and then I went to Macy's and I bought some, and then I went to Forever 21. I love me some cheapass jewelry.

Last step in my getting-ready routine

I used to be all about a smoky eye, contoured cheeks and hardly any lipstick — no real color, at least. But these days, I’m really feeling a bright lip, and when I’m doing my own face, lipstick is the last thing I put on and I feel so glamorous. What the hell was I thinking all of these decades with not wearing lipstick? Rihanna, I get it. Where were you all those years ago to inspire me?!

Last truly great beauty advice I got

A young friend of mine was like, "Girl, you got to roll this cold jade thing on your face." And I'm like, "It feels good, but what is it doing?"

Last thing I do before heading out the door to a red carpet

I look in the mirror, and I find the best two to three poses. I study the poses in the mirror and then I close my eyes and try to re-create the poses without seeing myself. I do this because there are no mirrors on the red carpet, so you really need to know the best angles in the outfit by memory! Of course, I tend to forget by the time I get to the event onto the red carpet. Oh well, A for effort.

Last time I suffered for beauty

Today. My feet are extremely skinny, so just having to stand up in heels sometimes with my skinny feet is not that easy.

Last online shopping purchase

A wall light shaped like a dog that will go into our first live-scooping SMiZE & Dream ice cream shop in Los Angeles. There’s a whole story behind the dog and you’ll be able to experience and understand it when you come to the shop. It opens in Spring of 2024.

Last thing I would ever get rid of in my closet

I have a pair of Stella McCartney army green high-heel boots, and they're 20 years old, and I just feel hot and so sexy in those damn things. I will never get rid of them.

Last thing I'd ever be caught wearing

Booty shorts.

Last time I felt spectacular

I think I’d have to say wearing the Karen Millen satin black puffed sleeved coat on the set of the shoot — it was glam and comfy and regal and chic and just wow. I was feeling myself in that coat! As a model, you’re supposed to work any outfit like you love it, but I was working that coat like I was in love with it!   

Last beauty risk I took that paid off

I had to go to an important event in Dubai and did not have time to connect with a stylist or shop before I left. I went to a Zara and bought an entire outfit from head to toe. Jacket, shirt, pants, shoes, jewelry, and I did my own makeup and hair. I worked the red carpet and looked pretty “expensive,” which just goes to show that you don’t need to spend a lot to work the red carpet — or any place — and make it look hot!