At 55, Bethenny Frankel has already lived several lives in the public eye, and somehow, she’s still just getting started. Best known for Bravo’s The Real Housewives of New York City, Frankel has recently found a new kind of spotlight on TikTok, where more than 3 million followers tune in for her sharp humor, unique candor, “supermodel snacks” and refreshingly direct reminders that “you have time.” Now, she’s parlayed that creator-era momentum into another major milestone: her first Sports Illustrated Swimsuit spread, shot in Loreto, Mexico.
Ahead, Frankel opens up about how she prepared for her SI Swimsuit shoot, why the experience felt bigger than a magazine spread and the message she hopes women take from this moment.
Congratulations on your SI Swimsuit debut. You look incredible. How did you prepare for the shoot?
“Honestly, I was dealing with a stressful workload and not nearly enough sleep leading up to it. I was worried I’d fall short. But right before, I got more intentional about sleep, more mindful about food and mentally locked in. In the months before the shoot, I’d experimented with body treatments, lymphatic drainage massages and a body scrub. My supermodel snacks and drinks are a mainstay to make me look and feel my best.
I’m a pretty balanced person who self-regulates throughout the year. If the wheels come off, I adjust. I also become more diligent about my beach walks if something important is imminent. Being a part of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit was the first thing that ever inspired me to actually do something about my body. I don’t think about it much, but the world’s perception of my age and body has affected my own.”
Did you have a favorite body treatment that you did to prepare for the shoot? Any that you would do again to maintain your results?
“I have tried a few of them. I am not diligent enough to be certain what works, but the science backs up Sofwave and similar treatments. Their PureImpact treatment was very intense and precise, and genuinely felt like a workout. You have to be diligent. I do like Pvolve as an at-home, approachable workout because the components are so user-friendly. For someone who doesn’t work out a ton, this makes it easy for me to commit to a routine.”
Did you do any treatment prep on your face?
“I never think of my skin as mature, even though it is. I am one to feed the face with hydration, exfoliate regularly, mask regularly, get cleansing facials and stay diligent about sunscreen. I have experimented with lasers, but I don’t like to overdo it. Skin care is about consistency throughout the year.”
What skin care and makeup products did you use for the shoot?
“I am a big sheet masker, particularly when traveling. CeraVe’s Cream-to-Foam Facial Cleanser ($16) is a daily go-to of mine. Exfoliation is also critical because you get the dead layer off, and products absorb more easily. Then, I apply a serum, a rich cream and good SPF.”
Can’t forget about the hair! Tell me about what hair products you used for the shoot and how you’ve been caring for your hair.
“I am on my hair-care journey, and my new growth is insane. I take hair supplements, do a rich mask one to two times a week, use a scalp exfoliant, hair-growth serum and hair oil on the ends. I also don’t use a lot of heat on my hair.”
Were supermodel snacks a must when prepping for the shoot? Can you share any new ones that you haven’t posted yet?
“Yes, always. My newest is turkey rolls with blended cottage cheese, seasoned with ranch seasoning.”
Can you share what your day-of experience was like on the SI Swimsuit shoot set?
“It was one of the best experiences I’ve had in years—easily top five of my career. The whole thing was iconic. The crew, the glam, the SI team, the photographer—that energy was just as impactful as the shoot itself, which was already amazing. I can’t believe I could strike poses and be sexy in that way. That’s not my wheelhouse. I lead with humor, power and smart business decisions—not being sexy in a bathing suit on a beach. It was amazing and so inspiring.”
Any advice for women in terms of aging gracefully? What’s your philosophy?
“I do not think about age. The audience’s reaction to the SI experience is the first time I ever even gave it a second thought. I never knew I was old until people freaked out about me on that runway at this age. It really changed my perspective.”
