Tiffany Haddish, the acclaimed comedian and actress, recently shared insights into her beauty regimen during the launch event for the 2026 issue of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit magazine. Taking place at the Hard Rock Hotel in New York City on May 14, the event showcased Haddish as one of the four illustrious cover stars.
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In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Haddish, now 46, expressed her pride in her natural beauty. The actress confidently stated that apart from a few enhancements, she remains “all natural.” During her time on the red carpet, Haddish cheekily revealed that the only aspects of her appearance that are not entirely natural are her hair and nails. She playfully flashed these features for the cameras, embracing her identity as a cover star.
Haddish’s fashion choice for the evening was a stunning red gown, accentuated with a plunging neckline and delicate floral appliqués that flowed down the centre. Her hair was styled into a sleek, black curly bob, complementing her elegant look, while her long nails shimmered in a soft pink adorned with tiny crystal details. Accompanied by fellow cover stars Alix Earle and Nicole Williams English, Haddish basked in the glow of her success and the legacy it represents.
The comedian took a moment to reflect on her heritage during the event, expressing her connection with her family’s history in modelling. She mentioned her grandmother, who was a model in the mid-20th century, stating, “I’m a model in the 2000s, and I identify as a 21-year-old swimsuit model.” Her articulations conveyed a deep sense of honour and respect for her ancestry, balancing humour with heartfelt sentimentality.
In addition to discussing her natural beauty, Haddish shared a humorous anecdote about her attempt at a beauty hack that did not go as planned. She recounted a DIY beauty procedure where she mixed turmeric with milk in an attempt to remove facial hair. “It turned my whole lip orange,” she admitted, laughing off the mishap. Haddish clarified that while the treatment did not achieve its intended goal of hair removal, it did not irritate her skin. “It actually grew thicker!” she jokingly observed while describing the unintended outcome.
In reflecting on her beauty adventures, Haddish noted that the experience of modelling for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue helped her reconnect with her body. She indicated that the stripped-back photo shoot allowed her to truly listen to her body, enhancing her self-awareness and pride. “It made me so proud of me, because my body popped into alignment and did everything it was instructed to do,” she remarked.
Haddish’s enthusiasm for the modelling experience extended beyond her own reflections; she expressed her appreciation for the supportive atmosphere on set. “Everybody was so cool, so real, so down to earth, so comforting,” she stated, highlighting the camaraderie that characterised the collaboration.
The release of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue is a significant milestone for Haddish, who continues to break barriers in an industry often defined by unrealistic beauty standards. Her candidness about her beauty journey and her experiences with cosmetic procedures resonates with many, underscoring the importance of authenticity.
As Haddish embraces her role as a cover star, she not only celebrates her own achievements but also encourages others to honour their uniqueness. Her journey serves as an empowering reminder that true beauty is not confined to societal expectations but rooted in self-acceptance and personal history.
With the 2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition now launched, Tiffany Haddish stands as a beacon of inspiration, ready to take on new challenges while simultaneously uplifting those around her in the world of entertainment.