You’ve seen the photos. She’s on a beach in Turks and Caicos, or she’s laughing on a red carpet in New York, looking—well, looking like she just stepped out of a 1983 music video. It feels like a glitch in the Matrix. People constantly Google how old Christie Brinkley is because the math simply doesn't seem to track with the visual evidence.
Honestly, the answer is straightforward, but the "why" behind it is where things get interesting. As of early 2026, Christie Brinkley is 71 years old. She was born Christie Lee Hudson on February 2, 1954, in Monroe, Michigan.
Think about that for a second.
This is a woman who was the face of CoverGirl for 25 years—the longest-running cosmetics contract in history. She graced three consecutive Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue covers in the late 70s and early 80s. Most people her age are settling into a quiet retirement, but Brinkley just released a memoir titled Uptown Girl in 2025 and is currently promoting a new family comedy, American Summer. She’s not just "aging well." She’s basically rewriting the rulebook on what it looks like to enter your eighth decade.
The Reality of How Old Christie Brinkley Is and Why It Matters
Age in Hollywood is usually a closely guarded secret or a source of anxiety. For Brinkley, it’s become a brand. When people ask how old Christie Brinkley is, they aren't just looking for a number; they’re looking for a cheat code.
She recently celebrated that big 71st birthday, and she did it with the kind of transparency that’s rare for a supermodel. In her memoir, she talks about the "betrayal" of her biological father and the "magic" of her four marriages, including the high-profile years with Billy Joel. It’s a lot of life lived. But she doesn't hide the years. Instead, she leans into them.
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It's Not Just Good Genes (But Yeah, It’s Mostly Genes)
We have to be real here. You don’t look like Christie Brinkley by accident. Part of it is winning the genetic lottery, sure. But she’s been a vegetarian since she was about 12 years old. That’s six decades of plant-based living. She’s recently been vocal about her "mostly vegan" diet and her love for Sakara’s meal delivery.
She also drinks warm water with lemon every morning. Kinda basic? Maybe. But she swears it jumpstarts her system.
The "Uptown Girl" Daily Grind
If you think she just sits around being beautiful, you haven't seen her Instagram. She’s constantly moving.
- Total Gym: she’s been the spokesperson for years, and yeah, she actually uses it.
- Spin Classes: She hits the Peloton or a local studio for 20-30 minutes several times a week.
- Outdoor Energy: She gardens, bikes, and takes "meandering walks."
She told People magazine right before her 70th birthday that she wanted to "keep on charging ahead." She wasn't kidding.
What Most People Get Wrong About Her "Ageless" Look
There’s a lot of gossip. People love to whisper about surgery or "work" done. Brinkley is surprisingly open about this, which is refreshing. She’s admitted to trying Botox on her forehead twice, but she hated it because it gave her a "droopy eyebrow."
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She’s much more of a fan of non-invasive stuff. She does Ultherapy once a year to lift and tighten. She gets Fraxel laser treatments twice a year to deal with the sun damage from all those years of modeling on tropical beaches. She’s even said she’s okay with some wrinkles. She wants a "little life" to show on her face rather than looking "waxy" or "preserved."
It’s an interesting middle ground. She isn't chasing 25; she’s just trying to be the most vibrant 71-year-old on the planet.
The Skincare Routine
She actually uses her own stuff. The Christie Brinkley Authentic Beauty line is a staple in her bathroom.
- Exfoliation: She does this every single morning to "wake up" the skin.
- Sunblock: This is her non-negotiable. She uses Supergoop! Glow Screen (a $22 favorite) to get that shimmer while protecting her skin from further damage.
- Bio-Copper Complex: Her skincare line uses this proprietary blend to support collagen production.
Why We Are Still Obsessed With Her Age
There is a psychological component to why how old Christie Brinkley is remains a top search query. She represents a "new old." In the 1950s, a 71-year-old woman was expected to look and act a certain way. Brinkley is out here launching wine brands (Bellissima) and starring in movies with Steve Guttenberg.
She makes people feel like the "expiration date" we've traditionally placed on women in the public eye is total nonsense.
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It's also about her energy. She’s got this "joy is the best Botox" philosophy. Her mom always told her to smile because it brightens the whole face, and honestly, it works. Even in her 70s, she has that same "all-American girl" spark she had in 1975.
Actionable Takeaways from the Brinkley Blueprint
If you're looking to channel some of that Christie energy, you don't need a supermodel's bank account.
- Move Every Day: Even if it’s just a 15-minute walk.
- Exfoliate: It’s the cheapest way to get a glow.
- Eat Your Greens: Consistency over perfection.
- Protect Your Skin: Sunscreen isn't optional, even in the winter.
The number might be 71, but the vibe is timeless. Whether she's writing books or riding her bike through the Hamptons, Christie Brinkley proves that age is just a data point—it doesn't have to be a destination.
To keep up with her latest moves, you can check out her new memoir Uptown Girl or keep an eye out for her Fourth of July film release. She’s not slowing down anytime soon.