Adriana Lima — Biography

Adriana Lima is a renowned Brazilian model who achieved international prominence as a Victoria's Secret Angel, maintaining that position from 1999 through 2018. During her tenure with the brand, she became the most enduring model in the company's history and was honored as "the most valuable Victoria's Secret Angel" in 2017. Beyond her work with Victoria's Secret, Lima has served as the face of Maybelline cosmetics beginning in 2003 and gained widespread recognition through her appearances in major Super Bowl advertisements and Kia Motors commercials. Her modeling career began when she secured victory in Ford Models' "Supermodel of Brazil" competition at age 15, followed by a runner-up finish in the Ford "Supermodel of the World" contest the next year. She subsequently signed representation with Elite Model Management's New York office. Currently, models.com recognizes Lima as one of the industry's elite "New Supers," and she has consistently ranked among the world's highest-earning models since 2014, holding the second position globally. Her earnings trajectory reflects her status, with Forbes documenting her professional income at $7.3 million in 2012 (placing fourth), $8 million in 2014 (second place), $9 million in 2015 (second place), and $10.5 million in 2016 (second place). Lima has represented numerous international brands including the Barcelona-based fashion house Desigual, Calzedonia's beachwear division, and Sportmax's ready-to-wear line. Her current ambassadorships include partnerships with International Watch Company, Puma, Maybelline, and Chopard. Lima's multicultural heritage encompasses Portuguese, Native Brazilian, African, Japanese, Swiss, and West Indian ancestry. As of October 2025, her social media presence includes 20.2 million Instagram followers and 4.8 million TikTok followers.