Angelina Jolie is one of the most respected actresses and humanitarians in Hollywood, but she's also somewhat of a beauty icon. Without even trying, the Maleficent: Mistress of Evil star has taught us a lot about beauty throughout her decades-long career, whether she's speaking out about natural beauty, the importance of inner beauty, or why you shouldn't allow others to define what's beautiful for you.
In honor of Jolie's 45th birthday on June 4, we rounded up some of the best beauty lessons we've learned from her over time. Read ahead to check them out. Last year, Jolie covered Elle's September issue, and in the corresponding feature story, she penned an essay in which she spoke about the importance of inner beauty and what it really means to be "wicked."
"I often tell my daughters that the most important thing they can do is to develop their minds," she wrote. "You can always put on a pretty dress, but it doesn't matter what you wear on the outside if your mind isn't strong. There is nothing more attractive — you might even say enchanting — than a woman with an independent will and her own opinions."
It's a lesson she hopes to pass down to her three daughters, but we're OK with following her advice as well.