When Martha Stewart shared a thirst trap on social media in 2020, she didn’t know what “thirst trap” meant. Now, she’s basically an expert. At age 83, Martha has grown fond of taking provocative selfies that wow her fans. That’s exactly what she did in April 2025 — and fans had opinions.
“Martha said you want a thirst trap? DROWN,” one commented on Martha’s selfie at the time. After seeing the photo, Paris Hilton called Martha an “icon.”
Martha shared her thirst trap tips during a recent interview with People. Her first pointer made a lot of sense: take a selfie when you’re feeling good about yourself. “Don’t try to take it if you’re looking bad,” she told the publication. “When you’re looking good, that’s when you take a selfie. And if you have good makeup or you just happen to look good that day, take a selfie.”
Of course, that’s easier said than done — after all, many have noted how amazing Martha looks. But she added that lighting also plays an important role. “Set yourself up with a good light or good light, daylight is oftentimes very, very flattering,” she continued. “And take some pictures.”
It seems simply enough. In the past, Martha has spoken about how she also enjoys the process. “Now I’m looking for the next thirst trap,” she previously told People. “I love doing those promiscuous, provocative things, because it’s just fun.”
In 2023, at age 81, Martha graced the cover of Sports Illustrated. Going into the shoot, she knew she wanted it to be sexy — and she was satisfied with the outcome. “Probably like any of the models, I would have preferred if I could have worn a really skimpy bikini,” Martha said at the time. “But at my age, wearing what I was wearing was appropriate. They’re not cover-up bathing suits, though, I don’t like those.”
She told People, “I did Pilates three, maybe four times a week and did not have a drink — no alcohol whatsoever for two months. I also got a spray tan a couple days before the shoot, which isn’t something I usually do. It’s nice when you’re down in that azure water. I got a light tan, and it was very pretty, very natural. I’m very pleased with the pictures, I really am.”
