Beauty is a frame of mind
Hudson says managing stress is vital
As an actress and the daughter of movie star Goldie Hawn, Kate Hudson, the face of Almay cosmetics, knows something about glamour and the expectations of being perfectly polished, even if she’s only popping out to the shops.
Hers is a world where appearance is paramount. But how does that play out in day-to-day life? Postmedia News asked Hudson about what beauty means to her, motherhood, the best beauty tip she’s been given, and, of course, what’s in her handbag.
Q: How do you define beauty?
A: I think beauty is a frame of mind. The most beautiful people I’ve met or experienced are usually the ones who are really grounded in themselves and authentic and confident. That’s when the symmetrical face does not become a sign of beauty, that’s when somebody’s energy becomes what is magnetic about them.
Q: How did growing up the child of a movie star influence your perception of beauty?
A: I think when you grow up in it, you realize that it’s a bunch of smoke and mirrors. I was raised by two solid parents, so for me it was really more about personality and kindness that made me see beautiful people and see the kinds of people they were.
When you grow up in it, you can see the most beautiful people in the world are talented, but not necessarily the kindest. If you’re raised properly in a very sort of unconventional world, you can see the smoke and mirrors and actually look past it and see what really makes certain people truly beautiful.
On top of that, I have had the chance to see some of the most fashionable women in the ’80s growing up, to see and meet some of my mom’s friends at the time who are incredibly fashionable … and being in (designer) Bob Mackie’s studio with my mother, having these incredible gowns. To watch him transform my mother’s figure into … statuesque gold, sparkly … it’s definitely mind-blowing as a little girl, so there are definitely two aspects to it.
Q: How do you avoid the pressure to be “perfect” when you are not only a film star, but also the face of a cosmetics brand?
A: That’s actually a very easy question because there’s no such thing as perfect. So that idea goes right out the window. I think there are people who are perfectionists, who have a (strong) work ethic and like to get things done, but the individual, sort of mundane, vanity-oriented perfection … you’re fighting a losing battle. I just want to focus on doing good work as a part of something I believe in.
Q: As a mother, what do you think is important to teach children about beauty?
A: I think beauty starts and ends with how you feel about yourself and how you are managing your life, your stress levels, your emotions and the way you interact with people. Teaching your children to recognize that their authentic selves are their most beautiful selves would probably be my No. 1 (lesson).
Q: What’s in your handbag?
A: The basics that I have in my handbag are obviously my wallet. I would say cash, but I’m one of those people who always forgets to get cash. I never have cash on me. A “guggy,” which is a pacifier. We call it a “guggy.” I always seem to find one of those in my purse; one or three. I have these little skateboards that (son) Bing is obsessed with. I could pick up a purse and I could pick up another purse that I’ve worn a couple of weeks ago and I try to switch them out, and there are always skateboards in one of my purses.
I always have hair clips. Now that Almay is doing Color + Care Liquid Lip Balm, I seem to have planted them in each one of my purses, and that’s pretty much it.
Q: What are your go-to beauty products?
A: Almay Color + Care Liquid Lip Balm: They are easy, not sticky and moisturizing. Almay Smart Shade CC Cream: It is very hydrating. Egyptian Magic: It is good for everything. From a diaper rash to chapped lips. Water, because beauty comes from inside out. Rose water spray because it makes me feel happy.
Q: What’s the best beauty or makeup advice you’ve ever received?
A: The best beauty tip is about learning how to deal with and manage stress. You can cover up with makeup, but if you’re not managing your optimism or joy levels then it will affect your skin.