Beauty

Actress Eva Mendes, the leading lady of Estée Lauder’s New Dimension skincare collection, talks the art of transformation and balancing beauty rituals with motherhood

Eva Mendes balances her beauty rituals with motherhood. 137 New face creams to lift your visage—and your spirits. 140 Unleash the power of darkened lips. 147 Channel the swinging ’60s and get the Twiggy look with volumising mascaras

Why did you want to work with Estée Lauder?

When I was younger, Estée Lauder was the epitome of beauty and I grew up admiring the brand’s iconic images. It was only later in life that I realised Estée Lauder is a brand for women, founded by a woman and run by women. I have a strong female support system around me, so it’s very important for me to be part of a company that really celebrates and empowers my sex.

Why do you like the New Dimension range?

The New Dimension skincare collection is all about transformation and empowering women to be in control of their own beauty. There is a lot of anti-ageing dialogue out there—i feel like it’s passé and unrealistic. Once I heard the New Dimension skincare story, I was so excited to finally find a product that embraces change.

What’s your skincare ritual?

I always apply New Dimension Shape + Fill Expert Serum. I’m always very liberal with the serum. If my skin is feeling dry or it’s dry outside, I’ll apply a moisturiser on top. Sometimes I’ll pair it with Estée Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair, which has hyaluronic acid and is super-moisturising. I don’t always have as much time in the morning, but at night it’s important that I have my ritual.

What other beauty products do you swear by?

Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair and Estée Lauder Take It Away Makeup Remover Lotion. I’m really on the coconut oil bandwagon for my hair— although a hair band is a musthave for those bad hair days. I always use cream blush—with my olive complexion, I can look a little sallow if I’m tired. A cream blush brings life and radiance to my face.

Are you more of a lip or an eye girl?

I feel more comfortable playing with my eyes and not so much with my mouth. I sometimes like a bright lip—it’s fun. But I prefer a defined eye with a nude lip.

Has your beauty routine changed with motherhood?

I’m still really diligent about my ritual, but it’s just at different times of the day. Sometimes it’s at four in the morning, sometimes it’s at two in the afternoon. I’m no longer on my own time. I don’t have a nanny and I’m a very hands-on mum. But, as tired as I am, I do sneak in those few minutes so I can keep my ritual.

What do you do to stay in shape?

For me, it’s really just about a healthy diet. I certainly allow myself to splurge, but I watch what I eat and I exercise when I can. When I have a really busy day, especially since I’ve become a mum, the first thing to go out the window is exercise. When I do exercise, I just up the cardio and the weight training when I need to. You have to find what works for you.

What is luxury to you?

Sleep. Sleep and a pair of warm socks—that’s luxury for me.