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Gillian Anderson is no stranger to the spotlight. The actress has worked in film, television and theatre. She is perhaps best known for her role as FBI Special Agent Dana Scully x files, Although she has also acted in Crown And sex education (My personal favorite). When she’s not in character, Anderson is an activist, author, and L’Oréal ambassador.
I had the unique opportunity to meet Anderson via video call from the south of France, where she was attending the 79th annual celebration. Cannes Film Festival From the brand. Ahead, read our exclusive interview, in which she discusses her low-key beauty routine, the beauty trends she loves and the ones she wants to live without, and “doing the work” to accept her intrinsic worth.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
What does the partnership with L’Oréal mean to you? It is a reputed global beauty brand.
I felt very honored to be asked this – not just as an actor but also in other things I do in my life. I talk a lot about women, especially women empowerment. This gives me the opportunity to do this on a much more global scale than if I was just promoting one of my books or doing something like that.
It’s nice to be able to talk about it like this. When I first started, I imagined myself saying this slogan, “Because I’m worth it.” My first reaction was I couldn’t possibly say that. It tasted very tasty. Then I watched the documentary about Elon Specht and the history of the slogan, and I thought, “What am I talking about?”
At the end of the day, it’s really important to be able to say it and mean it without feeling embarrassed, criticized, or embarrassed. This is especially important given the number of young women today who struggle with self-esteem. I actually feel proud to say it on a regular basis.
I love it. L’Oréal was actually the first brand to create what we now call an affirmation, before we even had a word for it. This is a very rich history.
This is great.
What are your favorite L’Oréal products at the moment?
Most of the time, in my personal life, I don’t really wear any makeup other than kajal. I always have panorama mascara With me because the coverage is great, and it’s easy to take off. It’s definitely an effort. i also use Age Perfect Midnight Cream. It makes my skin feel very smooth and silky, which I love. I also tend to be quite lazy, so this felt effortless, and I think I got the result I wanted.
I know you said you usually only wear mascara when on vacation, but I’d love to know about your daily beauty routine. What does that look like? Do you spend time on skin care in the morning?
Even after the shoot, I did not remove my makeup at all from one day to the next. My big thing now is to at least try to do that, which feels like a big step to me. If I do this, I’ll apply moisturizer after.
I know I’m likely to do those two steps. In the morning, I struggle to do much more than apply a little mascara. If I use anything else, it would be the Duo Serum. I like him a lot. I don’t wear anything very often, but if I do, it’s usually this.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Has your perspective on beauty changed over the years? if so, how?
I don’t think I’ve ever paid much attention to beauty. My mom never wore makeup, and it was never really a part of my life. I remember Rosamund Pike telling me how her mother took her to a beauty counter at Macy’s or something like that. That was not part of my upbringing. Makeup was not a part of my childhood at all. There was kajal around the eyes when I wore it. It wasn’t until my mid-20s, when I started working in the public eye, that makeup was really introduced into my life, and it was solely for the purpose of character building.
Since working with L’Oréal Paris I have talked about things like collagen and skin care. Since becoming a beauty ambassador, I’ve learned pretty much everything I know about beauty. That basically says it all.
I really appreciate (L’Oréal) how science-based it is. They really care about the science behind their products, and I trust them 100%.
Beauty is one of those things where you open Pandora’s box and realize there’s so much to learn. It’s exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. When brands like L’Oreal Paris are available, it is really good. He seems healthy.
What beauty trend, past or present, would you stay away from?
I don’t follow trends. Is Brazilian Butt Lift Considered a Beauty Trend?
This could have happened.
Then I would say that perhaps it would be wise to stay away from it.
That’s a whole different discussion about how those things can become trends, but I think you’re right. Are there any beauty looks or products, past or present, that you love?
Whenever I see women who have achieved what people call glass skin, where they look glowing from the inside out, I love that look. They are shiny but not smooth. They look healthy with very little makeup. I understand its appeal and I’m glad this trend exists.
There was a time when colored freckles were popular. I thought it was really cool. I’ve known a few people over the years who have done this, and I think it’s awesome.
I love fake freckles. What’s the best beauty tip you’ve ever heard, even if it’s unrelated to skin care or makeup? It could be about how you carry yourself or move forward in life.
I would answer this in two ways. First, a practical beauty tip: If I ever wear eyeshadow in my personal life, it’s usually with lipstick I’ve applied to my lids. I don’t know where I picked it up, but I do it.
More importantly, when we’re talking about value and feeling like you’re worth it, none of these external things really matter. They may boost our spirits or put a halt to our steps, but unless we feel good inside, they mean little. Even after having full makeup on our face, all the negativity of the world keeps running in our mind. More than anything, I think it’s important to work on the internal things. The longer you put it off until you’re 50 or 60, the more years those negative thoughts will have to compound and become harder to deal with. The sooner you start dealing with your issues and really realize that you deserve to be on this planet, that you are perfect just the way you are, and that you can confidently ask for what you want from yourself, your life, and the people around you, the easier it becomes. The more years you spend doing that work, the better you will get.
Do you have any beauty icons? If so, who is he and why do you admire him?
Do you know the English actress Harriet Walter? Harriet Walter has a wonderful face, and it is the same face she always had. There are a lot of women who I admire and consider icons for their activism or their acting.
Shop Anderson’s Favorite L’Oréal Skincare and Makeup Products
loreal
panorama mascara
loreal
Age Perfect Cell Renewal Midnight Face Cream
loreal
Age Perfect Le Duo Skin Renewing and Vitamin C Serum
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