Natalie Portman Thinks Cupping Is Akin to Being Abducted by Aliens

The face of Miss Dior perfume dishes on the wildest treatment she’s ever tried.

Natalie Portman with beauty items
(Image credit: Future)

Welcome to Beauty Around the Clock, Marie Claire's weekly peek into the daily lives of some of the most game-changing men and women in their industries. Ever wonder how they get it all done in a day? Here's your answer.

When you think of Natalie Portman, what comes to mind? Academy Award-winning actor? Harvard graduate? Star of May December? Vegan? Mother of two? All of these descriptors of Portman are fairly commonplace, but what most don’t know is that when it comes to her makeup and skincare routine, Portman is as minimalist as they come. To be clear, you won’t catch her in the latest eyeshadow palette, or gushing over dewy sculpted cheeks, she'd much rather focus on a paired down everyday look: a nude lip, with full brows and a sun-kissed glow. But even with minimalism at the forefront, she has her skincare priorities in order. She knows the importance of wearing sunscreen, although she admits her sun care application has taken a backseat because in Paris, “there isn’t a lot of sun,” she says.

Laughingly, over a Zoom call Portman tells me she has a penchant for rotating between products that smell clean, fresh, and delightful; however, her signature scent, Miss Dior, has a permanent place in her fragrance wardrobe. Perhaps it's because Portman has been the face of Miss Dior perfume since she debuted her first campaign with the luxury brand in 2011. Fourteen years later, the 42-year-old still loves the famed floral and gourmand notes, but she has a special love for the latest parfum version crafted by Francis Kurkdjian.

Here, the actress reveals her skincare routine and why cupping is akin to being abducted by extraterrestrial beings.

TK

(Image credit: Future)

I’m pretty simple about my routine. I recently started using Keren Bartov face wash. Karen is a London-based facialist I went to and I use her face wash first then I follow up with her face moisturizer every morning. I live in Paris now and there’s not a lot of sun so I haven't been using sunscreen, but I’m thinking about trying something for the summer.

TK

(Image credit: Future)

My signature look is quite natural. Recently I’ve been blowing my hair out. My hair is so long right now, and I haven't had it this long in a while. So I’ve been enjoying having long hippie hair. As for makeup, I don't really wear it. Sometimes I’ll wear concealer and a gloss during the day, and if I’m feeling glamorous, some mascara or a red lip. I’m really low-maintenance and simple!

TK

(Image credit: Future)

Someone told me ‘If you can’t get to the gym, make sure you walk 40 mins a day’ and that’s been helpful because I live in an area where walking is a key part of life. So for me, it's easier to wrap my head around walking versus getting to the gym or doing a real workout.

Natalie Portman in Miss Dior Campaign

Natalie Portman in the latest Miss Dior campaign.

(Image credit: Dior)

TK

(Image credit: Future)

I’m very into scent so I use Christophe Robin Volume Conditioner with Rose Extracts Rose conditioner. It smells like pure roses! It smells so good. I also use ROZ Hair Santa Lucia Styling Oil. Its founder is Mara Roszak and she's a hairdresser I work with.

TK

(Image credit: Future)

It’s probably Augustinus Bader face cream. It's very expensive but it’s very, very good. 

TK

(Image credit: Future)

I like an Australian brand called Dr. Paw Paw. They have a multi-purpose natural balm that’s like vaseline. It’s great. I always have a tub in my bag. I don't wear any of the special flavors, just the original balm. It’s so good!

TK

(Image credit: Future)

I love getting facials. When I’m in New York, I visit Thuyen Nguyen, when I’m in London I see Keren Bartov, and when I’m in Paris I like to see Sophie Carbonari.

TK

(Image credit: Future)

My eyes. Eyes are the windows to the soul, so if I can only highlight one area it would be that. Eyes are so expressive! If you can accentuate your eyes it always makes your look so fun.

Natalie Portman attends the Christian Dior Womenswear Fall/Winter 2024-2025 show as part of Paris Fashion Week

Natalie Portman at the Christian Dior Womenswear Fall/Winter 2024-2025 show duirng Paris Fashion Week.

(Image credit: Getty/Alamy)

TK

(Image credit: Future)

Try to be most like myself instead of trying to conform to someone else's idea of what's beautiful. My family keeps me grounded and focused on things that matter when I'm with them.

TK

(Image credit: Future)

I tried cupping therapy on my back last week, and afterward it looked like I was abducted by aliens. The experience left me with huge circles on my back! It was so strange, but it was great. I felt amazing. It was very helpful in increasing blood circulation.

TK

(Image credit: Future)

I don't have many beauty regrets, but I did try Fraxel laser treatment when I was in my 20s. I think it's not that great for you, and I realized I didn't need to do it.

TK

(Image credit: Future)

SZA and Solange Knowles are on my rotation right now. I especially love SZA's “Kill Bill,” and  Solange's “Cranes in the Sky”.

TK

(Image credit: Future)

I would love to be able to do a good line on my eye with eyeliner. It's my favorite makeup look and I can’t do it myself because I have a shaky hand.

TK

(Image credit: Future)

I trust my makeup artists Miwoo Kim and Lisa Storey. I always follow whatever they tell me to do.

TK

(Image credit: Future)

I love that people are going for more natural makeup looks, but there isn’t a trend that I hate or think is bad. If people feel it's fun to try then I think it's worthwhile.

TK

(Image credit: Future)

My night routine is exactly the same as my morning routine. I can’t have complicated routines or I just won't do it. But to relax and unwind, I read a lot of contemporary fiction. I recently read a book called Anita de Monte Laughs Last by Xochitl Gonzalez. It’s coming out later this month and I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy. I also read and enjoyed Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar.

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Deena Campbell
Beauty Director

Deena Campbell is the Beauty Director of Marie Claire where she oversees all beauty and health content on all platforms. Deena is a leader who is passionate about driving conversations on beauty topics, and is particularly dedicated to ensuring BIPOC feel seen and that their stories are told. Deena joined Marie Claire after a decade-long career as an editor in print and digital media. Before joining the brand, she managed editorial content for L’Oréal owned Makeup.com and Skincare.com where she led and developed a team of beauty editors and edited their contributions. She also crafted and successfully executed comprehensive brand strategies that resulted in brand growth and differentiation, a skill she currently brings to Marie Claire.

In 2015, she launched Essence.com’s hair channel where she received Time Inc.'s Henry R. Luce Award, shortly before joining Allure.com’s staff as Senior Beauty Editor. Along with her editorial positions, she also consulted on content and marketing strategies for beauty companies including DevaCurl and Dove, and has appeared at various speaking events and live television segments. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, Byrdie, SELF, Refinery29, Teen Vogue, and a host of others. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Pittsburgh and lives in New Jersey with her husband and two children. You can find her on Instagram at @deenacampbell.