Cate Blanchett's Beauty Routine
The down under stunner shares her proudly pale beauty routine.
It's in Kobe, Japan, that I first catch a glimpse of the complexion Judi Dench famously compared to a white peach. Still luminous after a 13-hour flight, Cate Blanchett is all cool gaze and architectural cheekbones. Save for a few subtle lines (which indicate the proud refusal of Botox), the peach analogy is spot-on. In Asia to promote SK-II, the cosmetics line that snagged her as spokesmodel after discovering her devotion to its products, the Oscar winner lets us in on her beauty secrets.
MC: Any movie roles that were particularly tough on your skin?
CB: Yes! Both were with Brad [Pitt], actually. The Babel shoot in Morocco was three weeks of unmitigated dust! I stayed out of it as much as possible and spent a lot of time getting off all the grime. In The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, my character goes from 6 to 86, courtesy of prosthetics. I'd be in them for six hours, and they drew all the moisture out of my skin. To restore hydration, I used SK-II's Skin Rebooster, my go-to airplane treatment.
MC: How did you feel about seeing yourself age in Button?
CB: I was more concerned about my mother's reaction — especially since I look like her. Few parents see their child at 86!
MC: Any secrets from her?
CB: My mum stayed out of the sun and moisturized — she set a good example. I tried to tan when I was 14, because it was deeply uncool to be this pale. But I just burned and peeled, so what was the point? I even carried a parasol for a while. A bit pretentious in Australia — although it's common in Asia.
MC: What's your current beauty regimen?
CB: I'm really bad about my hair. I do almost nothing. When I'm not working, I use the Frédéric Fekkai Glossing line and just pull it back. The only thing I'm diligent about is skin care.
MC: You once said that chasing around your sons was enough exercise. Is this still the case?
CB: I started doing Pilates — sometimes twice a week, then not for another month. Does that count? I think after having a baby it's important to get your body's strength back, but the media scrutiny can be insane. Bounce back too quickly and you're a terrible role model for other women; don't bounce back and you're labeled a balloon.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
MC: Speaking of scrutiny, more and more actresses are having plastic surgery. What's your take?
CB: What other women do is not my business, but my feeling is that actresses shouldn't have a mask for a face; they need to be able to reveal feelings. Obviously, you want to look as good as you possibly can, but you don't want to get too obsessed. There's a lot more to life. I certainly don't want to be 25 again.
-
Winter-Coded Country Concert Outfit Ideas
This is your go-to guide for foolproof looks, from cowboy boots to denim and Western-inspired accessories.
By Brooke Knappenberger Published
-
Axe-Wielding Thieves Steal $1M of King Charles's Family Heirlooms in "Violent Robbery"
The burglars made off with some priceless antiques.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
32 Celebrities Who Hold Unexpected Degrees
From neuroscience and archeology to electrical engineering.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Why Dyson's New Airstrait Ad Ignited a TikTok Controversy
"They said y'all can buy the product but it is not meant for you."
By Hanna Lustig Published
-
Burberry Beauty's All-Time Classics Finally Relaunched at Nordstrom
Here's how to shop reviewer-vetted products first.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
Contrast Makeup Theory Is the Viral TikTok Anti-Trend Everyone Should Try
Here's how to find your signature makeup look with this makeup artist-approved technique.
By Hanna Lustig Published
-
Maed Beauty Gives My Lips a Three-Step Skincare Routine—And They've Never Been Softer
Maed Beauty’s inaugural launch delivers a three-step system.
By Samantha Holender Published
-
13 Best Drugstore Concealers That Feel Surprisingly Luxurious
Great things *do* come with small price tags.
By Iman Balagam Published
-
Urban Decay's Relaunched Naked Palette Is Just as Iconic as the Original
All the nostalgia, plus a silky new formula.
By Brooke Knappenberger Published
-
TikTok Is Making "Unsexy" Beauty Products Seem Very Appealing
There's more to worthwhile products than pretty packaging.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
Hailey Bieber Has a New Rhode Baby on the Way, Too
The brand's first color cosmetics launch is pretty and pink.
By Samantha Holender Published