Today is an exciting day! Not only do I have an exclusive Q&A with the one and only Julia Roberts about her beauty routine, I’m also thrilled to announce that over the next few days, I’ll be showcasing an exciting, new communication for the iconic fragrance line, La vie est belle.
Launched in 2012, La vie est belle struck a cord with women worldwide by affirming their right to happiness in an olfactory statement. The fragrance, with its delicious and exhilarating notes and beautiful bottle that resembles a crystal smile continues to dominate fragrance sales worldwide.
Can you see the crystal smile?
I love the message of this fragrance: Happiness is a choice, which frees us of conventions.
Iconic actress, Julia Roberts, is the perfect spokeswoman with her dazzling, infectious smile and girl-next door accessibility. Her intelligence, wit and realness have stood the test of time, placing her firmly in our hearts. As the famous saying goes, “Happy girls are the prettiest” sure does ring true when thinking about Julia.
In My Bag was lucky enough to bag an exclusive interview with the woman herself about beauty, confidence and her worst makeup disaster ever!
How would you define the word “beauty?”
JR: It’s a cheerfulness.
Growing up, was there anyone you admired as beautiful?
JR: I thought my mother was very glamorous, with her frosted lipstick and eyeliner. But Elizabeth Taylor was probably the person in the spotlight I admired most. Her elegance and grace made her iconic. I mean, she’s spectacular; even through the caftan years she was chic and decked out in jewels. She seemed to have it going on 24/7.
What was your first makeup experience as a teen?
JR: I remember going into my mom’s bathroom and using her liquid eyeliner. I picked it up and tried to apply it the same way I saw her do it. But instead of using it above my lash line, I put it in the lower inside rim. I wound up with black all over my eyeballs. Every time I blinked, this black stuff drenched my eyes. So horrifying.
Was that your worst makeup disaster ever?
JR: Nothing was worse than anyone who wore makeup in the ’80s! I did white concealer. Who does that?
Would you consider your beauty routine high or low maintenance?
JR: Low. I could definitely go a little higher.
If you had to be out the door in five minutes, how would you streamline your routine?
JR: If it were any more streamlined, I’d still be in bed.
What does it consist of?
JR: I brush my teeth. That’s number one. When I’m not in a rush, I use Lancôme’s Mousse Radiance Clarifying Self-foaming Cleanser and Hydra-Intense Masque. So if I’m living in the lap of luxury, that’s what I like to do. But on a regular day, I’ll just brush my teeth, wash my face, and apply sunblock. I’m a busy mom, and sometimes I just sunblock my kids and run outside and get my nose burned. So I’ve made a stronger effort to take care of myself. Several Lancôme moisturizers contain SPF, so it’s nice to have a one-stop shop.
What’s been the best beauty trick you’ve picked up over the years?
JR: When I discovered the eyelash curler—that was a game changer. And learning how to do my hair, which just came from years of watching a master [Serge Normant]. I can’t do it as well as he does it, but I can try.
What hair and makeup do you feel most confident in?
JR: That is a good question. I think my signature loose waves and natural, fresh makeup. And a gnarly eyeliner.
What is one current beauty trend you’ve considered trying?
JR: The bob. I also want to cut super-short hair so I could have it pop and be cool, but Serge [Normant] is like, “I’m not doing this.” He won’t do the bob or anything.
What look won’t you try?
JR: Asymmetrical hair.
Your skin is famously luminous. What’s your number one secret?
JR: I’m really happy to have Lancôme at my disposal, but it’s good ol’ mom and dad. Genetics. That’s where it starts.
Very true. But do you also eat for beauty? Do you find certain foods help you glow?
JR: I’m mainly gluten-free. I just try to eat well and be conscious. I go for organic. It’s kind of a bummer that we live in a country where eating healthy food is a luxury.
Do your kids enjoy the same food as you?
JR: They do. They’re good eaters. I mean, they love kid food, but who doesn’t like kid food? But they also like their salads. They had this great teacher who taught a class called “Eat a Rainbow,” and it made strong impressions on all of them but particularly on Henry, my youngest. We went to the movies one afternoon, and of course you want to have something like popcorn. So I said, “Henry, do you want to get something at the concession stand?” He goes, “It’s all red light foods, Mommy.” I find myself trying to coax my child to eat junk food. Like, are there any yellow light foods in there?
What’s been your biggest beauty funny moment?
JR: Trying to have some peace with the aging process. Just realizing that it’s going to happen whether I like it or not.
