It’s hard to believe Mean Girls debuted 15 years ago, and boy will we never forget Amanda Seyfried’s comedic genius in that role. Now, at 34, the award-winning actress is also a passionate activist, a mom to three-year-old Nina, the star of Lancôme’s new Advanced Genifique campaign and so much more, but manages to stay calm, cool and collected as she enjoys life on her Upstate New York farm. We caught up with the star to find out more about her new beauty gig and life during COVID.
What is your earliest beauty memory?
Sneaking my sister’s mascara to school and applying it in the bathroom in sixth grade.
What was the most important thing your mom taught you about beauty growing up?
Less is more. She’s totally right. That goes for every face.
You started modeling around age 11. How do you think the beauty industry has evolved since then?
It’s slightly more inclusive, but still a ways behind. We don’t see enough diversity in bodies, tones and shapes. I’m 34 years old and I still struggle with maintaining a healthy body image. I’m proud to be working with Lancôme, who are making a thoughtful effort to be more inclusive of the beauty of the human being.
What has been your favorite beauty discovery of the last year?
My favorite new discovery is the Toute Nuit surgical tape sticker I wear to sleep to prevent frowning. I think it works! And my favorite beauty product to date is Lancôme Advanced Génifique Face Serum. It’s my day-to-day essential.
What beauty trend are you hoping goes away?
I’d love to limit the amount of filler people can use in one session.
You post many beautiful bare-faced pictures on Instagram and love a more natural look. How do you feel in a full face of makeup?
The bare-faced look is pure laziness. I feel claustrophobic and a little greasy in a full face when I’m at work. No amount of makeup can withstand a 12-hour day. And why would you want it to? One of the most luxurious feelings is taking OFF my makeup at the end of a long day. I feel renewed. When I’m applying on my own for a night out, I skip the foundation and focus on my eyes, lips and cheeks. It’s refreshing and fun to brighten up and still feel like my skin is clean. The best of both worlds!
What is your signature shade of lipstick?
RED, baby.
If you could only bring three beauty products to a desert island, what would they be?
Eu’Genia Lavender Shea Butter, Lancôme Hypnôse mascara and Babo Botanicals zinc oxide SPF for my face (it’s an organic baby line—my daughter and I wear the same SPF).
What does it mean to you to be one of Lancôme’s “Happiness Activists”?
Happiness is a choice, and we’re all entitled to find it within ourselves. We’re all unique, beautiful and worthy. Why waste it?
What projects are you currently working on?
I finished Mank just before the world shut down, thankfully. Throughout the pandemic I’ve been helping raise money for No Kid Hungry with The Homebound Project Theater and War Child and Inara, alongside my husband, Tommy. Right now I’m helping develop a few movies for next year. And don’t even ask me about my crafting.
How has COVID changed your outlook on life and the world?
I feel so lucky to live on a farm where I feel safe and inspired with my family. It’s incredibly easy to take everything for granted. I think, I hope, I believe this entire experience has shifted the way humans face and interact with the constant injustices surrounding us. We will not go backwards. And that is everything.
