Not a whole lot of people can say they’re coworkers with Nicole Kidman. Sarayu Blue can—but there’s way more to this 48-year-old than her next-show buzz (you can currently see her in “Expats,” coming to Amazon Prime Video today). The limited-drama series is set in Hong Kong, and it’s safe to say Blue fully brings the style element to the six-part show. We recently caught up with the actress to talk the fashion, skin care and everything else that makes her tick.
What can anyone looking forward to a new show to watch expect?
I’m so excited for people to delve into this world. It’s so rich and it’s so layered and nuanced, and I just love how many actors of color have really rich, complex roles in our show. I’m just really excited for everyone to just get into the world and buckle in.
I loved the description of your character: “Hilary Starr, a career woman with immaculate taste.” What is she about?
Hilary is…a very put-together person. She presents herself in a very exact and pristine manner. She is very in charge of her life in a lot of ways. I think what we see during the trajectory of the show is what it looks like when she can’t control everything and it starts to fall apart.
Since we’re a beauty magazine, I have to ask: What were some of the products you used on set?
I’m glad that you asked! There was a hair product we used specifically for curly hair that I would love to get the name of. Can you hold on one second while I look it up?
Yes, totally.
Chrissy Zemura turned me onto a couple of really nice hair products for curly hair—she knows textured hair so well. The brand has just the most gorgeous jojoba-oil products called Organic SUKU. They’re incredible.
Is there anything that you rely on to take the day away when you’re coming off-set?
I think skin care has become a really important part of my experience on this earth [laughs]. It’s so interesting, because I never really did much. I really didn’t bother doing skin care. I didn’t grow up with a mom who did any of that kind of stuff.
I experienced a very specific health issue that was manifesting in a lot of skin stuff all over my body. It took years to finally figure out what was going on and when we figured out what was going on, I just was like, “Okay, I really want to take care of this beautiful skin that I am in.”
With wearing makeup so much and that whole thing, I really did realize I have to start taking it off every night. I can’t just leave it on, which I was guilty of many, many of times. I started following these amazing cosmetic chemists on social media on Instagram. I’ve learned so much from them. Much of it has to do with not necessarily spending a lot of money—it more has to do with using brands that are really effective. A lot of times, our drugstore brands are fantastic. It’s been really great for me. I love this therapy hydrating cleanser because I have very dry skin and that really gets all the makeup off.
I also love some of the smaller indie brands I’ve learned about through these cosmetic chemists. Highly recommend Jordan Samuel.
I love that. You can get some great things for $20 at CVS.
For real! You don’t have to spend! But, if you want to spend lots and lots of dollars, go for it! I get it. Look, sometimes it’s nice to be able to get something that is really special…but you absolutely don’t have to spend a lot of money. I love a lot of products that don’t cost a lot of money. And I think those products work.
Everyone is doing the red-carpet circuit right now. Do you enjoy the process of getting ready for it?
There is an element of it that I love. A lot of times I get there, and I get to see my friends and that’s always really fun. I’m happy to get to have time with people I love.
But, I do get a little nervous; I would be lying if I said I didn’t. There’s something about getting ready for a party that is really fun…but I think the carpet would make most people nervous. I just have to feel my feelings. Then, usually, once that’s over, I relax and just enjoy the evening.
That sounds like a good way of approaching it. My last question: How is it to work alongside Nicole Kidman?
It’s magnificent! It’s one of these things where you go, “Oh my God, I’m about to work with Nicole Kidman.” You have to have those feelings and let that enormous thrill of it [laughs] flow through your body.
Then, I get to a point where I have to go, “Okay, now I have to do my job!” I have to really be able to see her as a partner in this journey. She’s so magnificent, because she is 100-percent willing to be in it with you. She’s so humane and kind and generous that you just are able to work together.
We had such wonderful chemistry and she’s such a generous actor that our scenes were fire, and it was so much fun. It is really exciting to work with somebody that’s giving you so much back. That was definitely my experience in working with Nicole.
