Braving high levels of humidity—with the help of hair products that can stand up to it—we joined actress Marta Milans as she prepped for the Miami premiere of her new Peacock crime drama M.I.A. this past weekend—and her beauty game was as solid as her performance.
Best known for her starring roles in both Shazam! films, Milans credits good sleep and hydration as her event-night foundation, plus a lymphatic drainage massage from her go-to LA therapist.
Ahead, Milans shares the details behind her pre-premiere routine.
What is your normal skin- and hair-prep for a big event?
“Good hydration is so important, as well as getting enough sleep, in my opinion. If I have time, I’ll call my lymphatic-drainage massage queen, Helen, when I’m in L.A. She’s the absolute best.”
Are there any products you really like your glam team to use? Is there anything for hair you’ve found that can stand up to Miami humidity?
“What I call Jesus Christ in a bottle is the Dry Texturizing Spray from Oribe! I have very long, very fine hair these days, so anything to give it some body and volume is always welcome! Brian Baddie was my hair stylist on M.I.A., and he was able to keep my hair long, sleek and sexy during the summer months in Miami, not an easy task.”
Is there anything you do for self-care prior to a big premiere and appearance?
“Definitely trying to get enough sleep, but having a 17-month-old baby, now those days of sleep are long gone! I do owe a lot to Denise, the lead aesthetician from Flawless by Melissa Fox, who tailored my facials throughout the show and for the final event. Her hands are the best. She uses Biologique Recherche products, as well as Auteur, my latest discovery.
Also, as long as I can get my workouts in—Pilates and yoga—I’m happy and ready to go! And trying not to drink wine several days before an event helps!”
Do you have any BTS skin or hair-care moments from the show that helped you get into character?
“I would have very early call times, so I would do a face mask and work my cryo sticks from BR [Biologique Recherche] to work on puffiness, especially around my eyes and help my skin look bright and refreshed even if I was up at 4 a.m. For hair, I’m obsessed with this very creamy hair mask called Manila Mask from a Spanish brand called Goa Organics. It’s all vegan and smells delicious. I bring jar after jar with me when I travel back home to Spain.”
What is the vibe you try to set in the room while you do glam?
“Music is the most important thing for me while getting ready in hair and makeup! Van Morrison, Cat Stevens, David Bowie, Bruce Springsteen…my old-school rock classics are always with me! I always like upbeat and happy vibes unless I’m getting in character and it’s a heavier moment, for which I’ll choose a darker tone of music for that.”
