Some of us might want to look as good as Dame Helen Mirren at 69-years-old. But I, for one, would rather have as good an outlook on life as she does at that age. Mirren is the new face of L’Oreal Paris come February and she posed for the campaign just gorgeous in her wrinkles, looking very much a woman about to turn 70. The actress also spoke candidly with the UK’s Daily Mail (usually a pretty shit publication for its treatment of women) about her attitude on beauty, confidence and aging:
Mirren’s beauty tips:
“I’m not obsessive when it comes to looking after my skin. I have always used moisturizer at night and in the morning — it makes me feel better and to me that’s what I want from it. It doesn’t have to make me look 10 years younger: it’s all about how it makes me feel better that day. My biggest beauty advice is just to make sure you clean your skin really well and don’t smoke. I also have to have my eight hours of sleep a night.”
Mirren on an more inclusive definition of beauty:
“I don’t really like the word ‘beauty.’ There are physically beautiful people in the world (David Beckham, for instance, is unbelievably beautiful), then there are other people that are not beautiful, but are very attractive because of their personality, energy, brilliance, genius: all kinds of things. So I have a resistance to the word ‘beautiful.’ I wish we could find another word that takes it away from physical beauty and brings it more into the world of true attractiveness.”
Mirren on self-confidence:
“I think L’Oreal’s slogan ‘Because I’m Worth It’ really strikes a chord with women. Self-esteem is such a hugely important thing and it’s so difficult for all of us. Everybody has moments of massive insecurity and I think anything that makes you feel more confident and more secure in yourself is a great thing. It’s tough for a lot of women with busy schedules or limited resources: they are incredibly busy and have difficult lives. To stop for a few seconds to say: ‘You know what, I can sit down, have a breather, a cup of tea or a bath and think, yes, I’m worth it, my life is worth it’ is so important. People say to me ‘Oh, you’re so self-confident,’ but I am not naturally self-confident, I just have had to be in my work and my life. If it’s a problem, it’s my problem — I’ve got to deal with it.’
Helen on aging:
I used to worry a lot more about my looks than I do now. I think the great advantage of getting older is that you let go of certain things. Having said that, I think all women worry to some degree — and I don’t think men are exempt.
Brains and beauty (and talent): Helen Mirren really is the best. Ugh, I love her so much!
