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Ana de Armas has the glow of someone with major movies in the pipeline (No Time to Die, the latest in the Daniel Craig-fronted James Bond series, and Deep Water, a thriller in which she stars opposite Ben Affleck, are both slated for release in November), a new puppy (her name is Salsa and, says de Armas, she's a "great cuddler"), and bathroom shelves full of La Mer products.
The actor is collaborating with the skin-care brand in celebration of a new, souped-up version of The Concentrate, a fan-favorite serum now with antioxidant protection to help soothe and strengthen the skin barrier. It's de Armas's first beauty partnership and — seeing as she "always" travels with a full suite of La Mer products — a fitting one.
We spoke with the actor about skin care as self-care, transforming into Marilyn Monroe for an upcoming film, and how she's finding peace amid the pandemic.
ALLURE: What's your earliest beauty memory?
DE ARMAS: Oh my gosh, I remember using homemade exfoliators and masks with my mom — we invented them using sugar and oils. I must have been 9 or 10 years old at the time. Growing up in Cuba, I was always outside and on the beach. So I had lots of sun on my face, and the freckles would come out.
But as a teenager, you don't really think about that too much. I also didn't really have products to put on, because in Cuba that's not something you usually have. My awareness about taking care of my skin and protecting it happened as I got older.
ALLURE: What does your skin-care routine look like today?
DE ARMAS: I've learned to enjoy the time [I spend applying my products] and slow down a little bit. It hadn't been my priority. And I felt like I spent too much time in the bathroom! But now, I make sure that after I wake up, I wash my face. I put on all my serums and sunscreen in the morning.
And then at night, if I put makeup on that day, I take the makeup off. I wash my face again and I put on all of the serums plus eye cream… the whole thing! I've become very protective of my little creams. So all of a sudden, I find myself buying everyone else their own so they don't touch mine!
ALLURE: Do you do anything differently if you're filming or have a photoshoot?
DE ARMAS: I have very sensitive skin, and [it can be] very reactive to all the makeup I have to put on every day when I'm shooting. The day before I try not to get a facial or exfoliate or do anything too crazy. I just let it be, and do my usual routine. I try not to think about it because I swear to God, if I stress too much, I get a pimple. It never fails.
ALLURE: You've partnered with La Mer. Are you ever tempted to use The Concentrate all over your body? I would be!
DE ARMAS: I mean, I don't use it everywhere — I want to save every little drop! I've been a big fan of their products for a while after a makeup artist friend of mine gave me some cream. The more you use The Concentrate, the more you feel [the difference in your skin]. I bring it with me when I travel, through all different climates and environments. My skin is less reactive.
ALLURE: You underwent a major hair and makeup transformation to play Marilyn Monroe in Blonde [out next year]. What was it like to see yourself as Marilyn for the first time?
DE ARMAS: I cried. It was a big, big deal for me. It was a very important role for me, a big challenge, something that I was preparing for a very long time — and to finally sit in the chair and put the wig and makeup on… it was very special. I completely transformed. One of the most beautiful things about my job, I think, is to see yourself become someone else.
ALLURE: Have you ever been blonde in real life?
DE ARMAS: I have — [but] not as blonde as Marilyn. At some points, she was completely platinum. But at the beginning, she was more of a golden blonde. [For the film] I had around five wigs with different lengths and colors. We had to do some aging makeup because it went over so many years of her life.
ALLURE: Aside from your skin-care routine, how else have you been practicing self-care during the pandemic?
DE ARMAS: Of course it's impossible to go to a spa. So you do whatever you can to feel good on your own, like take hot baths or play music. I recently built a meditation room — it's a beautiful space for myself, and I can go there to [relax] or read. It just feels really good.
Our La Mer Favorites
Like de Armas, we love the way La Mer The Concentrate calms and soothes. We also recommend La Mer The Moisturizing Soft Cream, which melts into skin for instant hydration.
All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
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