Lupita Nyong'o, Fashion And Beauty Tips

2024 Author: Steven Freeman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 08:15

On the occasion of the premiere of the movie US, we talked with the Kenyan actress born in Mexico who always dazzles on the carpet for her wise choices and natural elegance.

You've worked in historical dramas and superhero movies, among other genres. How was the experience of working at Us?

It was fantastic. I love the director Jordan Peele. I fell in love with him as a director when I saw the movie Get Out - I saw it 5 times in a month! - so when he offered me the opportunity, I took it. It changed my life and I feel like I grew up as an actress.

How is it different from your previous roles?

[The movie] is much scarier than anything I've ever done before. Also, working in two simultaneous roles in the time it normally takes you to play one was challenging. Being mean was wonderful.

Has it been a busy month for you with the premiere of Black Panther, this and other projects. How do you stay grounded in the midst of Hollywood madness?

I think it has to do with the way I grew up. She was the daughter of a famous man, at least in my world, so that helped me understand what it means to be a public figure. My dad had an [important] position and when he got home what he needed was a foot massage. So I know the human side behind the public figures. I also meditate because it is crucial not to lose my sanity and I try to surround myself with family and friends.

Over the years you have become a fashion benchmark. How do you choose what you wear?

I work with an amazing stylist who knows me in a way that makes it easy for me to relax and experiment with clothes. It all starts with a conversation. We talk about how I want to feel and that changes depending on what I'm promoting, or the reason I'm on the mat. It is about achieving a coherent story. It's not about getting a headline or getting attention, it's about telling a story and celebrating an aspect. We start with the clothes and then we base the rest on that. I am not a fashionista studied at all. I know myself and I do nothing but navigate the world of fashion with me as a compass.

In this process do you gravitate towards certain designers or trends?

Even though I love fashion, I don't follow trends. There are simply things that provoke a reaction in me. [I choose] what strikes me, whether it came out this year or fifteen years ago. I do not care about that.

To whom do you attribute your appreciation for fashion?

To my mom. She always took care of herself, she did her nails on Sundays. She tried hard to dress well, but always comfortable and elegant. For her, it was like a sign of respect for herself and her environment, and I wanted to be like that. I had an aunt who was wilder than my mom. She shaved her head and put on leather jackets and I also wanted to be like her. I feel like those two women had a huge influence on how I understand femininity and style. Being bold and elegant are two qualities that I love to experiment with.

Your skin always stands out for having a glow. How do you take care of it?

I always had problems with my skin. Taking care of her and ensuring that she is healthy was important to me, and my mom was key in meeting that challenge. I grew up appreciating beauty regimens and leaned toward more natural skincare. I try not to wear makeup as much as I can. I also like to play with [her], so it's a balance of the two, but I try not to rely on makeup to look good. I use avocado oil, which is hydrating and undoes my makeup more gently. During the winter both my skin and my hair suffer so it is important to hydrate them. I am lucky that my hair stylist has his own line of products that take care of my hair. In the winter I doubly hydrate myself with shea butter.

You always project a lot of self-confidence, how do you do it?

It's been a long way, but I noticed a big difference [in myself] when I moved to Mexico. As a teenager, I was always very shy when it came to dancing. In Mexico, when I went to salsa salons, people danced not only with who was accompanied, but they exchanged partners. As I was in a world where nobody knew me and I didn't feel pressure, I dared to dance. The experience of [doing it] as if no one really saw me freed me. The dance floors are ideal places to not take yourself so seriously, have fun and love life. The moment I discovered the compass for my feet, I realized that I could apply that rule to other things in my life. It was very liberating.