Here’s Why Helen Mirren Doesn’t Do ‘Beauty Bags’

Dame Helen Mirren has long been admired not just for her illustrious career but also for her timeless elegance and unapologetic confidence. In a recent candid session with Harper’s Bazaar UK, she opened the doors to her personal approach to beauty, revealing not just the contents of her makeup bag, but also her philosophy on beauty, ageing, and self-perception. This intimate glimpse into her life offers more than beauty tips; it’s a masterclass in embracing one’s age with grace and confidence.

Through her insights and choices of beauty essentials, she teaches us that beauty is not just about looking good, but feeling good in one’s skin, at any age.

In this exploration of Helen Mirren’s beauty bag, we uncover not only the beauty products she cherishes but also the wisdom she embodies.

The ‘swagger bag’

“I don’t call it my beauty bag, I call it my swagger bag because it gives me swagger,” she said.

True to form, she emphasises the importance of self-assurance over adhering to conventional beauty standards. This outlook reflects her advice to her younger self: to “let go of the concept of beauty” and not allow it to influence one’s thinking.

@voguenl

Swirl Helen, swirl! #helenmirren #goldenglobes2024 #redcarpet #voguenl #tiktokfashion

♬ original sound – Vogue Netherlands

The contents of her ‘swagger bag’ reflect this philosophy.

Inside Helen Mirren’s beauty bag

Underneath a few packets of tea (because you can never be too short of good tea), Helen houses a few goodies which make her feel like her best self.

This starts with a mini size of L’Oreal’s Elnett hairspray ($5.99 at Priceline) – “an oldie but a goodie”) and the Weleda Refreshing Hand and Nail Cream ($19.95 at Nourished Life).

While her beauty bag is comprised of products that she likes to take on the go, Helen also mused on her lifelong approach to beauty.

She cites David Beckham as a huge beauty inspiration because of his chameleon-like approach to his look – from a shaved head to a mohawk. 

“He does it without affectation,” she reasoned.

On top of her skin care products, the L’Oreal Age Perfect Rosy Oil Serum ($50 at Woolworths) and L’Oreal Age Perfect Golden Age Rosy Re-Fortifying Day Cream ($39.99 at Priceline), the actress says what you eat and drink makes a huge difference to your skin.

Her overarching beauty goal, however, is to “tackle ageism”. She reflected on her wish to see more women as faces of authority and success in life, particularly women who are older. 

“My heart sings when the [accomplished person in life] is a woman, a mature woman,” she says. And our hearts sing for that just the same!

Main image credit: Getty

Do you resonate with Helen’s approach to beauty?