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.
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?
I love her confidence and authenticity!
Like that she cites David Beckham.. Loved watching his TV show.
amazing lady
I do admire her attitude, hopefully more women will embrace it.
I think we have to remember to enjoy life whatever age.
What a beautiful dress, the colour suits her so well
I hate ageism, and stereotypes.
We all have a part to play in life and should appreciate each other
Yes its not visible in men
I take it she’s a L’Oreal ambassador.
That thought crossed my mind, too.
Totally .beauty is from the inside.
She knows what she likes.
I love a good cup of tea, it makes my day more pleasant
Age is only a number, which means nothing
I admire her approach to growing older and being confident in your own skin.
She’s such a beautiful woman inside and out. 💜
She is such a classy lady
You get to an age where being real is more important than looking in the mirror -Go Helen !!
I love her approach to ageism! She’s such a great role model.
She is worth emulating on so many levels.
absolutely -Make the most of who you are at any age
I agree: LOVE HER, LOVE HER, LOVE HER! ❤️
She is so refreshing. I like L’oreal products too.
it’s great she’s enjoying herself very much
Swagger Bag, I am going to use that!
She looks great and I’m happy she doesn’t try and look 20
I so admire her confidence!
She has a very down to earth approach and always looks great
She’s a sensible lady, so down to earth
She is very right about beauty is really within
She looks great.