Nicole Kidman Talks Beauty and the Surprising Item She Carries in Her Bag

by Alexandra Tunell

photo: Allure
photo: Allure

Nicole Kidman plays Grace Kelly, the glamorous movie star turned princess, in Grace of Monaco (out in March). But at home in Nashville, Kidman is a low-key, makeup-free mom. Okay, and also a glamorous movie star. I asked her about becoming a royal, her beauty routine, and the contents of her bag. And although I'm not big on selfies, when an Academy Award-winning actress agrees to pose for one (above), I'm all in!

How difficult was it to transform into such an iconic figure? "At first, I was really intimidated because she's just so beautiful. I didn't really know anything about her, but once I started to research her and find the human qualities, there were things I related to and understood, so I was able to go, 'Okay, this is doable.'"

What was your favorite part of becoming Grace Kelly? "All of it! I love being transformed, being made into something else. They made my brows longer and sort of extended my eye socket a bit with liner and these little eyebrow patches they painted on and I had to pluck the underside of my brows during filming."

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Did you ever feel almost like you were her? "It was weird, I started to move like her and behave like her and so that was a good sign. Instead of it feeling like I was putting something on it became inherent in me. When I was playing her, I felt far more elegant. I was also living in Monaco, so I sort of just lived the role. And then when I finished playing her, I went back to being sort of my gawky self."

Off set, what's your everyday routine like? "I really believe in taking vitamins and supporting my skin with inside health. My nails are probably the worst part of me, they're always breaking, so I use this amazing skin, hair, and nails vitamin from Swisse Wellness and it's really changed them. (Kidman is a spokesperson for the brand.) Besides that, I meditate and stay out of the sun. I'll eat anything, I'm pretty normal when it comes to that, but I also like to exercise."

What beauty products are always in your medicine cabinet? "La Mer Crème is my go-to, but I also love Aquaphor. It costs nothing and it's amazing for dry skin, which I have. I put it on my face and it's very, very good. I don't wear makeup when I'm not working, so I get my eyelashes and eyebrows tinted."

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How do you unwind? "Massage. I'm a huge believer in the medicinal effects of massage. I just feel like that's a huge part of my relaxation and it helps me to sleep, which is not my strong suit. When you have little kids, you just tend to wake up a lot and that's my nature, to always be listening out."

Do you have a signature fragrance? "Yes, I make it. It's my secret concoction. It's sexy, guys like it. Maybe one day I'll put it in a bottle and market it because people always ask."

What do you always carry in your bag? "Extra panties--but not for me!--for my daughter. I'm a mom, so I don't have a lot of room in my bag, but I always try to have an all-in-one product. I use Benefit Benetint on my lips and cheeks."

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