Katherine Langford Says This $14 Mascara Is Everything

Plus, the SPF she swears by that's also a makeup-setting spray.

Katherine Langford Says This $14 Mascara Is Everything

It's a rainy morning in Perth, Australia when Katherine Langford calls me for Glamour's latest round of Big Beauty Questions. After a difficult year of trying to make it back home during the pandemic, she's finally reunited with friends and family. “I was very fortunate to be able to make it back, so it's really amazing to spend time at home," she tells me. “I just feel better here.” 

Embracing the simplicity of life is more important than ever to the soon-to-be 25-year-old. As a L'Oréal Paris spokesperson, she's a big believer in its mantra, “Because You're Worth It,” which is celebrating 50 years of empowering women all over the world. “It's such a powerful and universal mindset that resonates in such a positive way,” Langford says of the legendary tagline created by 23-year-old female copywriter Ilon Specht in 1971. “It means that you stand out and shine just by being your authentic self and living true to your values; not because of how you look or how you're perceived.” 

Langford herself didn't wear a lot of makeup in her teens, but remembers her first lipstick was a L'Oréal red shade since her mom always wore it. As the story goes, it's been a staple in her makeup bag ever since. “I guess I was emulating her before I even realized it,” she says. 

So what else does the Cursed star swear by? From her favorite sunscreen to her go-to mascara, we got her to spill all. 

What's one beauty trend you’re obsessed with right now?

Someone mentioned skinimalism to me. I hadn’t heard of it before, but it’s basically doing whatever look you want but keeping the products on your skin really minimal. And that’s something I can get behind, especially during COVID since we’re not going out as much. Plus it’s a trend that incorporates self-care and feels quite freeing and fresh.

What's the best beauty advice your mom ever gave you?

I learned a lot just by watching her get ready. Sometimes she’d wear makeup, sometimes she wouldn’t, but it wasn’t a necessity, and I think that set an example that I was enough just as myself, to be OK with not wearing makeup. It’s not something you need, but something you choose to add to yourself.

Fill in the blank: I love my hair…

Just as it is! But also for coming on my hair color journey with me.

How do you keep your hair in such great shape since you do tend to switch up your hair color?

A good leave-in conditioner. When I went blonde with L’Oréal, I used the EverPure Blonde Collection to maintain the color and also keep it protected and healthy, which really worked. You’ve got to be really thoughtful when you go blonde with the products you choose, and also the after-care. And I'm a big fan of their Elnett hair spray because it’s a staple and an easy buy at the drugstore.

L'Oréal Paris EverPure Blonde Shampoo

L'Oréal Paris EverPure Blonde Conditioner

L'Oréal Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hair Spray

What city or country that gives you the greatest beauty inspiration?

Australia and France. To me there’s a real earthiness to Australian beauty. When I go home, I just feel better, my skin is better, and there’s sun and the ocean. When I visited France, there’s that same appreciation for natural beauty, and it’s also so much about how you carry yourself. I also really love the contrast of the underground looks you see in Paris as well as Japan, although I’m still waiting for a chance to visit.

You can only use three products for the rest of your life. What are they?

SPF is a big one, even in winter. I make sure I’m always wearing it. I use a mixture. I’ve used the Dermalogica one, but also Kate Somerville SPF 50. We have this saying in Australia called “slip, slop, slap”—you slip on a t-shirt, slop on some sunscreen, and slap on a hat, and you learn that basically from the age of three. For my second product, Colour Riche rouge lipstick and then finally, Air Volume Mega Mascara because it’s impactful and easy to wear.

Dermalogica Invisible Physical Defense Sunscreen SPF 30

Kate Somerville SPF50 Soft Focus Makeup Setting Spray

L'Oréal Colour Riche Matte Lipstick

L'Oréal Air Volume Mega Mascara

What colors are you loving on your nails right now?

I’ve had natural nails for quite some time now, but I just started playing around with pinks and other spring colors because of the warmer weather. I also love a red nail and nail art.

What's your go-to perfume?

I really like fragrance, so I’ve been a Tom Ford wearer for a couple of years now. I’ve also been recently mixing it up with a couple other fragrances—including one from Valentino.

What's your favorite way to take a moment for yourself?

The beach. Or if I’m not near the ocean, then a trip to the park. I’m fascinated by squirrels, because we don’t have them where I grew up.

Would you rather get a facial or a massage?

A massage. I did this show a couple years ago now, and it was really grueling on my body, so I would get a massage once a week while we were filming. It really chilled me out, but it’s also a good thing to be able to do with your body and a really nice act of self care.

If you could change one thing about beauty perceptions, what would it be?

If I could, I’d change the lens. Beauty is perceived differently by each person, but when you have a very select idea of what beauty is, it limits that view. I’m really excited to live in a time when more female directors are being recognized for their work and are being a part of challenging those typical beauty standards that have existed for so long. I also think it’s important to understand that beauty doesn’t just exist as a visual sense.

Who are the women inspiring you the most right now?

Jacinda Ardern, the Prime Minister of New Zealand. What a leader! She's not only navigated New Zealand through the pandemic, but she's also closing the gender gap and pioneering equality legislation. It sets a great example for what can be accomplished, but also what so many other countries are missing out on when the population is misrepresented.

Jessica Radloff is the Glamour West Coast editor. Follow her on Instagram at @jessicaradloff14.

This story originally appeared on: Glamour - Author:Jessica Radloff