Dame Helen Mirren, celebrated for her unfiltered honesty and effortless style, recently shared insights into her beauty and style philosophy while at the Cannes Film Festival. Discussing her thoughts during this prestigious event, Mirren, the renowned L’Oréal Paris ambassador since 2014, reflected on her passion for self-expression and the changing landscape for women in film. Helen Mirren beauty and style secrets were central to her conversation, highlighting how authenticity remains at the core of her allure, whether she is on the red carpet or at home.
A Night at Cannes: Grace on the Red Carpet
Mirren was the epitome of calm as she prepared to attend the Colours Of Time premiere at Cannes. The constant activity along La Croisette, with its paparazzi and luxury vehicles, didn’t disturb her poise. She stepped out in a custom gown by Badgley Mischka, paired with a dramatic fascinator and Margot McKinney’s Marina Collier necklace, featuring over 400 carats of gemstones. Her posture and elegance in front of cameras have been shaped by her acclaimed stage career, which includes portraying Queen Elizabeth II and other British monarchs.
Championing Women and Diversity in Film
Beyond the glamour, Mirren was in Cannes to support the L’Oréal Paris Lights On Women Award, which celebrates the achievements of rising female filmmakers. She remarked on the evolution of the film set environment, recalling her early days surrounded almost entirely by men: only a handful of women worked in costume, hair, and makeup then. Now, Mirren observes significantly more women in roles such as directing and cinematography, saying the shift is “moving.” This commitment to empowering women is emblematic of her broader career and life philosophy.
Roots in Essex: Early Beauty Discoveries
Raised in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, Helen Mirren developed her first beauty rituals as a teenager, browsing Woolworths’ counters. She fondly remembers following the fashion for white lipstick in her youth, describing it as a fleeting trend she is glad has not returned. She identifies strongly as an “Essex girl at heart,” reflecting the blend of groundedness and playfulness that has characterized her career and personal style.
A Lifelong Affair with the Beauty Aisle
Mirren’s passion for beauty products began early and has not faded with success. She describes the joy of exploring new products at the drugstore and the satisfaction of leisurely applying her makeup at home. However, she also laments the disappointment when favored items are discontinued, despite an appreciation for beauty innovation. This honest take on beauty routines makes her relatable to fans of all ages.
Reinvention and Red Carpet Surprises
Known for her inventive flair, Mirren often surprises audiences with unexpected style choices. At the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, she sported a blue updo to match her dress—a spontaneous decision executed by her trusted hair professional, Stephane Lancien, who crafted the look on the spot. These moments of bold style have become Mirren’s signature, reinforcing her reputation for confidence and creative risk-taking.
Views on Ageing: Challenging Conventional Wisdom
As her 80th birthday approaches, Mirren remains outspoken on the subject of ageing. She has confronted clichés about “looking good for your age,” having led campaigns to shift how ageing is discussed, especially for women. Mirren embraces the concept of “ageing gracefully,” provided it does not impose restrictions on personal expression, such as hair color or footwear choices. Her advocacy extends to health and lifestyle advice, particularly for young people.
“Don’t smoke, that’s rule number one and do everything, but don’t do too much of anything – that’s a great way of looking at things, because it’s important to take care of your health, but you also don’t want to live like a nun.”
—Helen Mirren, Actress
Influences and Admiration: Anna Magnani as a Role Model
Mirren’s admiration for Italian actress and Oscar-winner Anna Magnani has played a significant role in her own journey. She admired Magnani’s style, authenticity, and grounded portrayals of everyday women—qualities reflected in Mirren’s own career. Mirren’s sincerity and lack of pretension continue to endear her to the public, setting her apart from many Hollywood stars shaped by modern media training.
On Being a Role Model and Industry Admiration
In her decades-long career, Mirren has encountered plenty of fans who express admiration for her both in public spaces and within the industry. She speaks warmly about such encounters but admits to still being surprised when strangers approach her with praise. Mirren’s natural charisma has made her a muse not only for audiences but also for celebrities such as rapper 50 Cent and actor Liam Neeson, each of whom has publicly complimented her confidence and presence.
Championing Authenticity in Beauty Choices
Mirren’s authenticity extends to how she represents beauty products. For a campaign with L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Hair Colour, she chose to color her hair herself at home rather than rely on an international hair expert, believing that a true endorsement comes from personal use. This straightforward approach resonates with her fans and reinforces her status as a relatable icon in beauty and fashion.
“Yes! I asked them to send the box to me. That’s the point of the whole thing, isn’t it? I wanted to do it myself, to genuinely be able to tell people that it’s a great product, which it is.”
—Helen Mirren, Actress
A Lasting Impact on Beauty and Style Culture
Helen Mirren’s unwavering confidence, her embrace of individuality, and her openness about the ups and downs of beauty and style have made her an influential figure for generations. Her rejection of rigid rules—advocating instead for authenticity and enjoyment—sets an example that resonates across the film industry and beyond. As she continues her journey, with new roles and fresh red carpet moments, Mirren’s perspective promises to inspire others to approach beauty and style with self-assurance and boldness.
