I need to learn how to breathe. Every single person I talk to who is a professional in exercise or mediation says that most of us don’t breathe properly. I should also meditate more – I have a very overactive brain and it gets very heated and [fast-paced] so I just need to learn [how to prevent that]. The crosswords are my new thing for all of that, but otherwise I’m just trying to take care of myself more, be more balanced and not stress myself out so much with my own brain.
On her favourite way to exercise
It’s unoriginal but Pilates is great. I haven’t exercised in the past few weeks, but I’m going to get back on it. This summer I also went up a lot of steps –a lot of them! Turns out steps are really good exercise – you work out the back of your thighs, your butt, your heart, everything! It’s pretty great. That was my only exercise this summer – that, and swimming. I also do strength training because I have a really bad back so I need to focus on – and strengthen – my core.
On her favourite way to wear her hair
I haven’t been able to wear my hair naturally for a really long time. I like it most when it’s long and blondey-brown, like it is now, but maybe with bangs. As natural as possible. In Sex Education, I’ve never had hair I particularly liked because [Maeve] is a different vibe. The grass is always greener, but I have always wanted to have a curly mane, like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman, but my hair is so flat.
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On the best beauty tip she’s received
I don’t know if I’ve received anything particular. I just think that less is more. I’ve been so anxious about my skin– I think about it all the time and it made me spiral for years, which sounds really stupid, but it takes up so much headspace when you don’t have good skin. So teaching my brain new habits and trying not to worry about it so much, as well as paring everything back, has honestly been the best thing.
On Burberry’s Goddess eau de parfum
I was really taken – and excited – by the project [with Burberry Beauty]. The fragrance is unique and rich and complex, plus it has vanilla caviar in it – it’s the first time it’s ever been used in a fragrance. I first smelled it on [a friend] and she smelled very summery and nice, which is why I like it so much. I spray it on my wrists and dab it on my neck, and I have a little travel bottle – which I dispense perfume into – with me at all times. I spritz myself throughout the day.
Burberry Goddess Eau de Parfum
On star signs
I pretend I’m not [into star signs] but I am. I don’t care what anyone says [laughs]. I am a Capricorn, with a Gemini moon and Gemini rising, so I feel more like [a Gemini]. We’re all just looking for a bit of comfort, so I do believe in star signs for that. I look at [astrology apps] Pattern and Co-Star and feel better. I do prefer science and all that stuff… but it’s sometimes nice to be a bit ethereal.
On autumn beauty essentials
I don’t really wear any make-up – I should! I don’t make enough effort. I will be using SPF every day and a bit of tinted moisturiser, maybe. At most a bit of blush, but I don’t like pink or orange tones, I like shades that are a bit darker and more golden. I also always use scrub and lotion – I’ve got dry knees!
On the secret to a good bath or shower
I can’t be bothered with baths, which probably says a lot about me. Baths just make me feel a bit dizzy and I cant be bothered to stay in there for that long. In the shower, I scrub – I use exfoliating gloves to scrub everywhere alongside simple body products.
On her secret to brilliant brows (and lashes)
I just pluck the stray hairs myself. I do get them shaped when I’m in London – I do them with a lady called Anu Khapung, who is great. She did all the Barbies on the film. She also curled our lashes too – I feel brand spanking new when I have a lash lift. Good lord, they’re wonderful!
On her secret to a life well-lived
I feel like everyone agrees that you’ve got to surround yourself with good people. That takes time. You’re lucky if you have them when you’re born, but it takes time to find chosen family, people that you feel comfortable with and who challenge you and won’t let you get away with stuff. It’s good to learn as well and if you’re able to do a job you love, that’s even better. But yeah, I think people are the key, aren’t they?
