By Rose Beer

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Michelle Monaghan, one of the stars of The White Lotus, talks us through her regime, and shares her beauty tricks and tips straight from the film sets.

Beauty is such a subjective word. There are some days where I’m looking at someone, something, or a place that sparks joy for me and that’s really beautiful. I see so much beauty in the qualities of people that I meet. I think confident and kind people are beautiful. Self expression… people who are unique and aren’t afraid of what others think is refreshingly beautiful too. There’s all different shades of beauty to me.

I probably feel my best after a workout, or a good night’s sleep. Sleep is everything. If I have a really good night’s sleep and I can wake up late on a Saturday or Sunday (by late I mean like 7.30am or 8am), and leisurely lay in bed with my husband, with the kids running around, I feel great in those moments.

Oh my gosh. I have a little obsession with Julianne Moore. She is just so beautiful and incredibly talented. I admire her career very much. I think she’s a fantastic artist and she’s someone who I feel has a ‘less is more’ approach to beauty.

In terms of work I am currently launching U Beauty’s The Smooth Wrinkle Defense Serum (£233, theubeauty.co.uk) which is exciting. I’m the global ambassador and it’s a brand that I’m proud to be aligned with. I have a Family Plan 2 coming out this fall, and another film called The Whisper Man starring Robert De Niro, Adam Scott and myself coming out next year. Also a fun comedy, Little Brother, with John Cena coming out next year as well

I would say I am intentional with my health, beauty, and wellness routine. I don’t know if it’s low key, but I don’t think it’s high maintenance. I’m very cognisant of the choices that I make now, as opposed to years ago where I didn’t give too much thought to what I was putting into my body, or on top of my skin. Now I do.

I couldn’t live without my U Beauty Resurfacing Compound (£221, theubeauty.co.uk), and probably now The Defence Serum too, which has become an invaluable part of my routine. I would say I can’t live without dandelion tea, I love it so much. Also my gua sha, meditation, and having access to a pilates reformer.

As I’ve grown older my approach to skincare and beauty has changed. I’ve taken more consideration in regards to my overall health, specifically through pregnancy and having children, and being more conscious about what I’m doing for and putting into my body.

The best beauty trick that I have learnt on set? Using witch hazel, ice cubes and cotton pads to de-puff my eyes.

Filming White Lotus I brought back the love of Thai massage. That’s something I still go and get. I had such an amazing time shooting there, and having access to all of their amazing massage techniques is something that I had to keep going.

I — like Jaclyn — love a faux glow, because I don’t go in the sun. She had a fake tan – the Saint Tropez Bronzing Mousse, (£31, cultbeauty.co.uk), that I would put on every Sunday. If I’m going on vacation, I will use that. Jaclyn wore a little more makeup than I would. I liked her no-fuss hair … That’s something that I’m aligned with.

My in-flight or on-the-road travelling essentials? Lots of water, and dandelion tea. I love Aesop’s Ginger Flight Therapy (£27, sephora.co.uk) too. Exercise bands and sliders travel in my suitcase, so that I keep to my routine as best as possible.

Is there a single beauty trend or trick people do that you love (or loathe)? Well, I’m worried about the 90s brow coming back … But I do love lymphatic drainage; that’s something that I learned really works, so I incorporate it into my routine.

I would love to see the FDA approve new sunscreen filters. I think we [the USA] have a lot to gain and learn from European standards, and I think that adopting new sunscreen filters would open Americans up for additional sun protection that I think that they need and deserve.

When I require headspace I will go to a quiet spot, and meditate for a few minutes. Sometimes I incorporate something called block breathing, which is very helpful. I can use that to center my mind to focus, or to just put myself to sleep.