On how she wakes up in the morning
I’ve been trying to read a little bit before I get up in the morning, which has been quite nice. Skin-wise, I cleanse first and foremost. Then, given the weather [is cold and grey] at the minute, I’ve been really enjoying using serum a bit more. Noble Panacea recently brought out its Vitamin C Booster, and I like mixing it with the Prime Radiance Serum to give my skin a little extra moisture in the mornings. If I have time, I love to depuff. I’ll use some kind of cryo ball which I keep in the fridge or freezer to take any puffiness down – I probably only do it like once every few weeks though.
I went for a facial recently and I was told my under-eye area is extremely dry. I’ve been trying to be a bit better about using eye cream. I always feel like in the winter it’s easier to indulge in all the skincare steps. In summer you’re focusing on SPF and light make-up, and you feel like you need less, so I always enjoy this time of year, having all of these little skincare rituals.
On her star sign
I love star signs. I feel like I’m definitely a Pisces through and through. [Pisces are] extremely emotional, head in the clouds. They have a tendency to live in a little bit of a dream world, so avoidant of reality. These are tools I can use to my advantage [as an actress]! They’re generally quite empathetic – I guess that also feeds into the acting. I think they feel things quite intensely, and I definitely relate to that.
On her secret to glowy skin
Something that Jasmina [Vico, her facialist] instilled in me when I first met her was to take care of your skin from within. You know, staying hydrated, eating nutrient-rich foods. Obviously we all like to indulge in chocolate or alcohol – the finer things in life – but I guess on a base level, it’s about knowing what agrees with your body and what is good for it. I also drink a tonne of water. I’ve always done that.
I think if you are able to treat yourself to a facial every now and then, going to a place or a person who is really going to take the time to give you a bespoke treatment that’s tailored to what your skin needs [really helps]. The last thing that skin is is one-size-fits-all. I love to lie down, have someone stroke my face and fall asleep, but if you want to get your skin clear, do your homework and go to someone who knows what they’re doing.
On the best beauty tip she has learned on set
It’s a super simple one, which I really enjoy doing. It’s from [make-up artist] Alex Babsky, who I work with a lot. After he applies my moisturiser, he always uses his fingers to apply foundation. Of course, with powders and eyes it’s totally different, but when applying product to the skin, I’m always obsessed with how it looks when he uses his fingertips. When you want your skin to look like there is very little on it, but it’s still covered and blemishes are hidden, it’s a great tip. Especially now when it’s always like, oh you have to have this product and that tool or brush, and it’s like money, money, money. Sometimes it’s just a hands-on approach that works best.
On wellness
Instagram content
This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.
I love all that stuff, because I think it truthfully works. As with anything in life, the things that make us feel better we tend to push to one side… I’m really loving my yoga at the moment, and I know if I get up early and do it before my day starts, the day is completely transformed. But it’s also the first thing that I will talk myself out of. But I do love yoga – there’s something about the mind-body connection that I really, really enjoy.
I think breathwork is really powerful as well. There are so many amazing apps now. For instance, Insight Timer, which has meditations and guided sessions that, if you’ve got 10 minutes, you can do anywhere. Between the matinée and the evening show when we were in the Harold Pinter theatre, I’d do a little 20 minutes, which always seemed to help.
Also I know that everyone is currently getting bashed around the head with, “oh you should journal” right now [laughs], but I do actually do it. I don’t always remember to do it every day, but what I find fascinating is that when I read back over things, it’s crazy how easily we forget things we’ve experienced or how things made us feel. So I try to do that as much as I can.
On her play, Prima Facie
It’s been incredible and the journey is continuing, as we go to Broadway in April. We’re so lucky. I’ve always wanted to do theatre but it always felt like a bit of a far reach, as I’ve not been theatre trained. I just feel like I’ve grown and learned so much from the experience. [Criminal defence barrister] Tessa is a dream character. When you think of the woman that she is at the beginning of the play, and the journey she goes on, and then who she is at the end… It has been the greatest gift for me.
On how the stage compares to film
It’s exhilarating and it’s terrifying as well. I really enjoyed the discovery of it – every night, you find something different. Some nights aren’t your favourite. Some nights you walk off and think, “Oh, I didn’t quite get that”, or that it felt really different. But some nights, it feels incredible, and there’s always the opportunity to try something new and change. When I went back on a film set after the play, I was startled by the finality of everything. With a lot of movies, time is of the essence and you get one or two takes, and that’s it. That’s there forever! In a play you’re able to let go and live through the entire story every night, which I had never experienced before, and now I definitely crave.
On her British beauty icon
It’s going to have to be Dame Judi Dench. I remember her Vogue cover coming out, and I just thought, “well, it’s over for everyone after this – where do we possibly go from here?” Obviously I also admire her as an actress, but I recently watched her interview with Louis Theroux. I fell completely head over heels in love with her. Just her essence and her humility and her really naughty, wicked sense of humour. That, to me, is beauty. I just wanted to jump in the television and spend the afternoon with her! I came away from watching that episode feeling lighter and full of joy. When people make you feel like that, that’s beauty.
On her hair
Instagram content
This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.
I see [colourist] John Clark. I don’t change my colour a lot because I’ve found a shade that I love – and i’m terrified to! John is so brilliant. I also feel very lucky that I get to work with Sam McKnight, who kindly cuts my hair for me whenever I feel like a bit of a change. I remember when I had a break from the play, I just wanted to cut it all off. So we went really short, with loads of layers, which I love. He’s also brought his own range out now and has some incredible products. I use the Happy Endings Balm a lot in this weather, which makes my hair dry. The Deeper Love Mask is also amazing.
On the books she’s reading
I was so late to Where The Crawdads Sing, and have only just read it. The last six pages… tears were literally rolling down my chin, my neck and down to my chest! I was beside myself. I know I’m years late but I was really blown away by that. I’m also reading The Overstory by Richard Power, which is incredible. In both of them, there’s an exploration of nature. I think I’m really drawn to that at the minute.
On how she likes to exercise
I love Pilates. It’s so hard! I remember doing it for the first time a few years ago – maybe 2019 – and I was like ohhhh, that’s my core! I’ve done so much weight training and gone to a PT every week, but it wasn’t until I did Pilates that I realised how my body should be moving. I definitely discovered a different kind of strength.
On how she relaxes
Music is a massive thing for me. Going to the cinema. Cooking – I like to cook, the preparation bit I find quite calming, and I always listen to a podcast and switch off. Baths as well. I learned that from a friend of mine, Anastasia Achilleos. She’s also a facialist and works a lot with cranial sacral therapy. She’s incredibly spiritual and knows a lot about the nervous system and mindfulness. She really encouraged me, when I was doing the play, to bathe. She said that hot water and bathing was going to be really important to decompress and get rid of the stuff I was holding. So that’s really stuck with me. Now it has to be piping hot and a good 25 minutes. I love Epsom salts and some essential oils, along with a smelly candle or some incense. You can’t go wrong with any one of those elements. It can be a very sensory experience, even if it’s just a bath.
On her secret to a life well-lived
If something goes right, we’re quick to say that it’s a sign, or the universe at work. But if something goes wrong, we criticise ourselves and don’t see what the possible lesson could be. So I guess, one secret is being able to view those moments as some sort of sign too, and to find the joy or the lesson. Another is to stay curious. I’ve realised in the past couple of years that as kids we are so curious and want to know everything. We ask, why, why, why? But as we get older, we get sidetracked and distracted.
