Elle Fanning very literally looks like a Disney princess—longtime fans may recall when she played Aurora in the Maleficent movies. Let’s face it: No beauty hack in the world can replicate genetics like that. But that doesn’t mean we’re not taking notes while she lists her favorite products. And things aren’t always as they seem scrolling through social media or on the red carpet.
“I have had annoyances with my skin for sure,” she tells me from the Cannes Film Festival. “I’m super [fair], so loads of sunscreen for me, and super, super sensitive—I used to get a lot of eczema on my eyelids.” Over time, though, the L’Oréal Paris spokeswoman has managed to find a routine that works: “My routine is more minimal at the moment, and my eczema is [at bay] right now, because I’ve found products that I really love, and they’re working.”
@ellefanning / Instagram
In any case, the skincare stakes are certainly higher when you’re regularly appearing on a global stage. In addition to making highly fashionable appearances on numerous red carpets at Cannes, Fanning was also in town to attend the fifth annual L’Oréal Paris Lights On Women’s Worth Award Ceremony. Each year, the award is presented to a standout female director with a short film playing at that year’s festival.
Fanning, who served as the juror for the 2024 Women’s Worth Award, is no stranger to the occasion. “I absolutely loved being a juror, and I would like to again,” she says. “This year, Viola Davis took over for me, and she gave such a beautiful speech. It was so empowering.” The significance of the award doesn’t escape her: “I love that L’Oréal Paris has done this for the past five years, because it truly champions female filmmakers and gives them the confidence to share their stories and tell their point of view.”
We got to ask Fanning a few questions about her red-carpet routine, her go-to makeup product, and the one beauty hack she’s still too skeptical to try. Read on for what she shared.
What’s one skincare step you’d never skip?
“Moisturizer is key! Every day, moisturizer. I’ll put oil in my moisturizer. I do love a face mask, but that’s kind of a luxury—getting ready for a red carpet is my face-mask mode.”
@ellefanning / Instagram
What product has been in your routine the longest?
“The L’Oréal Paris True Match Concealer is my favorite thing. The consistency is incredible, and it [matches] my color exactly. I have so many of these things, because every time I am in a drugstore, I grab one—if you look in all my bags, it’s in there. It goes with me everywhere.”
Do you have any specific rituals or prep steps for the red carpet?
“I don’t have any rituals that are make or break; it’s go-with-the-flow of whatever environment I’m in. I think I just try to calm my nerves—I do a little face mask, we turn on some music, [review] the look. I’m talking to my hair and makeup team and making sure we’re all united in what we want to do. It’s all about: ‘What’s the character that we’re going to be today?'”
What’s the best skincare advice you haven’t taken?
“Silk pillows are apparently all the rage, but I don’t like sleeping on them! I know that it’s soft, and they say that silk pillows make a difference with your hair and your face, but I’m very specific about my pillows. I don’t know, maybe I’ll try it—it’s supposed to be good.”