Moving effortlesssly from the small screen to what she referred to on Twitter as "the biggest red carpet in the world," Hollywood beauty Eva Longoria took last month's Cannes film festival by storm. The pint-sized star put in a series of stunning appearances to promote her new film, and in her capacity as brand ambassador for L’Oreal Paris. And she took a moment to speak to HELLO!’s beauty editor Nadine Baggott about mascara, moisturiser and making an entrance…
Eva, your Marchesa gown, complete with 6ft train, was one of the standouts from the opening night at Cannes. How much fun was walking the red carpet? "I love this red carpet. I love the fact that it's only photographers, although I did need help with my gown; that was the longest train on a dress, ever. "I have a village of people who help me, but I do enjoy and appreciate getting glammed up. Most women get to do it a few times in their life – their prom, their wedding – but I experience it more often." What's your biggest beauty secret? "Moisturising. Because I fly so much, hydration is important. When you have good skin, everything else kind of falls into place. Also, I use blush with shimmer in it. That way, your skin glows and people notice it." What are your favourite products at the moment? "Just recently I have been wearing crazy colours on my nails as a rebellion against Gabby, my character in Desperate Housewives. Finally, I can wear bold colours; I love a really bright blue." What are your three desert island make-up musts? "Firstly, mascara. Ever since doing the shoot for Million Lashes I have been addicted. I love the brush and the texture of the mascara. It's not clumpy and is the blackest black. Then all I would need is a bronzer and some fresh water."
Do you have your own signature make-up look for the red carpet? "Yes, a smoky eye with lashes and a nude lip. I always wear falsh eyelashes on the red carpet – that's been my beauty look since my pageant days." In general, are you high or low maintenance? "I would say low maintenance. I wear a lot of TV make-up at work every day, of course, but when I get home I can't wait to get it off. I wash my face with a cleanser, then do a whole nightly routine with moisturiser, vitamin C and lip balm. "During the day I apply moisturiser and bronzer all over, then mascara – and that’s it, I am ready. I rarely blow-dry my hair because it is naturally wavy and I can't be bothered, especially if it is raining. I was in New York recently and I looked like a lion by the end of the day. My hair just went, ‘Pfoof!'" So how do you keep your hair looking so gorgeous? "I have tried a Brazilian blow-dry and that was good for taking the frizz out. I color my hair so much – and prefer being a dark brunette as it’s natural and effortless – but I always use sulphate-free shampoos and conditioners to keep the colour. I sometimes use a mask, too. Which beauty gadget couldn't you be without? "Tweezers. I am obsessed with plucking my eyebrows. I always end up doing them on a plane at 30,000ft as the light is so good. It's said you eat like a rugby full-back, yet you have the body of a dancer…"I know, it's true. Recently I did a no-sugar diet for two months and it was the strictest thing I've ever done. I used to be a dancer and now I work out two or three times a week with a trainer." Are you an exercise fan, then? "No, I hate working out. I hate cardio, I hate running, I hate the treadmill… I like weights, but the rest of it just has to be done. That's why I have a trainer – to make me do it. And I like to get out and about as much as posible, which is easier in Los Angeles, as the sun shines.