In celebration of L’Oréal Paris’ 25-year partnership with the Cannes Film Festival, actress and L’Oréal Paris ambassador Katherine Langford is opening up about the things that are most important to her.
Talking exclusively with marie claire Australia beauty director Sally Hunwick from Cannes, Langford shares her favourite must-have products, her hometown of Perth, and how it feels to be a woman in film today.
Sally Hunwick: This is your first time attending the Cannes Film Festival. How are you liking it?
Katherine Langford: The South of France is so beautiful. Cannes is so close to the ocean, so it’s not too dissimilar from home [in Perth]. It’s such an honour to be part of the L’Oréal Paris family.
[The brand has] so many amazing initiatives. [For me] especially, being a partner of the Cannes Film Festival and also, the Lights On Women Award [launched by] L’Oréal Paris, which is now in its second year, is very exciting.
SH: L’Oréal Paris has really celebrated women in cinema. And, as you say, the Lights On Women Award, which supports promising female short film directors, is such an empowering example of that. As a woman in the film industry, what does awards like this mean to you?
KL: Just like any industry, it’s so important to have representation. And L’Oréal Paris is such an incredible example of a company that truly stands behind their morals and their values. It’s amazing, as an actress, and as a young actress, to see equality being spoken about in the industry – and also to see real changes.
Especially with awards like the Lights On Women Award, which gives opportunities for female filmmakers to be seen and to have their work put out there. It is really special and very exciting.
SH: And it’s such a positive award. And on a personal note, what positive changes have you seen in the industry since you’ve been in the industry?
KL: Equality is an ongoing conversation, so it’s been interesting to see that conversation increase and progress over the past few years. I know for myself, that being a part of the Time’s Up movement in 2018 was such, a such poignant and important memory for me, not only as a woman, but also as an actress.
Being in a room with so many indomitable women and actresses who I’ve looked up to and seeing and hearing them talk about the need for equality [was incredible].
SH: You are going to be on the red carpet here in Cannes. What’s a favourite red carpet makeup look that you love?
KL: Well, the last film festival I was at was the Toronto Film Festival for Knives Out. It was this bold navy eye look, with really clean dewy skin, and really textured pulled-up hair. We took a lot of inspiration from Elizabeth Taylor. I really like looks where you can play with glamor, but also keeping it young and fresh.
SH: And of course, L’Oréal Paris is a makeup and skincare brand. Can I ask you what your favourite makeup products are?
KL: I always change my makeup and skincare routine because I think that you’ve always got to keep trying to find what’s right for you. I think it’s so important to take care of your skin. I love the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Filler Hyaluronic Acid Serum. I carry it with me when I travel and I have it at home so that’s definitely a staple. For a quick, easy makeup look, I have key staples, like a mascara—I love Paradise Mascara—and I love Colour Riche Lipstick. If you just want to have a touch-up; taking yourself from a dinner look, to a premiere look, like we’ll be doing at Cannes, I think those three are probably my top favourites.
SH: What would you say beauty means to you?
KL: Beauty means so many different things. Beauty really is in the eye of the beholder. But for me, beauty is confidence. It comes in all different shapes and sizes. And I think that you feel—or at least for me—I feel my most beautiful when I feel myself. That can mean being around people I love.
So, sometimes when I’m at work or I’m being able to create something around people I love. But also when I’m at home in Australia, around my friends and family, I feel very beautiful when I’m at home.
As the biggest beauty brand in the world, L’Oréal Paris has an unparalleled commitment to technology, research and innovation and providing ground-breaking, high-quality products for women and men of all ages and ethnicities.
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
