'The Choice' star Teresa Palmer talks acting, lifestyle and fashion

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Women In Film 2015 Crystal + Lucy Awards - Arrivals
Women In Film 2015 Crystal + Lucy Awards - Arrivals



Teresa Palmer, the Australian beauty who stars in the new Nicholas Sparks movie The Choice opposite Benjamin Walker, is strong, confident and empowered -- personal qualities she was able to incorporate into her role as Gabby, a headstrong medical student who finds love where she least expects it.

Curious to know just how much Palmer and Gabby have in common, we chatted with the actress on the phone to get the scoop. Check out our Q&A below!

You're from Australia originally — how was it getting into a Southern role?

"It was fun! I've never played Southern before. We made the decision that while she's from the South, she's spent a lot of time in other states, so I never had to get into a full southern accent. And where we shot was so beautiful and so picturesque. I felt like I was in a real life postcard every day."

Do you identify with your character Gabby at all?

"We have a similar spirit. She's a dreamer and I'm definitely a big dreamer. She's very 'moment-to-moment,' and I love that about her. She's in a constant battle between her heart and her head. I loved playing her, I felt like she was such a vibrant spirit. Just a beautiful, strong, sassy woman who really had a great sense of self, and it was really amazing to try to embody that as much as I could."



Gabby was refreshing because she was so herself — she was a natural beauty who wore minimal makeup and had an unapologetic air of confidence. What led to that choice?

"I was pretty vocal about not wanting her to be the type of woman that wears a ton of makeup in a day. I think she's very comfortable in herself and she embraces the more natural look and just doesn't put too much stock into her physical appearance. That's what makes her so appealing to Travis, because she just naturally is who she is and she doesn't apologize for who she is. She's comfortable in her own skin and it's a beautiful trait that she has. And, you know, it was great for me because I didn't have to sit in a makeup chair."

What is your own makeup regimen like it real life? Do you also go for a more natural look?

"Mainly because I'm just lazy, my version of self care isn't going and getting my nails done and getting spa treatments and doing my makeup every day, that's just not who I am. I like to relax and cultivate my own self care like reading a book or getting a little more sleep, especially now as a mom. I don't have the passion for hair and makeup or even fashion. I like to be simple and keep things easy, and that's only magnified since I had a baby. I've been counting the amount of time I have to myself -- I get 20 minutes a day, so I spend 20 minutes a day reading a book before I go to bed.

So what are you currently reading?

"'Spiritual Midwifery' by Ina May Gaskin. It's just like birth stories for home-birthing mothers. I love her philosophy not just on parenting but on life in general, so I've been re-reading that because I have a bunch of pregnant friends around me."

Watch this cute scene from The Choice:

Watch Teresa Palmer Shove a Cake in Her Co-Star's Face in 'The Choice'
Watch Teresa Palmer Shove a Cake in Her Co-Star's Face in 'The Choice'



Let's talk about your style. What might someone find you wearing when out to lunch with a friend or running errands?

"It really depends, I'm very eclectic in my fashion choices. Some days I'm really boho, and I guess I would say 70% of my wardrobe is more boho. I like doing a vintage oversized sweater with a little skirt, I also really like doing shirts and pants, because for me I'm still breastfeeding, so my clothes have to mean that I have easy access to my boobs. Today I'm wearing black suit pants and a button up shirt. What else? Flats, I never really wear heels. It's just always changing, it really depends on my mood."

Any favorite designers or brands?

"Isabel Marant, I love. I've been loving Prada for red carpet recently, and then TopShop is great because you can get affordable pieces which look really super high end. H&M...I'm really enjoying the fact that you can get these items of clothing at such an affordable rate. I've never been able to justify spending a lot of money on clothes, and because I grew up not having a lot of money I can't wrap my head around spending a lot of money on clothes."

What do you have coming down the pipeline?

"Well last year I shot five films back to back, so I think that's probably why I'm sick now. In the last two years I filmed nine movies, so I have all of those coming out now. My manager was like, "You need to take a break." And it's not often you hear that from your manager! I'm planning on just having some family time and I'm relaunching my website and my fitness site, so I'm working on my activities and passion projects outside of acting, like writing. I just have so many films to promote right now so between that and being a mother and promoting my website I'm going to be pretty busy."

In addition to The Choice, Palmer also stars in Point Break, Knight of Cups, Berlin Syndrome, Too Legit (short film), Message from the King, Hacksaw Ridge, 2:22, Triple Nine, and Lights Out, so get ready to start seeing the blonde bombshell everywhere. We can't wait!

The Choice hits theaters February 5, 2016.

See photos of Teresa Palmer in the gallery below:



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Lauren Conrad's 5-minute makeup routine

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