Actor Andie MacDowell, 65, Shares Her Beauty Favorites

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

Before starring in classic films like Groundhog Day, Four Weddings and a Funeral, and Beauty Shop, Andie MacDowell began her career in the limelight as a model. Now, at age 65, she has earned the distinction of being L’Oréal Paris’s longest-serving ambassador—she started with the company in 1985.

Between acting gigs, moments spent walking the catwalk, and posing for L’Oréal’s international ad campaigns, MacDowell says she realized the true beauty of self-acceptance. “There came a time, I think, right around 60, where I just needed to be comfortable with the fact that I was an older woman, and I’ve embraced it,” she tells Bazaar. “And there’s a comfort level once you give up the idea that you need to be something that you’re not, and just kind of drop into where you are.”

Here, Bazaar catches up with the star about the beauty staples she reaches for again and again, her favorite ways to stay active, and some sage advice on the best ways to age gracefully.

If you don’t mind sharing, how old are you?

I’m currently 65.

What age do you feel you are in your head?

Most days, I feel like I’m 65, but it’s an interesting feeling. I remember being so surprised that I could feel so young, and then looking in the mirror and going, Oh, gosh, yeah, I’m not, though. And how people respond to you starts to change. But I feel like I’m a strong 65. I’m getting ready to do a half marathon with some of my friends—we’re only going to walk it, let me clarify—but it’s still 13 miles! We’re all in our 60s; some of them might even be in their 70s.

Do you have a beloved beauty product that you’ve used for most of your life?

I love red lipstick and mascara when I’m going out; sometimes it can be that simple. I also have to do my eyebrows—I can’t go out of the house without doing my eyebrows. But that’s an age-related thing, because as you get older, your eyebrows thin out. So, I always do my eyebrows, even if I’m just going for a hike. I do my eyebrows and add a little bit of blush.

Colour Riche Original Satin Lipstick

Voluminous Panorama Mascara

True Match Super Blendable Blush

Brow Stylist Definer

What aspects of your physical appearance do you love more now, as you’ve gotten older?

There are so many things I didn’t appreciate when I was younger. And I tell young people that all the time—like, I will tell them to wear shorts. And don’t sit around and think about the size of [your thighs]—just wear shorts! Your skin is so gorgeous. When you’re young, don’t worry about your size, just wear shorts and short dresses. I can’t—I don’t wear short dresses anymore; it just doesn’t work for me.

But I’m very grateful for my hair. I was blessed in that area; I have a lot of hair and I love curly hair—I’m so thankful for it. And I think the color of it is really nice; I love the way it turned silver. I do enhance it with the purple products I use from L’Oréal that help take the brassiness out.

Which beauty products would you say have aged well?

You know, I don’t think we should limit ourselves to any kind of makeup as we age. I don’t hold back: I think you can wear bright colors, and I love a heavy rock ’n’ roll, dark-eye look on me. I think I can rock that just fine—I’m going to be rocking that in my 80s. I do not limit myself—when it comes to makeup, I’ll do anything, I’ll try anything.

A lot of conversations around aging seem to lead to injectables and plastic surgery. Tell us, what are your thoughts on the topic?

We have so many choices now, I don’t blame anybody for anything they want to do. I think everybody has to do what makes them happy. I like expression. I don’t mind the lines on my face, I prefer that—I prefer movement. I can see when someone has a lot of Botox, but if it makes them happy, do whatever makes you happy. It’s such a small, petty thing to sit around and analyze people’s choices—there are much bigger things to worry about in the world.

What keeps you feeling vibrant and youthful?

I love to exercise; it’s really important to me. I get off on it, I really do; the endorphins get going, I get happy. If I don’t work out, I don’t feel good. I love to hike or walk, and I also work out with a trainer. I do yoga on my own, too—I got very good at that during Covid. I used to always have to go to a class; now I’m extremely disciplined—I do yoga on my lunch breaks. A lot of people probably hate me, but I’m very disciplined. I can’t help it—that’s just the way I feel good. I take good care of myself.

Many people fear growing older. In your opinion, what is the best part about it?

There are some scary things. I’ll tell you what scares me: Time is running out, it is. I’m conscious of that. And if I say something to my children about that, they’ll go, “No, you’re in such good shape,” whatever, but you just don’t know. I know so many people that have died, so many people that I’ve worked with who’ve died. You start losing people; time is so valuable, that’s what I recognize. It’s not that I have a fear of how I look—that’s the least of my worries. I want to be here, I want to see my grandkids; that’s another reason I think I take such good care of myself. I became so much more conscious of that [as I got older]; you don't want to waste today. Don’t stay angry, tell people you love them, be nice to people, wake up, and be happy. Look forward to that cup of coffee in the morning.

You Might Also Like

• 4 Investment-Worthy Skincare Finds From Sephora

• The 17 Best Retinol Creams Worth Adding to Your Skin Care Routine