In life — and specifically life in New York — there are moments you just don’t pass up. So when the folks at SK-II called to see if I’d like to interview Cate Blanchett upon the launch of their newly transformed LXP line the answer was: Yes! Oui! Da! Aye!
The statuesque Academy Award winner came to New York from her native Sydney for only two days to promote the new product and then it was back off to Australia to be with her husband Andrew Upton and three sons, the littlest which one of which is 3-year old Ignatius.
To watch the flaxen haired Lord of the Rings actress with skin of seemingly Carrera marble come to life was electric. Blanchett came out of one of the many rooms at her suite at the Mandarin Oriental, outfitted in a gold top by Rochas, Balenciaga black trousers sculptural suede pumps.
“Don’t you love the shoes?” she dished, in that fashion-girl to fashion-girl manner. A fan and personal friend of Balenciaga designer Nicolas Ghesquière, Blanchett is one of the most celebrated fashion stars on the red carpet. She has successfully experimented with couture by the likes of Givenchy and Armani Privé, custom dresses by the likes of Dries Van Noten, Juan Carlos Obando and Rodarte as well as lesser known designers from her native Australia. Even Joan Rivers has nice things to say about her. But it is Ghesquière who she has special connection with. “We’re born on the same day, May 4. We’re both Taurus.”
Fashion aside, we were there to talk skincare. Let me tell you SaksPOV readers: her skin is just that beautiful. Her expressive face and easy-to-smile demeanor makes Blanchett’s visage a veritable anomaly by both Hollywood and real world standards (she is 42).
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“My mom was wise,” said Blanchett. “Growing up we spent as much time out of the sun as possible. The hole in the ozone [in Australia] is brutal.” It wasn’t however, until later in life that Blanchett discovered SK-II a brand founded in Japan by scientists who were inspired by the unwrinkled hands of elderly workers as a sake brewery. The line was recommended by a makeup artist friend that “knows everything,” says Blanchett.
“I love their approach,” said Blanchett of SK-II which has a cult following and some of the most unique, technologically advanced skincare formulas on the market. “It’s been such a mysterious thing…people ask me about it all the time. I used the brand long before I [became their global ambassador].”
The proof is in the pudding. Blanchett uses the new LXP line which has a formula using Pitera, a trademarked ingredient that restores vital balance by promoting the skin’s natural 28-day surface renewal process. The LXP Ultimate Revival Cream ($350 for 50g) is rife with rare ingredient in addition to Pitera, including Niacinmide, Triple Peptide Complex and Rose Absolute (harvested from the rose fields in Grasse, France), allowing for a luxurious experience and a radiant complexion. The LXP Ultimate Revival Serum ($200 for 50ml) is an upgraded formula that bumps up the moisture quotient.
So, now when she takes those 20-plus hour flights back from Australia to the U.S., Blanchett has just the right regimen to keep her gorgeous skin hydrated and glowing for her next star performance.