Kim Cattrall, 68, Shares Beauty Philosophy, Skincare Routine and More (Exclusive)

Kim Cattrall has always been f—ing fabulous (IYKYK). Throughout her 50-year career, the actress has brought the style and beauty inspiration into each new decade, and she’s done it again, with a new Lancôme partnership.

After starring in a spot for the iconic beauty brand’s Idôle Flutter Extension Lengthening Mascara in March, Cattrall is back as beauty muse for Lancôme’s Rénergie Triple Serum Retinol. In the new Mother’s Day-themed ad, the 68-year-old star shares a peek inside her skincare routine, letting her natural, makeup-free glow take center stage.

“Today I celebrate my mother and all of those who have chosen motherhood,” she begins in the Instagram reel. “My career — that has always been my baby — and I’ve navigated my other-hood with lots of self care,” she adds, noting that she nurtures her skin with Rénergie Triple Serum Retinol for a “boost of love and attention,” citing vitamin C, peptides and pure retinol as the hero ingredients.

“Look we all know this is an ad, but this will fade your wrinkles — not your smile,” Cattrall concludes with the signature smirk she’s known for and perfected over her years of playing Samantha Jones on Sex and the City.

Below People caught up with Cattrall about all things beauty. (Spoiler: You’ll want to get the notes app ready for these tips.)

You’re very much stepping into your beauty girl era. How does that feel?
Not bad for 68, not bad at all. I’ll take it! I’ve been using Lancôme products since I was in my 20s. They are really well researched, they’re easy to use, and I like the strategy behind these campaigns. For me, it’s fun to play the model, but I’m just really myself.

You really know how to deliver an effortlessly sexy vibe in this new spot!
Thank you! I think the sexiest thing about most people is when they’re not trying to be somebody else. You get a very strong feeling even through watching someone on camera that it’s really them. It’s not a carbon copy, that’s them. You get a true essence of it. And I think that’s why the first ad [for the mascara] was so incredibly successful in getting hits and views.

How has the Rénergie Triple Serum Retinol slotted into your skincare routine?
The Triple Serum is something a little new for me. I have really sensitive skin, so I don’t like anything that’s going to be too harsh, and I usually use it every fourth day because I just need to let my skin adapt. I like the ingredients because they aren’t harsh. And routines are a very soothing thing in your life. It’s something that you look forward to because you’re taking care of yourself. It’s so satisfying.

What’s your approach to makeup right now?
I use less makeup now in my daily life than I ever have. I use sunscreen, which is a must, always, no matter if the sun is shining or not, and a really good moisturizer. And I just put a little bit of makeup wear I need to cover something or accentuate something: a little bit of blush, a little bit of mascara. As I get older, less really is a lot more. I don’t want to start wearing a lot of makeup. I never really have. I do on screen of course, but that’s a conceit. But for real life, I don’t want to ever not look in the mirror and see me. And sometimes, especially in the ’80s when I was growing up, it was the antithesis of that. It was bigger and stronger and brighter and glossier, and I’m so glad I don’t live in those times or at this age want to wear that same look. I want to feel my skin being able to breathe and protect it and support it. But as you age, you realize that you’re enough.

What do you like to accentuate on a night out?
I love my eyes and my eyelashes so accentuating that and losing maybe the lipstick or just taking that down or a little less blush or no blush at all. I like that, the way that looks on me.

What time of day to you feel your best?
I like going to bed feeling like I’ve really exhausted the day. I like that accomplishment feeling. In the morning, I used to drive my siblings nuts, especially my older sister. I was always so cheerful in the morning. I was always happy to be, “Oh wow, what are we going to do?” Mornings are still like that. I start off with the right intentions and by the time I get into bed, I’m ready to let go.

If there was a fountain of youth, would you drink from it?
Absolutely, 100%. Absolutely, yes. I was brought up to live. I’m not waiting for the after life.

I love how honest that answer is!
Well, it might be a lot more complicated for some people, but I’ve always been, a “Why not?” instead of a “Why?” person. That’s always been part of my natural instinct to answer when in a situation. “Why not? Why can’t I?” All right, it might not work out. It might be a disaster, but yeah, let’s do it, let’s try it.

Speaking of looking back, is there a certain piece advice you would give to younger Kim just starting out in the industry?
I think it would be: Don’t be in such a hurry. I was in such a hurry to grow up and be independent and all of those things. And I think that was the excitement about getting older and doing all those firsts in your life, but it’s also nice to be a kid and have less responsibility and learn through trial and error in your own way. People will tell you what you should or shouldn’t do. And it’s not until you experience it yourself, then you get to know yourself — more because of how you reacted to it or overreacted to it. … I think as I’ve gotten older, instead of reacting, I’ve really become aware of not reacting and rather observing, and that’s been really helpful.

Do you think beauty standards are evolving in the right direction compared to when you first started in the industry?
When I was younger, I would always look at the magazines and I thought, “Wow, those people are amazing.” Nobody looks like that. That’s such an idealized version of even the beautiful, gorgeous models that you see, and there’s no way to compete with it. There’s no way to really get your head around it other than it’s a fantasy and it’s not a very rich fantasy because it’s not attainable in a form that can aid you in your life. It’s fairy dust. It’s in the ether, it’s not substantial. It doesn’t give back.

What’s the best piece of beauty advice you’ve ever received?
Less is more. When I first started working in the business, there was so much makeup. I used to go into my dressing room after I’d get my hair and makeup done and tone down the makeup because I was terrified of the makeup artists. I didn’t want to upset them, and I didn’t want to offend anyone. I couldn’t see me through the amount of makeup. It was like an orange pancake-y makeup in those days.

The happiest I’ve been is when I’ve played roles where I get to distort people’s idea of what I look like. I did a film called Meet Monica Velour, where I play a Playboy bunny 40 years later. And it was fantastic! I got to look so bedraggled and I had to gain 20 pounds. It was fantastic in a way because that character didn’t give a s—, so it allowed me not to give a s— in this picture-perfect world that women are put into and that we’ve created. I’ve always thought, what is the most real that I can look? And still, why is it not just what I’m going through as opposed to what I look like that makes me beautiful and vulnerable?

I find that when I’m vulnerable, that’s when I feel the most beautiful because there is no pretext. It’s just me at this age, looking good, feeling good, taking care of myself, encouraging other women to do the same. That’s a lot to try and achieve on a daily basis.

What’s been the most empowering part of this decade of your life?
Something very interesting happens in your 60s, in that you separate yourself from drama that you really don’t have time for anymore, and that you’re selective about the situations and people in your life.

My 40s were really busy, crazy insanity. My 50s were more about the specific choices I was making. And the 60 are more about feeling good. I want to take even bigger chances. Because again, and this is on my terms, this is my life. I’m lucky enough to be independent and always have been and courageous enough to step outside of what is expected and try other things on. They might not fit, they might be embarrassing, they might be totally disappointing and devastating, but I go on, I feel stronger in my will.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.