I chatted with Mena Suvari in New York, before she had to jet off for her press tour for her new movie, “American Pie: Reunion,” opening tomorrow. I don’t want to miss out on the special brand of humor this movie holds. And I didn’t want to miss out on what beauty brands Mena will be taking with her on the road.
T.T.: Is there a certain product you rely on when flying often that keeps your skin healthy?
M.S.: Yes, I found this amazing product called Jao Goe Oil. It is really pure and nourishing. It’s made up of about 28 different oils. I use it all over, and my skin feels replenished and soft. Also I’ve been really into this new product — Kuumba Made Vanilla Coconut Oil — for the body and hair. It’s warming, hydrating and smells delicious!
T.T.: What products do you use in your daily skin care regimen?
M.S.: I started using Epicuren products last year while filming, and fell in love with them. I’ve been using them ever since.
T.T.: Do they have a product that helps your skin when it needs a little extra attention?
M.S.: They make one called Bulgaricum Probiotic Mask — I love it! It’s a powder and I mix it with their Epicuren Aloe Vera Gel. It balances and lightly exfoliates my skin. When I can, I also like to indulge in an Epicuren facial at the Peninsula Spa in Los Angeles — my skin just glows afterwards.
T.T.: Besides what you apply on the surface, is there anything you do that helps your skin stay healthy from the inside?
M.S.: For sure. I think staying hydrated helps a lot. I drink lots of water! I try to drink coconut water often, as well. Also helpful is the work I do with an amazing naturopath,Dr. Keith DeOrio.
T.T.: Your hair is lovely — it glistens! What do you think contributes to that?
M.S.: My great friend, the hairdresser Dave Stanwell! He has saved my hair. He travels with me everywhere. My head was shaved for a film, “ Hemingway’s Garden of Eden,” a few years back. My hair was so over-processed. Now, since working with Dave, my hair is on the road to recovery. I enjoy keeping it as healthy as possible, with the least amount of processing.
T.T.: What are your go-to hair products?
M.S.: I have been using mostly Kérastase products. But recently, I’ve discovered Leonor Greyl natural hair products. The volumizing shampoo does amazing things to my hair!
T.T.: And for your lovely face — what is your favorite cosmetic line?
M.S.: My absolute favorite must-have is a brand called Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics. It really agrees with my skin. It’s gentle, it doesn’t clog my pores, has SPF and offers great coverage, but it still looks natural. I especially like their Honey Mineral Radiance Crème Powder Foundation and Medium Pressed Mineral Rice Setting Powder. TheOutrageous Lashes Mineral Lengthening Mascara is excellent!
T.T.: Do you have a favorite fragrance?
M.S.: I love fragrances by Tokyo Milk. They are so unique.
T.T.: Tell me what your general diet philosophy is?
M.S.: I believe that we are what we eat and so I try to choose very clean, healthy foods. If I stick to this, I look and feel my best — which is always good! I try to drink lots of green veggie juices. And of course exercise is key — not only for my body, but also for my mind.
T.T.: Do you have a favorite designer whose clothes flatter your fantastic shape?
M.S.: Oh, yes! I am a huge fan of Christian Siriano. His designs work perfectly for my taste and my body. I adore everything he makes, his fashion sense is right on.
T.T.: Any shoe or accessory designers you fancy?
M.S.: I am pretty passionate about Giuseppe Zanotti, Jimmy Choo, Givenchy, YSL, Balenciaga, Susan Felsen, CC Skye and Burberry — just to name a few!
T.T.: What quality do you appreciate most about New Yorkers?
M.S.: I honestly love being in New York. I feel so unbelievably inspired when I am here. There is such a sense of freedom of expression. It is unlike any place else.
T.T.: Tell me, of all the advice your naturopathic doctor has given you, what do you find most valuable?
M.S.: Try to stay completely aware of the energies around us. And whenever possible, make the right decision to surround ourselves with people that bring light and joy into our lives.