Grace and Frankie star Brooklyn Decker has that classic all-American look that makes her instantly relatable in a girl-next-door kind of way, despite possessing a killer bikini body that made her a household name. The 30-year-old model turned actress is mom to one-and-half-year-old son Hank, wife to tennis legend Andy Roddick and a budding tech entrepreneur. As chief design officer of Finery, an online wardrobe operating system, she’s ready to conquer the tech world while helping women organize, style and shop inside their own closets. Here, she takes a moment to talk to NewBeauty about her favorite beauty must-haves, how motherhood has changed her life and the cardinal beauty rule she constantly breaks with her husband.
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NewBeauty: Which skin care and makeup products are your absolute must-haves?
Brooklyn Decker: iS Clinicals Active Serum—it has been a lifesaver for my breakouts. I’m also very into Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate; it’s a nice blend of oils that feels incredibly healing on my skin.
NB: Are there any new products or beauty tools that you’ve recently discovered that you’re obsessed with?
BD: Lash Star Beauty Full Control Lash Sculpting two-sided mascara. It’s so lush and user-friendly; it makes your lashes pop without leaving them feeling too cakey or stiff.
NB: Now that you’ve entered your 30s, what is your anti-aging approach?
BD: I’ve really embraced facial oils. I used to search for only oil-free products because I was trying to fight acne, but in my experience, oils have been so balancing and nourishing for my skin. I don’t know if they fight age, but they make my skin feel great. Beyond that, I just hope for the best.
NB: Are there any beauty or skin care products that you share with your husband?
BD: We share a razor. I think that might be a big no-no.
NB: What inspired you to start your latest project, Finery.com?
BD: I’m really excited about Finery because in a sea of male-run technology companies, we’ve finally created a smart, productivity tool designed to save women time.
NB: What on-set beauty advice have you gotten from your Grace and Frankie costars Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin?
BD: Frankly, we barely discuss beauty. Our conversations tend to center around more current events and public policy.
NB: How do you juggle having a career with being a mom?
BD: With a lot of help! I have a husband who retired from his first career and a wonderful nanny. They pick up the pieces when I fall short. Even if childcare isn’t an option, I’m a big believer in the village raising the kids. My parents worked full time, often nights, and couldn’t afford full-time care. But we had great neighbors who helped out when we needed it. To do it all, you need help.
NB: Who does your son take after in terms of looks and personality?
BD: Hank looks exactly like his dad. It’s like I had no part in his genetic makeup. His personality is all his own, they just come out a certain way!
NB: How has pregnancy and motherhood changed your body? How do you stay in shape?
BD: Bye-bye boobs! I’ve tried to be fairly active since becoming a mom, but for me, exercise has been downgraded as far as my priorities are concerned. I try to do spin classes with friends as a way to have fun and get a good sweat in, but my main source of exercise is carrying around the wild 30 lb weight that is my son.
NB: How much do you have in common with your stay-at-home mom character Mallory?
BD: I have very little in common with Mallory. Mallory is incredibly rigid, uptight and a type A personality. I am much, much lazier and more relaxed than Mallory. She’s a peacekeeper and I’m a pot-stirrer. That said, I can absolutely relate to becoming a mom and wondering what your role is in the world, in your family, to your children, to your spouse. I understand that entirely.
NB: What inspires your look?
BD: I don’t know that I’ve established a look for myself yet! That’s a talent in itself. For me it changes daily, some days I want to dress like a dude, other days I want to look just like Lauren Hutton. I think the biggest thing is balance, I love being comfortable and I love feeling like myself. If I can do that while wearing a gown to a fancy event, then I’ve succeeded in the style department.
NB: What do you do when you’re feeling blah about your appearance?
BD: I’ve had a number of those days lately! There’s something very empowering about taking 15 minutes to quickly do your hair, slap on some lipstick and get dressed. When you feel good about yourself, you project that confidence. I definitely fail to do this on a regular basis, but when I do, it really makes a difference.
