Born in the Philippines, but known for her all-American, girl-next-door persona, 35-year-old actress Vanessa Lachey has the total package (which we see every day on her Instagram feed—could her family be any more adorable?). But what are some things we don’t know about this beauty? Here, we get the inside scoop.
NewBeauty: Who are your beauty icons?
Vanessa Lachey: There are so many icons I admire. Classic beauties from Sophia Loren to modern beauties like Sofía Vergara. I love women who are beautiful and confident and have a sense of humor.
NB: What does your skin-care routine consist of?
VL: I wash my face every morning and night, and I moisturize right after. I keep an exfoliation cleanser in the shower, which makes it easy for me, and I use it probably twice a week.
NB: You’ve talked about how eating healthy is important to you. What are your favorite snack foods?
VL: My palate has changed with both kids. And now, I find that I like all different things. I love almonds because they’re easy, give me energy and are good for me! Another favorite snack is a slice of cheese wrapped in turkey. I make these for Cam [her 3-year-old son Camden] and end up eating half of them!
NB: Do you have any go-to workouts?
VL: I have found that I need motivation to work out, so I go to a trainer, Gregg Miele at Heart & Hustle here in Los Angeles, when I have time. I synced the kids’ naps so I have a little less guilt when I go. Although some days it doesn’t work out perfectly, and I just remind myself that I need “me” time because that is equally important.
NB: What are your winter beauty essentials?
VL: A heavier moisturizer that I use at night and on my hands. Also, Puffs Plus Lotion tissues! They help me and my family survive cold and flu season!
NB: What is your most effective trick for losing post-baby weight?
VL: There are no tricks! Every woman is different. For me, the key was embracing my new body and loving how I am as a mother. I tried to surround myself with positive, loving people, and that helped. Also, just taking everything in baby steps, no pun intended. It took your body nine months to get there, and it’s not going to go back over night.
NB: What are your can’t-live-without wardrobe staples?
VL: As a new mom [her daughter Brooklyn is 11 months], definitely high-waisted jeans—they make me feel so comfortable and go with everything! Also, a comfortable dress bootie. There are so many times I am running around with the kids, but still want to be cute and stylish. I found a pair of Isabel Marant ones that I LOVE. It was a bit of an investment, but I wear them ALL the time!
NB: Do you have any guilty pleasures?
VL: Scented candles. I didn’t realize it was until I organized my house and had a whole cupboard of just scented candles. Every time I am out and smell one I like, I buy it.
NB: What is one thing we’d be surprised to learn about you?
VL: I have an incredibly soft blanket that I sleep and travel with. It started out as a way for me to put a buffer between me and the airplane pillow or hotel pillow because I didn’t like the rough sheets. Now, it has become something I can’t sleep without. With all the travel I do, my skin gets dry and irritated. The blanket is something I know won’t irritate my face and skin.
NB: What celebrity beauty hack have you learned as you’re always in the public eye?
VL: Always have an oversized pair of sunglasses handy (haha!).
