Lily Collins is loving — and keeping — her Emily in Paris trauma bangs

What is the best beauty advice your mum ever gave you?

The quirky things that make you different are what make you beautiful. There’s only one of you in the world. I think it’s easier to believe and trust that as an adult than it is when you’re younger, but that really helped.

Fill in the blank. I love my hair best when…?

It air-dries.

Do you use any products that help with that air-dry look?

Honestly, I don’t. It’s more about air-drying it naturally with nothing in it. But then when I want to keep my hair looking messy [but clean], I’ve always loved dry shampoo. Living Proof’s dry shampoo is the be-all and end-all of dry shampoos because it doesn’t leave a residue, it smells great and it actually works. I always have the travel-size in my bag anywhere I go. And even with bangs now, I don’t want to always have to wash my hair, so just putting a little in the roots and letting it go is the best way of dealing with it.

Speaking of travel, what city or country gives you the biggest beauty inspiration?

Honestly, there are two places. Paris helps inspire clean skin, minimal makeup, and just a red lip that really is so chic and so doable. You can throw a red lip on at night or throw a red lip on during the day, but you don’t have to cake yourself with makeup. It’s about embracing freckles and a fresh face, which I love. I know so many French women in Paris, but also that live in LA, who maintain that approach. No nail polish, or just a chic nude. 

And then I will go also with Denmark, specifically in Scandinavia, because it is, again, that incredibly fresh-faced, sun-kissed—even in the winter—glow. It’s so natural. You’re not contouring. You’re not caking on makeup; you’re embracing freckles. You’re wearing lip balm and maybe a red lip. It also has to do with, especially in Denmark, an inner happiness, because when you are content and happy and calm and balanced, that will physically manifest in how your skin and your hair look. It’s a true testament to the mind, body, soul connection. 

Let’s say you can only use three products for the rest of your life. What are they and why?

Burt’s Bees original lip balm, because it is the most wonderful tingly sensation that doesn’t leave a shine on my lips. It’s a nice matte finish that keeps them hydrated. Living Proof’s dry shampoo in travel size. Honestly, I can not wash my hair for a few days and it smells great, it looks great. It’s a miracle worker. And then the Lancôme Génifique masks. I literally carry them everywhere I go. They leave me feeling glowy. I’m on so many flights that I end up being quite dry, so there’s nothing like it. Really, it’s not about makeup. It’s just about the integrity of your hair and your skin.

If you had to choose between a massage or a facial, what would it be?