Eva Mendes On Her Unexpected Secret To Getting Perfect Hair And Her New NY&Co. Collection

Eva Mendes On Her Unexpected Secret To Getting Perfect Hair And Her New NY&Co. Collection

Eva Mendes is a girl who does it all (and appears to have it all, too). Ryan Gosling's other half has starred in blockbuster hits like "Training Day," acted as brand ambassador for companies like Reebok and Pantene and most recently collaborated with New York & Company to create her very own fashion collection.

Though the items won't be available online and in stores until September 19, we were able to chat with Mendes to find out what inspired her to team up with New York & Co. and what advice she might have for aspiring designers -- okay, and we had to ask about that famous hair of hers! Here is what Eva had to say:

Why did you decide to do a collection with New York & Co.?

When New York & Co. came to me with this amazing opportunity, I jumped at the chance. I love that New York & Co. makes well-made and fashionable clothes, accessible to women. They're about accessibility not exclusivity, and I found that very exciting. It also sounded like it would be blast. I've always had a hunch that designers were having all the fun... and it turns out, I was right!

What was the most challenging aspect of creating your own collection?

The challenging part of this process was knowing that I had women, especially my sisters, counting on me to make them look good. I take this very seriously. There isn't a piece in my collection that I won't wear. I can't wait to get feedback from women about what works for them and what doesn't. I hope I don't disappoint them!

Do you have any advice for aspiring designers?

Advice to aspiring designers? I have no idea! Let's see if I survive my first season and then ask me!

We have to ask you about that amazing hair of yours! It always looks so thick and healthy, what's your secret? Do you have any DIY hair care recipes you use?

Pantene! I like to condition my hair overnight. You can use any Pantene conditioner but I prefer the Breakage to Strength. Put it all over your hair before you go to sleep and leave it in a shower cap until morning. Then rinse and voilà. Warning: although your hair will be grateful, the shower cap look isn't the sexiest, so maybe do it on a night when he's not around. [Ed. note: Especially when "he" is Ryan Gosling.]

What's the bare minimum makeup look that you need to step outside of the house?

I don't like much make up for my everyday look. I usually use Dr. Perricone No Foundation Foundation, Edward Bess bronze powder and Dr. Hauschka lip moisturizer. That's about it unless I'm going out to an event.

Do you have a favorite cheap beauty product?

My favorite cheap beauty product is baby powder. I use it on my hair to give it a dry tousled look. It works magic. Better than any dry shampoo out there. Once you put a little bit on your roots and run it through your hair, make sure to shake it out so your hair doesn't look white! Another great inexpensive product is St. Ives Apricot Scrub for the body. I use it as a dry scrub with a loofah, then I rinse. It works great for me.

What is the best beauty secret that you've learned over the years?

The best beauty secret I've learned over the years is that there's no secret! Makeup artists can only do so much. If you’re not well-rested and well-nourished, it will show on your face. So drink lots of water and eat well… and ditch the cigarettes!
Oh and use blotting papers instead of powder!

Do you ever see a paparazzi or red carpet photo of yourself and think "Darn that was a bad outfit?"

Of course I see photos of myself I don't like. I can take a very odd picture! But I've learned to laugh at the bad ones. I'm the first one to make fun of myself. Like my look for my "Ghost Rider" premiere in NY. What was I thinking?! Or this white and black Prabal Gurung dress I wore a few years ago. I love the designer but the dress didn't fit me well. An ill-fitting dress and my idea to have the frizzy hair resulted in a bad combo-platter.

ghost rider

What is one trend that you would never be caught dead wearing?

Jelly Bean shoes. I don't think I can wear those again. Actually, I know I can't.

Photos of the stylish Eva Mendes:

1995

Eva Mendes' Style Evolution

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