I like Rose Byrne a lot, although I rarely write about her. It’s sort of weird how she works all the time, she’s an in-demand actress in comedy and drama, yet she almost completely flies under the radar at a gossip-level. She’s with Bobby Cannavale (HOT) and she’s in the new Paul Feig film, Spy, reuniting her with her Bridesmaids costar Melissa McCarthy. Rose has seemingly been happy to have Melissa take over the bulk of the film’s promotion, but Rose did sit down for a feature in the new issue of the online magazine Violet Grey. You can see the full piece here – the editorial is all about makeup and glitter. The interview is pretty interesting though.

Rose on beauty: “Beauty comes from within. It’s a cliché, but I think it’s true. However, in this business, it’s hard to reconcile that when you’re constantly being told things about your appearance, whether it’s that you are too pretty or too plain or too brunette or whatever the problem is.”

Her makeup regimen: “Well, goodness me. Growing up, my mum never wore a lot of makeup, she was very natural. However, it’s important to take care of yourself and it doesn’t hurt to put on a bit of lipstick. I discovered I was allergic to all these chemicals and we put together a very strict bible of all the products I could use. I actually wear makeup every day. I use a NARS tinted moisturizer. I love those Fresh lip stains. I wear them religiously. They are terrific in a berry color. I try to put on a hat if I can.

Skin care and genetics: “In Australia, there is such a high rate of skin cancer that it’s really beaten into us at an early age to be careful about our skin. Although, you know, my boyfriend smokes cigarettes and doesn’t drink water and has better skin than anybody that I know! He’s half-Cuban and half-Italian. He’s like, “Dios mío! It’s genetic, it doesn’t matter.” So why am I trying?”

All women are more scrutinized for their looks: “Absolutely! Increasingly! Look at Hillary Clinton. She has to spend time getting her hair and makeup done whereas a male candidate doesn’t have to do that as much. Or at least as much grooming. It really is this very old concept that we are valued for putting ourselves together and presenting ourselves.”

A beauty look that she won’t try: “Brown lipstick. The 90s may be back, but I’m still recovering from that look.”

[From Violet Grey]

I’ve never understood the desire to wear makeup every day! My mom is like this too – she will never, ever leave the house without putting on makeup. And she really doesn’t look different at all without makeup, which makes it extra crazy. Also: Bobby doesn’t drink water and he smokes? That will catch up to him at some point, although his genetics are helping him right now (Dios mío!).

Photos courtesy of Violet Grey & WENN.