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Christina Ricci‘s Merit Beauty campaign is the definition of understated glamour. Unveiled on Oct. 22 in support of the Solo Shadow Sheen launch, the shoot highlights the versatility of Merit’s newest cream eyeshadows, joining the existing lineup of matte shades. Adding anything from a subtle pearlescent finish to a shimmery, smoky look, the six sheer yet buildable Sheen washes are equal parts playful and wearable.
To celebrate the partnership, Ricci broke down her beauty non-negotiables. From her no. 1 skin-care product to her everyday makeup look, here’s what’s in Christina Ricci’s cosmetic case.
Which of Merit’s Solo Shadow Sheen shades was your favorite to wear? And why?
My favorite shade is Sartorial, it’s a great color. I really like a nice dark plum-y kind of eye that can go from day to night. Because of the way these eye shadows are, they’re very sheer so you can layer them for a more dramatic look or you can use them lightly and I really really like that.
Solo Shadow Eye Color Sheen
Shown in Sartorial Sheen.
How would you wear Merit’s new Solo Shadow Sheen?
I would wear either Sartorial or Iris, which is a lilac color. I like to have a more dramatic makeup look, I kind of joke that it is always evening on my face when I wear makeup. I’m very extreme. I either wear a full face or nothing. So, I would make it part of my look and I generally do a bit of a smokey eye to finish off.
Christina Ricci for Merit Beauty.
Merit
Do you have any other Merit favorites other than the new Solo Shadow Sheens?
I like the Merit Flush Balm blushes, they’re really nice. And, again, it’s so nice to have a product that is sheer so you can decide what level of pigmentation you ultimately want to have on your face.
Merit Flush Balm Cheek Color
Available in 13 shades.
What are your top press tour essentials — beauty, wellness, fashion or otherwise? Can be anything, the more random the better.
I love Lancer’s exfoliating scrub. That’s one of my favorites. And I also really love his resurfacing lotion.
Lancer Skincare The Method: Polish Facial Exfoliator
Choose between three options: Sensitive-Dehydrated Skin, Oily-Congested Skin and Sensitive-Dehydrated Skin.
I really love face masks in the morning before I go on camera. So I do one face mask from Hanacure and then I will do a 111SKIN Black Diamond Sheet Mask. And if I feel like I’m puffy, I might do one of the de-puffing masks in between the Hanacure and the Black Diamond. I am a crazy person who will not travel, or go on tour or go on camera without doing my face prep which involves the masks. I have a monthly subscription to all of my masks.
111SKIN Celestial Black Diamond Lifting and Firming Face Mask (Set of 5)
Get 30 percent off with code FALL30 for a limited time.
Similarly, what life must-haves do you always keep in your bag?
I always have to have Neosporin in my purse and Band-Aids: Band-Aids for blisters and Neosporin for little cuts and things. And also, I have this horrible habit of biting my nails and the skin around my nails and I have to put Neosporin on that so… in an effort to not do that.
Of all the characters you’ve played in your career, whose makeup/beauty look and personality reflects who you are today the most?
I don’t know that any of the characters that I played reflect who I am today very closely. You know, I think as an actress, you move through them the way you move through sort of phases of your life, so I don’t know that any of the people that I played in the past directly relate to sort of the person I am now, if that makes sense.
What are the top skin care and beauty tips you’ve learned during your career? Whose advice has endured the most?
The top advice is the most basic advice I got from dermatologist Dr. Lancer, and that is to exfoliate your skin every day.
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