Nia Vardalos shares her beauty secrets

Jul 07, 2011 12:34 PM by Jessica Padykula

Posted in Beauty & Style / Mommy Style / Beauty for Moms

Celebrity Mom Style

Moms are busy. Just ask Academy Award nominated actress Nia Vardalos, who recently penned the upcoming Larry Crown (opening this month) with none other than Tom Hanks. She's a mom, she's a writer and she's an actress – just to name a few of the many hats she wears – and Nia gave SheKnows the inside scoop on how she gets gorgeous sans stress despite her hectic schedule.

Q & A with Academy Award nominated actress Nia Vardalos about how to look great in less time:

Fast fashion

*SheKnows**: As a working mom, what tips can you offer for pulling together an outfit in minimal time.*

Nia: You're right – busy moms do have to pull an outfit together in little to no time! My best advice is to have at least one black piece (everyone looks great in black), add a bright-colored top and a great pair of heels can go a long way. And, if you hate pantyhose like I do, always moisturize or use a self-tanner on your legs.

*SheKnows**: Mornings are tough for everyone, but moreso for moms. What are your go-to products or strategies for getting out the door quickly while still looking polished when you need to?*

Nia: For my daughter, we've started a "timer challenge." We started it at 17 minutes to see how quickly she could get ready, but now she's really good, so we've been taking off a minute to make it more fun!

Periobalance gum I wish I could say I'm that fast – but for me, simplicity is key. The one thing you have to have is a great smile. I feel this way now especially since I'll be standing on the red carpet next to mega-smiler Julia Roberts for the Larry Crown premiere. So to get ready for this, I use PerioBalance, a new daily dental probiotic made specifically for oral health. So I'm feeling much more prepared now that I have a great looking smile! When I'm not getting ready for a premiere, my go-to products are a good stick of lipstick and a baseball cap.

*SheKnows**: What are some beauty and style tricks you've learned from makeup artists and stylists you've worked with?*

Nia: This is an easy one. Stila Lip Stain will last through many a kissing scene, both on set and off. Chanel Poudre Universelle Libre will make you look like a million bucks, and you have to have a good fold out brush for your purse. It will always come in handy.

Personal style solutions

*SheKnows**: What are your top three must-have wardrobe items and why?*

Nia: My first must-have is a black silk camisole because you can wear it out on the town, or in bed. I adore Wolford tights because they suck it all in for you! Lastly, everyone needs a great pair of platform shoes – anything from Steve Madden to Prada – they'll do wonders for you!

*SheKnows**: Go-to outfit that you always feel great in?*

Nia: This won't be shocking, but I feel great in this simple blue silk sweater I picked up at H&M, and a sleeveless cotton shift dress from Theory, Wolford tights (I'd wear them year-round if I could) and a great pair of platform shoes.

*SheKnows**: What have you learned about personal style from your daughter?*

Nia: She has her own personal style, which I admire. She also makes me feel like it is OK to dress like kooky Grey Gardens if I want to!

*SheKnows**: Worst fashion faux pas to date?*

Nia: This is an easy one. I once wore denim jeans, a denim jacket and a denim hat to the premier of Seabiscuit. Yes, it looked as bad as it sounds, and yes, I was on all of the worst dressed lists the next day. You just have to go with it though – we all make fashion faux pas from time to time!