Kristen Bell Chats Skin Care, Smoothies, & Awards-Show Snacking

There's a lot to love about Kristen Bell. Not only did she bless us with the return of Veronica Mars, but she's also a total badass who stands up for what she believes in. Kristen's been very vocal about her views on the paparazzi, vaccinations, and more.  The actress/activist/mother has been a brand ambassador for Neutrogena since 2011, which makes sense — her skin is absurdly beautiful. And, for all the effort Kristen puts into other pockets of her life, she keeps things pretty simple when it comes to her beauty regimen. So, when we heard that Neutrogena was releasing its brand-new super-moisturizer Hydro Boost, and that Kristen is a fan, we knew we had to pick her brain. We chatted with Kristen about her skin-care routine, life as a vegetarian, and whether they actually feed the stars during awards shows. Turns out, there's more to love about her than you ever thought. 

You have such gorgeous skin! Can you talk me through your daily routine?
"I feel like my skin-care routine has definitely
changed, especially over the past five years, [and] especially after I had the
babies. My hormones adjusted to each girl, and when I was pregnant, I had to do
next to nothing to have good skin. I felt that 'pregnancy glow.' Once
the girls came out, I had to adjust my skin-care routine. For me, less is
definitely more. If I use too many products, or too many harsh products,
my skin reacts. I love my Neutrogena Naturals face wash. I find that doing that
every night with consistency, and sometimes in the morning if I'm feeling oily,
keeps me so I don't have to extract.       

"Previously, I'd been using a heavier moisturizer, but Neutrogena has this new moisturizer — their Hydro Boost. It has technology from Japan, and I apply it before I put on a full face of makeup. It's almost only hyaluronic acid, and it [penetrates] underneath your skin so there's no film residue. So, that means I'm starting with a completely clean face — there's nothing mixing with my foundation, which is really helpful for someone who has to wear makeup for a long period of time. I'm a big believer in skin from the inside out. I don't believe the 'cure' should be outside in." 

That makes sense, because you're a vegetarian. 
"Yes! I make a shake every day that has vanilla
protein powder, a ton of blueberries, an entire container of spinach, cherry
juice because it's anti-inflammatory, organic apples, almond milk, and a carrot
or two. My whole family splits it. The girls love it, and I feel like it keeps
me full. Between the spinach and the carrots, I get all of my vegetables in one
sitting, so I don't have to worry the rest of the day. I feel like beyond that,
what's really important is getting sleep... If I'm sleep-deprived, my skin
looks terrible." 

You touched on this a little earlier, but you just had your second baby. How has your beauty routine changed since becoming a mother?
"It was simple before, but it's definitely gotten
simpler, if that makes sense. Mainly because I don't have a ton of time. In the
morning, rather than applying a ton of foundation, I'll just place a hot towel
over my face for 30 seconds to a minute to get the blood flowing. It's a trick
that makes you — you know how after you get off the treadmill, your skin looks
so great? Not only does it look great, it pulls all the blood flow to your
face. Aside from that, I throw on some bronzer and lip balm, and I'm out the
door."      

If you could give your daughters one piece of beauty advice, what would it be?
"I think it would be that your beauty is in your individuality. Do whatever works for you."

What is the best advice you've ever gotten?
"Stay out of the sun, for sure. From a broader, mental perspective, probably that self-esteem makes you look and feel beautiful. And, doing esteemable acts contributes to your self-esteem. When I'm feeling like I've got low self-esteem, it's a catch-22, because I'm focusing on myself. So, I always say to go out and do something for someone else. Do a friend a favor, and you'll feel beautiful. It's true!" You recently hosted the Independent Spirit Awards, and you've found yourself on a ton of red carpets. Any rituals you do before every awards show?
"Eat! Always snack. Usually, I just have a bar in my purse. I like [the brand] This Bar Saves Lives. They give a lifesaving nutritional packet to a person for every bar that you have. It's one-for-one. I like those ones. I find that your blood sugar can drop really quickly — especially if you're on this long red carpet." I've heard you guys don't really eat at those awards shows!
"It's true! Sometimes, they're just fake plates. The dinner is never coming! It's such a bad trick." How did you relax after your hosting gig at the Spirit Awards?
"I came home, I took off my high heels and tight undergarments, and I curled up on the couch with my girls. And, grandma! She was in town, so she watched the girls during the show." Which of your red-carpet beauty looks really stand out to you?
"I really like the dress I wore to the Vanity Fair Oscars party last year. It was this red, sort of low-cut dress by Zuhair Murad. I think that was one of my favorite dresses I've ever worn. As far as my hair and makeup, I really liked what I had for the Spirit Awards. The shorter haircut I've got now is so much easier to work with, and it makes me feel really fresh. I put some layers around my face recently." So, you're pretty much on the short-haired side of the short-hair vs. long-hair debate?
"Now I am! It's just so much easier."