Cate Blanchett’s Beauty Secrets Include Tai Chi and an Extremely Luxe Moisturizer

The One Thing

Our series The One Thing is a Sparknotes version of the products, rituals, and moments your favorite celebrities and influencers swear by—their go-tos, must-haves, and can’t-live-withouts. So go ahead—take a brief, intimate peek into the lives of your favorites through the things (and people, and moments) they hold dear.

At the risk of sounding incredibly parasocial, Cate Blanchett is so important to me. If you’re ever interested, I’ll tell you the story of how her 1999 Oscars John Galliano hummingbird dress once saved me from having a full on mental breakdown. It’s a decent anecdote, but for now… anything she has to say is a million times more interesting than my tales.

With Carol rewatch season in full swing, Byrdie recently had the pleasure of chatting with the actress about her ongoing partnership with Armani Beauty and general relationship to the beauty and wellness worlds. As expected, she gave great advice… and left us just a bit curious. (The best conversationalists/people in general often do that.)

Maybe we’ll swap more stories one day. I’ll tell her mine, and she’ll tell me what “dumb mistakes” she alluded to while explaining her vision for 2026 below. Until then, keep reading to discover all the things, products, scents, and moments Blanchett has been loving lately.

The One Beauty Look That Makes Her Feel Most Herself

“If your skin is in good shape, there’s no need for a lot of cover-up. So for me, just mascara. And a fabulous lipstick.”

The One Winter Outfit She Can Always Count On

“An Armani suit, of course. They are timeless and superbly cut.”

The Makeup Products That Are Always In Her Bag

“Armani Beauty Vertigo Lift Mascara, sunscreen, and pawpaw ointment.“

The One Treatment She’s Currently Obsessed With

“I don’t do it very often, but I love a paraffin wax hand treatment.”

The One Way She Changes Up Her Beauty Routine in Winter

“It’s all about hydration in winter—when it’s cold I forget to drink water. So, over the winter months I use lashings of Armani Crema Nera and drink endless cups of hot water with lemon.”

The One Wellness Ritual She’ll Always Have, No Matter Where She Is in the World

“It’s so popular it’s almost a cliché, but I do get into cold water every morning. It’s a real leveler and brings me into the day with a fabulous jolt.”

The One Scent She Always Wears

“Giorgio Armani Si Eau de Parfum Intense—and rosemary oil”

The One Piece of Beauty Advice She’d Like Pass On

“Lymphatic drainage, lymphatic drainage, lymphatic drainage. I love a good facial massage. It’s simultaneously relaxing and invigorating. A few minutes of Tai Chi. It wakes everything up.”

The One Thing She’s Looking Forward to in 2026

“What a difficult year 2025 has been for so many. Personally I’m looking forward to learning the lessons I need to learn and not making the same dumb mistakes again.”