Reese Witherspoon Opens Up About What Beauty Means To Her

Actress, producer and entrepreneur Reese Witherspoon is Elizabeth Arden’s much-loved “storyteller”. marie claire beauty director Sally Hunwick travels to LA, where the A-lister opens up about what beauty means to her

- Sally Hunwick

When it comes to life goals, Reese Witherspoon has ticked off an impressive number. Academy Award winner? Tick. Founder of a production company that aims to put women in lead roles? Tick. A hit television series? Tick.

Witherspoon has been a trailblazer for women since she burst onto our big screen in 2001 as the bubbly (and smart) lawyer in Legally Blonde. Her undeniable prettiness and upbeat personality made her an instant star, but her longevity in cutthroat Hollywood suggests her success is more than skindeep. And it’s a sentiment that she reflects on when marie claire meets with the A-lister in LA.

“I love women who express themselves with their personalities and just have a strong presence,” Witherspoon says. “Awesome women like Diane Keaton and Jane Fonda; I always [admire] women like that.”

Then there is the star-studded line-up of stellar female talent in the Foxtel mega-hit, Big Little Lies. Co-produced by Witherspoon, the show’s cast boasts Nicole Kidman, Zoë Kravitz , Laura Dern and was recently boosted further by the arrival of industry doyen Meryl Streep.“I love Nicole, she is the best,” says Witherspoon. “And it was amazing to have Meryl join us.”

It is perhaps Witherspoon’s belief in equality for women that has led to her role as ambassador for cosmetics giant Elizabeth Arden. She’s been in the position as the brand’s storyteller-in-chief for two years now, and when Marie claire sits down with the Golden Globe winner in a stunning home located in Beverly Hills (whispered to belong to one of Witherspoon’s friends) the title feels apt. Especially when you consider that this beauty brand was founded by a woman intent on changing the world.