Madison beauty - interview: Kate Hudson

What’s your best beauty tip ever?
Get some sleep. Between being a hands-on mum, juggling a career, and family and friends, sleep is a precious commodity. Those nights when I get enough sleep, I immediately see the benefits. If not, I’m lucky to have my favourite beauty go-tos such as a good moisturiser, hydrating foundation, Almay Wake Up hydrating make-up, and under-eye concealer to “fake” a good night’s sleep!

Your best red-carpet moment?
One of my favourite dresses is the white Pucci [I wore] at the Screen Actors Guild Awards last year. There are so many gorgeous gowns, it’s hard to choose. My everyday style is very relaxed, so to really get glammed up for a special event is fun. As long as I feel comfortable, that’s what’s important.

Name five of your favourite beauty products.
Almay Smart Shade Anti-aging Makeup or Wake Up Hydrating Makeup when I need a bit more coverage. I love the Intense I-Color Smoky-I Kit for green eyes – it really makes them pop. I love Egyptian Magic balm – it’s a miracle. And Almay Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover Pads are super-gentle and great for tidying up make-up through the day.

What’s your favourite make-up look?
I tend to go for smoky eyes and softer lips.I find that look is best for my features and also I feel playing up my eyes works better with my personality.

What’s the best insider hair tip you’ve ever received?
To use sulfate and paraben-free products as much as possible. David Babaii for Wildaid [Kate is also their spokesperson] has an amazing line of products and they just leave my hair feeling healthy and beautiful.

Is there a beauty trend that you’re done with?
Heavy and caked on. Mind you, I don’t think that’s ever been a trend, but I see a lot of women and I think “less is more”. I like the simple and easy beauty philosophy of Almay. I think women can have fun with make-up and be more experimental. But as a rule, I like a glowing look.

Why do you enjoy working with stylist Rachel Zoe?
I’m not a traditionalist, I’m a little more of a free spirit and I think Rachel gets that about me. For big events, it’s not easy to find super-glam dresses that are appropriate for the night but at the same time comfortable. If I’m uncomfortable, either literally or with the look, it shows. She knows what I like, she knows my body, and to be honest, I’d rather have a professional pull options together for me, and then that’s more time for me with [seven-year-old son] Ryder.

What are your three favourite books?
One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez, Born to Run by Christopher McDougall and Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad.

Your favourite Goldie Hawn movie?
A tie between Private Benjamin and Seems Like Old Times.

The fragrance you love most?
My grandmother always said that a girl should never reveal her perfume!