From Westeros to the Matrix, Jessica Henwick has fast become one of the most compelling multi-hyphenates working in Hollywood right now.
The British actor, writer, and director first broke ground as the first actress of East Asian descent to lead a British television series in Spirit Warriors, before going on to steal scenes in some of the world’s biggest franchises, including Game of Thrones, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Iron Fist, and The Matrix Resurrections. But beyond the action sequences, long shoot days, and red-carpet glamour, Henwick’s approach to beauty is refreshingly low-key. It's also deeply rooted in self-care – and the power of a good nap.
For our In The Bag series, she opens up about the products she swears by after hours in heavy makeup, the jet-lag remedies that keep her together, and the one skincare step she refuses to skip – no matter how chaotic her day might get.
How does your beauty routine shift between set life and off-duty days?
Film makeup is usually quite heavy, so at the end of a shoot day, I'll use the Shiseido Cleansing Oil and a warm towel to get rid of everything. On a normal day, I'm usually in very light makeup or no makeup, so I just use their thinner Cleansing Milk before bed.
What does your morning routine look like when you’re shooting long days – what are the first products you reach for?
Getting ready for a long day at work, I always like to start with under-eye patches and some ice globes for a little massage. I feel like it really helps take down some of the eye puffiness – an inevitable side effect of early call times and not enough sleep.
After a long day on set, what’s in your nighttime wind-down ritual to reset?
After work, my ritual is pretty simple. I usually listen to music or a podcast and have a hot bath with Epsom Salts. I can't go to bed with products in my hair, so I'll use the OUAI Shampoo and Conditioner and try to blow-dry it at least partially before I pass out.
Are there any drugstore or supermarket beauty finds you swear by?
Does Pixi Beauty count? I love their blush, it's so natural and light.
Filming schedules can be brutal – How do you stay energised while travelling or working long hours?
Strategic naps! I wolf down my lunch and try to get 10 minutes in before I head back to set.
Do you swear by any professional treatments like facials, lymphatic massage, or skin procedures?
So my new obsession is StretchLab. It's literally an hour of assisted stretching. You end up in positions you just wouldn't be able to reach on your own, and I walk out feeling brand new. It's so good if you have old injuries for recovery.
On days when you’re exhausted or jet-lagged, what’s the one beauty hack that instantly makes you feel human again?
The trusty hot facial towel never disappoints. Also, I love a good lavender spray to calm me down.
What’s the single non-negotiable step in your routine, no matter how chaotic life gets?
My serum and moisturiser routine! After I discovered the Lancôme Renergie triple serum, I have not looked back (it has Hyaluronic acid, Vitamin C, Niacinamide and Ferulic acid). And I swap moisturisers depending on the season, but if I want to treat myself, I'll use the 111 Skin Day Cream. It's so smooth.
Is there a beauty icon who you admire or has influenced you?
Honestly, my Mum, because she's all about embracing your natural look. If she hadn't infused me with those values growing up, I'm sure I would have made some impulsive appearance decisions too young, while my body was still changing.
What’s the smartest piece of beauty advice you’ve ever been given on set?
Use. Primer.
If you had to empty your bag and keep only one product, what would survive the cut?
One product?? Bioré's Watery Sunscreen. It's high SPF, but it doesn't have the thick feel that a lot of SPF products do. I think it actually clears up my skin, rather than clogging my pores.
