Isabella Rossellini Takes Center Stage at the Lancôme x Louvre Event

What do you get when one legendary French maison teams up with another legend a la Francaise? Just about the most iconic collaboration imaginable. Lancôme recently announced an exclusive beauty collection with the Louvre and to celebrate its launch, hosted a star-studded event earlier this week at the esteemed institution for Paris Fashion Week. Several celebrities arrived at the palace grounds looking glamorous as ever, including Lancôme’s longtime ambassadress Isabella Rossellini, who caught up with Town & Country ahead of the affair.

Rossellini, a longtime Lancôme ambassadress, looked effortless in a muted burgundy red lip with a glowing complexion. To achieve the radiant glam, the actress prepped her skin beforehand with a Lancôme mask and used the Rénergie H.C.F. Triple Serum as a makeup base. From there Lancôme Makeup Director, German Moyano, applied her makeup using the new Lancôme x Louvre collection. Featured products include a five-pan Richelieu Wing eyeshadow and highlighter palette, limited-edition bottle of the brand’s beloved Génifique Serum, and four L’Absolu Rouge Matte lipsticks.

Moyano’s handiwork on Rossellini’s face complemented the rest of her look perfectly. She wore a mint green, floral caftan by pal Nazzy Beglari, beaded jade statement necklace given to her as a birthday gift, Dolce & Gabbana flats—”I only wear flat shoes!” quips Rossellini—and a silk Japanese purse she scored at an antique store. “I love that I can trace back to every person and every talent involved in the creation of what I am wearing,” she says.

Ahead, Rossellini shares more about her role as a Lancôme ambassadress, her favorite products, and the greatest beauty lessons she lives by.

You’ve been very open about having never done plastic surgery or Botox—and your skin looks fantastic! What are your skincare secrets?

I am the living example of the efficacy of Lancôme products. I have worked for this cosmetic company for over 40 years and used all the skincare that is generously made available to me. My preferred line is the Rénergie collection.

Your mother, Ingrid Bergman, was obviously one of the most glamorous stars in Hollywood. What is one beauty lesson she shared and that you live by today?

My mother had a very down-to-earth approach to life that translated also in her beauty routine, which was simple but efficient. Every day she wore lipstick, mascara, and perfume. On special occasions, like a big event, she would have a makeup artist and hair dresser help her. She didn’t have a stylist, but a friend who was a costume designer who advised her about evening gowns. It was all much simpler then.

You’re a mother yourself. What is one beauty lesson you’ve shared with your daughter?

Having a healthy life, eating correctly, not smoking, and not drinking excessively helps in all domains.

Makeup has been through a lot of changes over the decades. What have been some of the looks you’ve been experimenting with?

I realized that although I profess we all have to accept the aging process, I used makeup to make myself look younger. I asked German [Lancôme Makeup Director German Moyano] to help create a makeup look that spells “creativity.” I am still experimenting, but I started to use more color, like green eyeshadow. I am still in the process.

You’ve previously opened up about your penchant for red lipstick. Which shades are your favorite?

I have several colors of lipstick that I match to what I wear, but they all tend to be in the red/burgundy shades. Lancôme named two shades after me: one very bright red called “Isabella,” and the other one that is more subdued called “Mademoiselle Isabella.”

You’ve been part of the Lancôme family for a very long time. What does it mean to you to be an ambassadress?

I am so touched to be back at Lancôme. Lancôme having me as an ambassadress in my 70s indicates a larger understanding about what “beauty “ means and total inclusiveness. When I turned 40, my Lancôme contract was not renewed in spite of the great success of our collaboration, and I was told that advertising is about dreams and women dream to be young, so therefore at 40 I couldn’t represent that dream any longer. After 23 years, I was called back. Times are changing and are more positive, optimistic, and joyful. No wonder one of Lancôme’s slogans is “Life is beautiful.” It is indeed!

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