Simone Ashley may have first graced our screens as Olivia Hanan in Sex Education, but she quickly stole our hearts as the newest Mrs Bridgerton in Netflix’s hit TV show. While the jaw-dropping dresses and sky-high hair may take centre stage in Bridgerton, it’s Ashley’s flawless skin and enviable cascading curls – on and off the red carpet – that has us craving to know what’s in her beauty stash.

If you’ve been wondering how Simone Ashley gets her skin looking so good, you’re in luck. Stylist sat down with the L’Oréal Paris UK ambassador moments before she made her debut for L’Oréal Paris during Paris Fashion Week to get a sneak peek at what’s inside her make-up bag at all times, as well as discuss how she’d spend her ideal day off and what she’s learned from the women in her life. 

Simone on… why she doesn’t do a morning cleanse

“If I’ve not worn make-up the day before, I try not to wash my face. Maybe I’ll use some cold water at best. I try not to strip my skin of natural oils. My skin varies depending on the season, but I always put on a hydrating serum and a moisturiser in the morning.”

Simone on… how she preps for a red carpet

“Drink lots of water and get a good night’s sleep, which sometimes isn’t doable. I’ve definitely been on carpets where I haven’t had enough sleep. Either way, lots of water will sort you out.”

Simone on… finding her signature lipstick

“It can be quite hard sometimes to find the right shade for my skin tone. I think if we’re dark-skinned, our lips can be multi-tonal and sometimes we tend to lean towards darker lipsticks, but brighter colours can make you look more awake. L’Oréal Paris Color Riche Intense Volume Matte Lipstick in 540 is my favourite – I’d definitely recommend it to girls with deeper skin tones.”

Simone on… the beauty lessons she’s learned from the women in her life

“Everyone from my friends to the icons I look up to has their own unique way of conveying their beauty. I’ve always admired women who always wear a strong cat eye – it’s something I’m really inspired by.”

Simone on… why she’s not a make-up girl

“I’ve definitely learned a lot from my make-up artists. After many years of observing them and lots of trial and error and experimentation, you learn different techniques, tips and tricks. When I’m not working, I don’t wear that much make-up; I’ll put a little on if I’m going out for drinks with my friends, but most of the time, I wear minimal.”

Simone on… why she doesn’t do regrets

“I don’t have a beauty regret because I think I’ve never done something that was ever irreversible. I did go through a phase where I plucked my eyebrows a lot though. Oh yeah, I became a bit blind as to how they looked. Now I love my eyebrows.”

Simone on… keeping her face bare while she’s travelling

“I try not to wear make-up when I’m travelling, like on a train, plane or a car. Instead, I just put on a lip gloss – it always makes me feel a bit considered and polished.”

Simone on… de-stressing after a day on set

“If I’m feeling ultra-disciplined, I’ll go to the gym. If not, a really nice hot bubble bath and a good book will prepare me for the next day. I’m currently reading Just Kids by Patti Smith.”

Simone on… how she gets her curls looking so good

“L’Oréal Paris Elvive Glycolic Gloss Leave-In Serum for Dull Hair is in my bag at all times. It just makes my curly hair so shiny, smooth and glossy – I mean, it’s in the title!”

Simone on… how her relationship with beauty has changed as she’s grown

“Maybe it’s a sad thing to say, but I’m experimenting less. As a teenager, I would experiment with different eyeshadow colours, eyeliners and all of that. I’m feeling more comfortable with less being more and leaning into more of a natural look. But if I’m going on a red carpet, I really embrace having a fuller look.”

Simone on… self-care

“It’s thoughtfulness towards yourself. Externally, it could be your bedtime skincare routine and doing the things that make your hair and skin look and feel healthy. Internally, it’s treating myself to my favourite food or spending time with people I love. Taking my time to slow down a bit is important.”

Simone on… her ideal day off

“ A walk with my dog, getting a coffee and hanging out with my friends all day. I’ve got a show cocker spaniel – she’s such a lap dog!”

Simone on… her most indulgent beauty habit

“I love to get a facial. If I don’t have time, I just put a sheet mask in the fridge – I love them nice and cold against my skin.”

Simone on… inner beauty

“It’s all about kindness. Practising being kind to yourself and others. My mantra is: ‘In being kind to someone, you help release the beauty in another person.’ I think it’s a way of bringing out joy in someone, making them feel like they’re considered and that they’re worth it.”

Simone on… her advice to her younger self

“Be honest with yourself. If you feel like wearing loads of clumpy mascara as a teenager or loads of foundation, just lean into it. It’s nice to see someone evolving in their journey with beauty.”

Simone Ashley is a L’Oréal Paris UK ambassador. 

Images: Getty; L’Oréal Paris