Photo courtesy of Lancôme 

Since her Oscar-winning performance in 2013’s 12 Years a Slave, Lupita Nyong’o has been busy on big-budget films like Star Wars: The Force Awakens and The Jungle Book, always looking beautiful despite the pressure. "The most powerful way to show you support someone is to allow them to change. I allow myself to change," says the style icon. A solid fashion favourite, she chats with us about how she manages to stay on top of it all. 

 Describe a typical day. 

Photo courtesy of Thinkstock 

I work a lot, but I spend a lot of time trying to create balance in my life. I like to spend time quietly on my own at the start of the day before I get busy with shoots. 

What’s your beauty secret?

Photo courtesy of Lancôme

The thing about a beauty secret is that if I share it, it’s no longer a secret—but one that’s worth sharing is Lancôme’s Génifique serum.

Where do you go to recharge your batteries?

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I chase the sunshine to recharge. I like escaping to destinations like Mexico (above), Jamaica or Miraval in Tucson, Arizona. The sun is my first recharger. For a more accessible recharge, I like to escape to nearby spas and baths around New York.

 How do you take care of your skin?

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I’m gentle with my skin, keeping it hydrated and moisturised at all times. I make a point not to touch my face unnecessarily during the course of a busy day. My routine consists of the occasional face and body scrub and regular moisturising.

How do you take care of yourself and stay healthy?

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I have a personal trainer, Ben Archer, who helps me reach my fitness goals with good humour. I also enjoy eating healthy foods—kale is my favourite green, for example. And I laugh. A lot.

You exude an energy that contributes to your beauty. Where does it come from?

Photo courtesy of Lupita Nyong'o on Instagram 

I feel most beautiful when I’m honest and gentle with myself. I think that comes from my upbringing. My parents in particular. They were very big on us embracing ourselves the way we were.

This article was originally published in the January 2017 issue of Hong Kong Tatler.