Priscilla Presley Just Gets More Gorgeous
Redbook, January 1987
By Ellen Byron

How do you keep your skin so flawless, your makeup so perfect? we asked her. Do you have any special advice you'd like to share with our readers? Coming up, Priscilla Presley reveals how she has changed her beauty routine over the years -- and her look

At 41, Priscilla Presley seems even more beautiful than when she married Elvis. Her career is thriving--she plays Jenna Wade on TV's Dallas. And she and her live-in love, Brazilian writer-director Marco Garibaldi, are expecting a child soon. Here, she shares her beauty and health routines.

How did you arrive of your present natural look, so different from the one you were as Mrs. Elvis Presley?

One day, after Lisa Mane was born, I was looking at some earlier photographs of myself and I felt I didn't look real in them. The black hair, the heavy eyeliner, the double pairs of eyelashes, they were the style at the time, but now I like the idea of a more natural look. Inside, I was becoming my own person. I wanted to be more me. I decided to try a softer look. First, I lightened my hair. Then I got rid of the false eyelashes and lightened my eye makeup from black to more subtle browns.

How would you tell women to go about finding a more flattering makeup?

Start by looking in the mirror. Study your face. Ask yourself what your best feature is. Then go for it. Your worst? Don't pay attention to it. Sometimes, the more you try to hide a part of you, the more it sticks out! You have to educate yourself about beauty. I pore over the pages of magazines, they're full of new ideas. Learn from the examples. Pick a makeup style that fits your image of yourself. What do they do with blue eyes? Brown eyes? How are colors blended? If you see a look you like, try to figure out how it's done. That's what really helped me.

What are your best features and how do you emphasize them?

Probably my eyes. I find that a little shadow is usually all I need. Too much takes away from them; they get lost. I use mascara very lightly too, unless I'm going to a party.

What's the easiest way to take a day look into evening?

Since your foundation is already on, just add more color to get a classic look. If makeup starts to look intense, you're overdoing it. For example, if I decide to wear bright red lipstick, I do less on my eyes. It's a mistake to think you should exaggerate your makeup for evening. I never like to look artificial.

Do you have any shortcuts for finding the right makeup colors?

I go to an expert. At any cosmetic counter of the major companies, the salespeople are willing to help you pick out your best color combinations. I'm totally confused by the number of different colors out there! I'm sure many people feel the same way. It helps to have someone to guide you. I have every eye shadow color you can imagine! Even so, I seem to stick to the same darn colors. A makeup artist can expand the possibilities, try a variety of shades on you, and help you discover colors that truly flatter you.

Is there a product you can't do without?

My eyebrow pencil. I use it for everything! Even as a lip liner--once it's blended, the difference in color doesn't show.

Do you have any little pick-me-ups for emergencies like puffy eyes?

I keep one of those plastic gel-filled eye masks in my freezer. When my eyes puff up, I lie down with the mask on for about ten minutes. For a headache or circles under my eyes, I soak the mask in warm water first. It's a miracle worker for me.

The makeup you wear for TV must be hard on your skin. Do you follow any special regimen to keep your skin looking fresh and in good condition?

For a while I was having problems with oiliness. I switched from plain soap and water to a cleansing cream. I use it with a little facial brush that really gets in the pores for a thorough cleansing. After cleansing, I follow with a light moisturizer.

Do you do anything special to keep your hair looking good?

Frequent trims, a conditioner, and that's it. I don't do a lot to my hair. I should, because I color and highlight it. I'm somewhat lazy.

Now do you manage to fit exercise into your busy schedule?

I've made it part of my life. I exercise every day, even when I hate it. Mornings are the best time for me. I like to get my exercise out of the way so I don't have to go through the rest of the day trying to find the time to do it or feeling guilty because I've skipped it.

Do you diet?

I have little tricks I play with myself. If I don't, my body takes over and eats. What works for me is eating half of everything, eating slowly and putting the fork down a lot. I fool myself by saying, "This is all we're having right now." But once a week I have a dessert so I won't feel deprived.

How do you feel about being labeled one of the world's most beautiful women?

It's rather embarrassing, to be truthful. It's a burden if you feel you always have to look your best because people are watching you. I try to relax and not worry about the label. I don't take it very seriously.

Do you have any anti-aging tips?

Stay out of the sun. I used to be a sun fanatic, but not anymore. I especially make a point of protecting my face from the sun. I also try to get as much sleep as possible.

How do you balance the demands of your career and your personal life?

I always arrange time to be by myself. I have to be able to sit back and think, to reason things out. Otherwise, I tend to let problems become bigger than they really are. I make time for my family too. I really need them ... and they need me.