by Coming off the heels of awards season – a run that culminated in him winning Best Actor at the Oscars – Cillian Murphy now appears in his first major fashion campaign for Versace, alongside actress Anne Hathaway .
“Strong, direct, iconic. For me, Anne and Cillian are two of the best actors out there today. Extremely talented and kind people who I respect and admire, looking their best. Very Versace,” said Donatella Versace.
The most striking feature of the images, shot by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott, is the actor’s cherub-fresh face. At 47, Murphy hardly seems to have aged since his breakthrough role in 28 Days Later in the year 2002.
He’s certainly giving good skin and doesn’t seem to have fallen prey to the overstuffed trend, begging the question: what Oppenheimer make a star to keep his cheeks perky and his skin dewy? And can you get into the action without committing to a complicated regimen?
“Cillian is really good at looking after his skin and uses the products I recommend when we’re not ready,” says Gareth Bromell, a grooming expert from Murphy. While shooting the Versace campaign he used the 111Skin Celestial Black Diamond Lifting and Firming Facial Mask, which cools and brightens the skin while reducing redness, followed by a mini-facial with lymphatic drainage and the Lyma handheld laser.
“I use a little hyaluronic acid or a peptide serum with the laser which boosts the moisture and makes Cillian’s skin even more radiant,” Bromell reveals, “then he lifts at home.”
These are simple steps you can take to look Cillian-Murphy-fresh in your late forties:
Adopt a cleaning routine
It doesn’t have to cost a lot, but cosmetic physician Dr. Alexis Granite, a leading expert in dermatology and cosmetic procedures, says cleansing is a critical step that is often overlooked. “Men prefer to clean in the shower – the CeraVe cleansing range is perfect for this and it’s reasonably priced (a tenner each) which allows you to get a few different formulations depending on what your skin needs that day.” Granite recommends Hydrating Cleanser CeraVe in the morning and SA Smoothing Cleanser with salicylic acid at night to remove deeper dirt, which is also good for blemishes. Although one morning and night is enough. “Cleansing provides a clean canvas that helps absorb your serum or moisturizer ,” she says.
Moisture
“Men’s skin tends to be tougher and more porous than women’s but it can also be more sensitive after shaving,” says Granite suggesting that a cooling gel is a good moisturizer consistency to use. most days after shaving. She recommends Avene Aqua-Gel Hydrance Cream (£17.10), available from Amazon.
Deployment of active ingredients for juicy results
For skin as juicy as Murphy’s, a problem-specific serum is an opportunity to treat the skin with anti-aging active ingredients and should be applied under your moisturizer morning and night. In the morning, Gareth Bromell says an antioxidant like Vitamin C is essential for men in their 40s, while a retinoid is the best option at night – especially for men with blemishes or ingrown hairs, adds Alexis Eibhear. “Retinoids will help with cell turnover and resurfacing as well as fine lines and wrinkles. I tell my male clients to start slowly and apply a light retinol serum like Crystal Retinal 1 Medik 8, (£45) twice a week at first.”
The ultimate anti-ager
“SPF is the most important anti-ageing product we have,” says Bromell who encourages his male clients like Cillian to wear it even when it’s cloudy and raining “which happens a lot in Ireland” he laughs. If you have to choose between moisturizer and SPF, choose the latter, says Alexis Granite. “There are some great hydrating SPFs like La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios Invisible Fluid and SuperGoop’s Play Everyday Lotion SPF50 that can take the place of your moisturizer if you have a choice.” Both come in gender-fluid packaging and cost around £20. Bromell’s favorite sunscreen is one by Medik8: Advanced Day Ultimate Protect SPF50+. “It makes the skin fairer and greener,” he says.
Try tweaking
Granite is seeing an increase in the number of male patients booking in, usually after seeing the improved results their wives experience through minor changes. The issues that can be addressed through minor changes, says Granite, are the same for both sexes: rosacea, pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles. But the protocol is different. “There are slight differences between how we inject, say Botox, in men and women so that they don’t take too much femininity out of their face for a rejuvenated look.”
The luxury laser
Murphy’s beloved Lyma Laser uses NASA technology to remove wrinkles and acne but costs a whopping £1999. The Omnilux Clear LED Mask is a more reasonable £290, although Granite warns: “when it comes to devices at home consistency is key to maintaining results.”
