Girls in the Beauty Department

Eva Mendes on Being a New Mom, Her Latest Beauty Projects, and Keeping Her Latin Culture Alive

Eva Mendes thrives on helping women, which is a very lucky thing for me. You see, for years I'd suspected that I was mispronouncing her first name. So since she'd always struck me as a girl's girl, someone who was warm despite her massive fame, I decided to ask her. "It's Eh-va," she explained affectionately. "But honestly, I just go by Ay-va, because if you don't speak Spanish, my proper name is hard to pronounce." With that bit of housekeeping out of the way, I was ready to talk to Eh-va Mendes, 41, the Cuban American glamazon. Born in Miami and raised in Los Angeles in a close-knit working-class family, Mendes, the youngest of four children, hit the big screen—and our Latina radar—in 2001 with her breakthrough role in Training Day. Since then, she's appeared in movies across every major genre, from romantic comedies (Hitch) to independent dramas (The Place Beyond the Pines, where Mendes is rumored to have met her love, actor Ryan Gosling). And although Mendes won't discuss her vida privada, we do know that the couple welcomed a daughter, Esmeralda Amada, last September. Much like the ever-growing list of Latina actresses who've hit it big in

Eva Mendes thrives on helping women, which is a very lucky thing for me. You see, for years I'd suspected that I was mispronouncing her first name. So since she'd always struck me as a girl's girl, someone who was warm despite her massive fame, I decided to ask her. "It's Eh-va," she explained affectionately. "But honestly, I just go by Ay-va, because if you don't speak Spanish, my proper name is hard to pronounce."

With that bit of housekeeping out of the way, I was ready to talk to Eh-va Mendes, 41, the Cuban American glamazon. Born in Miami and raised in Los Angeles in a close-knit working-class family, Mendes, the youngest of four children, hit the big screen—and our Latina radar—in 2001 with her breakthrough role in Training Day. Since then, she's appeared in movies across every major genre, from romantic comedies (Hitch) to independent dramas (The Place Beyond the Pines, where Mendes is rumored to have met her love, actor Ryan Gosling). And although Mendes won't discuss her * vida privada*, we do know that the couple welcomed a daughter, Esmeralda Amada, last September.

Much like the ever-growing list of Latina actresses who've hit it big in business—e.g., Jessica Alba, Jennifer Lopez, and Sofía Vergara (all Glam Belleza Latina cover stars, by the way)—Mendes is branching out. She's a new face of Estée Lauder, as well as creative director of Circa, a makeup collection that launched in more than 3,000 Walgreens stores this past spring. And on the fashion front, the Eva Mendes by New York & Company fashion line, launched in 2013, has grown to include bridal and a line for little girls. I couldn't wait to catch up with this incredible Latina.

Glam Belleza Latina: You were born in Miami and raised in California by Cuban parents. Paint me a picture of your upbringing.

Eva Mendes: We lived in a little Cuban community in Los Angeles around a lot of Latinos. It wasn't the best area, but it certainly wasn't the worst. There was a communal feeling. In the summer everyone kept the door open and made their *cafecitos *and sat on plastic beach chairs until late at night. Also, my father didn't speak English, still doesn't, and he demanded that we speak Spanish. And so I grew up with a really heavy Cuban influence, yet I was American. I'm super fortunate to have had the best of both worlds.

GBL: How do you keep your culture alive today?

__EM:__We're always playing Latin music. I tend to like the older stuff, so when Buena Vista Social Club came out—oh my God! I love a little Celia Cruz too. But honestly, the way I stay grounded is that my mom still cooks for me. She brings over a Cuban dish at least once a week. I need my mom's cooking. I'm kind of a brat in that way.

GBL: Do you see your family often?

EM: When my mom and sisters visit, they take over the house. They take my baby! They start cleaning everything! They sound like a bunch of hyenas, yelling in Spanish, English, Spanglish. They sing [my daughter Esmeralda] all these Cuban nursery songs that I forgot my mom used to sing to me. They're like a raucous crew.

GBL: You must feel so lucky to have them around.

EM: It's incredible. I really appreciate my family, now more than ever. I'm so happy that my little girl gets to grow up with this.

GBL: When you came on the scene, we had so few Latinas in the limelight and your Cuban roots were a huge deal. Are you aware of the resonance that you've had?

EM: Not really. I'm just thankful and proud to be a part of that Latina wave. I give women like Salma [Hayek Pinault] and Penélope [Cruz] a lot of credit for really raising [that awareness].

GBL: It seems to me we're everywhere these days—on TV, in the movies, on stage. Is that your impression too?

EM: It's a great time. I remember reading scripts when I started in the business, nearly 15 years ago, and [Latino roles] were either nonexistent or written as the maid or a drug dealer. We're no longer just that. I'll play any part that challenges me. What's important is that all races have choices.

GBL: You joined Instagram a few months ago, where you respond to style and beauty questions and comments. I have to ask: Is that really you writing back?

EM: That is 100 percent me. It actually breaks my heart when I can't respond. I love connecting with women; it's fun for me. I come from a huge family of women, and I'm super close to the girlfriends I've had since I was 12 years old. And as you can see, all my businesses are geared toward women.

GBL: Have you learned anything from your fans?

EM: Yes! I was in a New York & Company design meeting recently, and I was unsure about a print. I decided to ask for feedback on Instagram. One lady said, "It depends on how it falls on the body." So we looked at it and said, "You know what? She's totally right, because if this leaf falls by the boob, it's going to be weird."

GBL: One of your first Instagram photos was of your mom. Is she a beauty girl?

EM: My mother is incredible. She never left the house without her hair done or without lipstick on. She's just old-school in that way.

GBL: You've talked about loving her look from 1950s Cuba, with the nipped-in waist and flared skirts. And you're known for this slightly vintage look too. Is there a connection?

EM: Part of it is familiar because of my mom's time; I have so many of her old photographs. I love a loose-fitting skirt with a cinched waist. A feminine silhouette is a no-stress zone—it's comfortable and I don't have to worry about wardrobe malfunctions!

GBL: I've read that you're a lifelong drugstore beauty shopper. Is that right?

EM: I don't come from a wealthy or privileged background, and growing up I was always looking for the best quality at a price I could afford. My love of vintage is rooted in that. Drugstores were the mecca for the latest makeup trends and products.

GBL: Circa is an enormous collection, with all products under $15. Are you happy with how it turned out?

EM: I think women will be really impressed with the quality. I always wanted to do a cosmetics line, and when [owner] Maesa explained that they wanted professional-type products at an affordable price, I knew their vision matched my own. And as a Latina, I've helped create palettes that my friends and families can use. But every ethnicity can find something.

GBL: Which Circa products are you bringing home?

EM: Everything! But I especially love the Magic Hour Illuminating Concealer—it's a lifesaver. And when I feel super daring, I wear the Color Absolute Velvet Luxe Lipstick in 09 Rita. It's a perfect red for me, ideal for that rare night out!