Drew Barrymore on Beauty, Confidence, and Getting Out of Sweatpants

Drew Barrymore opens up about beauty routines, self-confidence, mom life, and the transformative power of a little lingerie.

By Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach
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Drew Barrymore Talks Beauty, Confidence, and Life Beyond Sweatpants

Few celebrities blend relatability with star power quite like Drew Barrymore. Whether she’s gracing the red carpet, launching beauty products, or embracing the chaos of motherhood, Drew brings her signature warmth and honesty to every aspect of her life. In a recent conversation, she dishes on beauty rituals, the emotional ups and downs of parenting, and the transformative power of a little style—but not without a dose of self-deprecating humor. Here’s what makes Drew Barrymore’s perspective on beauty and life so refreshingly real.

“Getting Out of Sweatpants”—Why Dressing Up Shifts Your Mindset

Even Hollywood icons aren’t immune to the allure of comfort. Drew confesses, “I’ve gotta get out of my sweatpants. I think I need lingerie or something sexy.” But she’s quick to admit that ditching loungewear isn’t just about external appearances—it’s a mental refresh.

  • Loungewear can be a security blanket, especially for moms juggling chaotic days.
  • Trading sweatpants for something more dressed-up—even just a hint of lace or a pop of lipstick—can nudge your confidence and shift your entire mood.
  • Drew says, “When you put on something cute, you just feel more alive and ready, even if it’s just for yourself!”

Her honesty about the struggle to prioritize self-care resonates with anyone who’s ever felt stuck in a rut. Drew’s tip: Start small. “Sometimes, a swipe of bold lipstick is all I need to remember I’m still me.”

Drew’s Everyday Beauty Routine: Real, Relatable, Radiant

Drew Barrymore’s beauty philosophy centers on simplicity and authenticity. She favors routines that are achievable for moms and busy professionals alike.

  • Mistake-Friendly Makeup: “I gravitate toward products I can throw on quickly. Mascara, BB cream, and cream blush—no brushes, no fuss.”
  • No-Rules Approach: “I don’t believe beauty is about perfection. I’ve had makeup mishaps, but you learn to laugh and try again.”
  • Skincare Essentials: “Hydration is key. I’ve become obsessed with facial mists and moisturizers. No matter how late I get to bed or how early my kids wake up, I never skip moisturizer.”
  • Multitasking Favorites: “If I can use a lip tint on my cheeks, it’s a win!”

She also emphasizes the importance of sunscreen—especially as she’s gotten older. “I wish I’d listened more when people said to wear SPF. Now, I don’t leave the house without it.”

On Confidence: Owning Insecurity and Celebrating Authenticity

Despite decades in the spotlight, Drew admits her relationship with confidence is a work in progress. She’s candid about body image challenges, noting:

  • “Some days I feel beautiful, other days I feel awkward or not enough. That’s normal.”
  • She encourages women to embrace imperfections: “Beauty isn’t about having flawless skin or a perfect figure. It’s about showing up as yourself.”
  • Drew credits her friends and family for keeping her grounded. “Having a daughter helps me see myself through a kinder lens—sometimes she’ll tell me, ‘Mom, you look beautiful,’ and I realize I should see myself that way too.”

Drew’s advice for building confidence:

  • Practice self-talk that’s gentle and encouraging.
  • Remember that confidence ebbs and flows—it’s not a destination.
  • Celebrate small wins: “If I make it through a tough day, that counts as self-love.”

Motherhood: Finding Balance and Laughing at the Chaos

Drew Barrymore is nothing if not honest about the challenges of motherhood. She jokes about her messiest moments yet finds beauty in the chaos.

  • “There are days when everything is a disaster, but then there are moments of pure joy—like when my kids crack me up with their goofy jokes.”
  • She emphasizes that perfection is an illusion: “Instagram moms look like they have it all together. My reality: juice boxes on the floor and glitter everywhere.”
  • Self-care for moms: “If you steal five minutes for yourself, don’t feel guilty. That’s not selfish—that’s survival!”

Drew finds humor essential. “If you can’t laugh, you’ll cry—so I always choose laughter when the sippy cups start flying.”

Beauty Advice: Less is More, Fun is Essential

  • Experimentation: “Don’t be afraid to try new things, whether it’s a wild eyeliner or a new hair color. If it makes you smile, it’s worth it.”
  • Signature Looks: “My go-to? Dewy skin, rosy cheeks, tousled hair, and a playful smile.”
  • Makeup Mood-Boost: “If I’m feeling low, sometimes putting on a bright shade of lipstick is an instant pick-me-up.”

Her favorite lesson from Hollywood makeup pros? There’s no single definition of beautiful. “Some of the most memorable looks come from breaking rules.”

Style Philosophy: Sexy Isn’t About Skin—It’s a State of Mind

Drew’s relationship with fashion is rooted in self-expression, not trends. She’s a firm advocate for dressing to please yourself.

  • “Sexy isn’t about showing skin or wearing something tight—it’s how you feel inside.”
  • Her go-to outfit formula? “A fun dress, great shoes, and a killer red lipstick.”
  • She swears by comfortable lingerie: “When you wear something that makes you feel good underneath, you carry yourself differently.”
  • Drew’s tip for breaking out of a style rut: “Shop your own closet. Mix pieces in new ways—sometimes combining pajamas with a blazer is the kind of fashion risk you need!”

Drew on Self-Love: Tiny Rituals, Big Impact

Despite a busy schedule, Drew prioritizes tiny rituals that anchor her day.

  • Morning mantra: “One good cup of coffee and a few deep breaths. Then I feel I can handle anything.”
  • Bedtime beauty: “A gentle face massage with oil relaxes me. Even if only for two minutes, it’s my little treat.”
  • Quick fixes: “On tough days, I keep favorite lipsticks and sheet masks on hand—they’re mini mood lifters.”

Drew’s approach is accessible: “Self-love doesn’t have to be fancy. It’s about checking in with yourself and treating your body kindly.”

Drew Barrymore’s Go-To Beauty Products Table

ProductWhy She Loves It
Tinted MoisturizerLight coverage, easy to apply, hydrates skin
Cream BlushGives a natural flush, doubles as lip color
MascaraWake-up effect for tired eyes
Lip TintMulti-use, quick touch-up for cheeks and lips
Face MistRefreshes and hydrates skin on the go
Sunscreen SPF 30+Essential for daily protection

Lessons from Hollywood: Imperfection is Beautiful

A veteran of the industry since childhood, Drew Barrymore says working in entertainment proved that beauty standards are endlessly shifting.

  • “Growing up in Hollywood, you see fads come and go. The only thing that lasts is authenticity.”
  • She recalls makeup artists encouraging her to play with color and texture, not to chase trends.
  • Drew credits legendary stylists for teaching her that confidence trumps contouring—”When you’re comfortable in your own skin, it shows.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How does Drew Barrymore approach beauty as a busy mom?

A: Drew’s routine is all about efficiency and self-compassion: quick products, multitaskers, and forgiving herself for imperfections.

Q: What fashion advice does Drew give for breaking out of a style rut?

A: She suggests shopping your own closet and combining unexpected pieces to spark joy and creativity.

Q: How does Drew boost her confidence when she’s feeling low?

A: Sometimes a bright lipstick or small self-care ritual is enough to shift her mindset and reclaim a sense of self.

Q: What’s Drew’s favorite self-care ritual?

A: Morning coffee, a deep breath, and a moisturizing skincare routine set the tone for her day.

Q: What is Drew’s advice for moms struggling with perfection in beauty and parenting?

A: “Perfection doesn’t exist. Allow yourself grace, laugh at the messes, and celebrate small victories every day.”

Quick Tips: Drew’s Five-Minute Beauty Pick-Me-Ups

  • Swipe on cream blush for instant radiance.
  • Spritz face mist to freshen skin midday.
  • Use a multitasking lip tint for lips and cheeks on the run.
  • Keep travel-sized sunscreen in your bag for busy days.
  • Change out of sweatpants into something you love—even if it’s just for you.

Final Reflections: Why Drew’s Wisdom Resonates

In an era of Instagram filters and TikTok trends, Drew Barrymore’s refreshingly honest approach to beauty and life serves as a needed reminder: It’s not about standards—it’s about authenticity, laughter, and finding joy in the everyday. So, whether you’re lounging in sweatpants or glammed up for a big night out, remember Drew’s favorite advice: “Beauty is a state of mind.”

Sneha Tete
Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer
Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to thebridalbox, crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.

Read full bio of Sneha Tete