The 51-year-old actress shared a low-effort beauty hack that helped her feel put together on Christmas morning after a long night playing “Santa Mama” for her kids. Mendes is mom to daughters Esmeralda Amada, 11, and Amada Lee, 9, whom she shares with longtime partner Ryan Gosling.
Taking to Instagram, Mendes posted a pair of cozy holiday photos showing off a fresh, natural look. Wearing festive pajamas with a softly lit Christmas tree behind her, the focus was on her subtly smudged, winged eyeliner — proof that a little prep can go a long way.
In her caption, Mendes joked about the exhaustion that came with making Christmas magical. “I survived being Santa Mama! I was hurting all of Xmas day — but I did it!” she wrote.
She then revealed her secret: doing her eye makeup the night before.
“I actually do my eye makeup on Christmas Eve since I know I will barely sleep that night,” Mendes explained. “So at least I wake up with some eyes.”
The actress wrapped up her post with a warm message for fellow parents who go the extra mile for their kids during the holidays. “Happy holidays to all those that — no matter what the obstacle — make Xmas magical for kids,” she wrote.
Mendes, who starred in Hitch and Last Night, has long been open about her approach to motherhood while keeping her family life private. She has previously explained why she chooses not to post photos of Gosling or their daughters on social media, saying it’s important to protect their privacy.
She also spoke candidly about parenting during an appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show in September 2024. During the conversation, Mendes and Drew Barrymore bonded over how identity can shift after having children.
Barrymore, who shares daughters Olive and Frankie with ex-husband Will Kopelman, asked Mendes if she ever felt lost after becoming a mom. Mendes said her experience was complicated but honest.
“I didn’t feel lost at first — I felt very clear — but then I felt lost, if that makes sense,” she said. She added that as her daughters grow more independent, she’s started thinking about who she is beyond motherhood, even while feeling deeply fulfilled.
For Mendes, it’s those everyday moments — from late-night Santa duties to heart-to-heart talks with her girls — that define this chapter of her life. And if a little eyeliner applied the night before helps her face Christmas morning with confidence, she’s more than happy to share the trick.
Tags:
News
