Simone Ashley's Must Haves, From $9 Lip Gloss to a Luxury Suitcase
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Stepping into a massive hit show like "Bridgerton" for its second season is no small feat. It is a lot of pressure, but with poise and intention, Simone Ashley nailed the role of Kate Sharma, holding her own against Jonathan Bailey and captivating audiences worldwide. Ashley is always looking for challenges and has certainly found that with her next role in the new Amazon film "Picture This." She stars in the film as Pia, a headstrong, ambitious, and charming single woman looking to build her career as a photographer, even if it means putting her love life on the backburner. Throw in a loveable but very nosy family, a psychic, one super charismatic bestie, and, of course, a romantic blast from her past, and you've got a delightful modern-day romantic comedy. And it all takes with the backdrop of her sister's big British-Indian wedding (and yes, there is dancing).
"I'm drawn to characters that are quite powerful in their personality," says Ashley. "She's super hot-headed, passionate, and ambitious, and I think it just gives you so much to work with within the story and her journey." The Surrey, England native also noted that she loved Pia's ambition. "Not just with her career, but she goes out there, you know, and tries to find the right thing for herself."
I'm drawn to characters that are quite powerful in their personality.
Ashley is similar to Pia, as well as Kate Sharma, in that her ambition and constant evolution is important to her. This film marks the first time Ashley also took on a producer credit in her career, a path that she's excited to keep pursuing. "It has to be a project that I'm passionate about and that I'm in love with. You can't half-bake things, right?"
It helps that Pia's story is not only compelling, but relatable to so many women. "I think anyone can relate to her desire to find love within herself and love outside of that. This story has a specific romantic trope, and that is second chances, right? That's the thing I do believe in." "Picture This" is streaming now on Amazon Prime. In the meantime, Simone Ashley shared her product essentials, from $9 skincare to a luxury suitcase.
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Simone Ashley’s Beauty Must Have
L'Oreal Paris Infallible 8-Hour Lip Gloss ($9)
When she isn't filming, Ashley tries to wear little to no makeup to give her skin some relief. But no matter what she is typically sporting L'Oreal lip gloss. "I love my L'Oreal lip glosses, even when I'm not wearing makeup. I love wearing a lip gloss."
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Simone Ashley’s Nighttime Must Have
Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser 200ml ($55)
Ashley tries to keep it simple, which means lots of sleep, especially when she is traveling. She also recommends a simple nighttime skin regimen. "A hot flannel to open my pores and a good night's sleep."
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Simone Ashley’s Affordable Must Have
Evian Natural Spring Water, 1 L bottles, 6 pack ($13)
Ashley says drinking as much water as possible is a major priority for her self-care. "Drinking lots of water, exercising, I think just being kind to yourself as well. I noticed when I'm really stressed, I tend to break out more. So, yeah, I think being kind to myself. I want to start meditating more, and I love working out."
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Simone Ashley’s Travel Must Have
Globe Trotter Medium Check-In 4 Wheels ($2,145)
"I love my Globetrotter suitcase," she says. "They're really pretty." The luxury case is handcrafted in England and features polished gold-tone hardware, carbon steel locks, a proprietary outer material made from recycled papers, and a soft fabric interior.
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Meredith Lepore is a writer and editor who's passionate about covering travel, fitness, wellness, and entrepreneurship. Her writing has appeared online in Travel + Leisure, Robb Report, Refinery29, Bustle, and InStyle.com, and in magazines Marie Claire, Self, Women's Health, InStyle, and Cosmopolitan.