Meeting with Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu, new L’Oréal Paris amabassador breaking stereotypes

by Léa Zetlaoui.

Publié le 9 april 2025. Modifié le 10 April 2025.

Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu, new brand ambassador of L’Oréal Paris

L’Oréal Paris’s decision to choose Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu as its new ambassador for France comes as no surprise. At 22, she was revealed to audiences in Trois Hommes et un Couffin (1985), a role that earned her a César nomination for Best Supporting Actress. She went on to build a quiet yet impactful career, collaborating with such European cinema giants as Roger Vadim, Jean-Jacques Annaud, and Andrzej Wajda.

Thirty years later, she’s become a role model for a new generation—first in 2015 with her role in Call My Agent!, and more recently in Emily in Paris (2020).

Both loved and critiqued, the Netflix series created by Darren Star (Sex and the City) became a global phenomenon. Alongside lead actress Lily Collins, Leroy-Beaulieu helped spotlight French talents like Lucas Bravo, Camille Razat—and herself.

Her character Sylvie Grateau, a high-powered marketing executive, became central to the show. Neither a caricature nor a simple “French woman” archetype, Sylvie’s daring and complexity make her magnetic. Beneath a seemingly cold exterior lies a rich blend of vulnerability and strength.

Her role in the series has transformed Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu into a true fashion icon. Admired by prestigious fashion houses like Saint Laurent and Schiaparelli, she stands out for her ability to bend the rules while staying true to herself with a sense offbeat elegance and relaxed glamour.

During our meeting at the Hôtel Lutetia, the 61-year-old actress wins us over with her humility and honesty. Without a doubt,  L’Oréal Paris couldn’t have found a better ambassador than Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu.

Interview with Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu

Numéro: Why did you accept the role of L’Oréal Paris ambassador?

Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu: At first, I was very surprised they asked me. Then I accepted because I think it’s a wonderful brand that gives women a voice in a meaningful way—with different ways of communicating. I found it beautiful to have a platform to share ideas and perspectives.

 

Do you enjoy having the opportunity to share your views?

Yes, though I don’t like to speak out on every issue. I’m just an actress. Still, as a woman—or simply as a person—I sometimes have thoughts and ideas about the world.

What does this role represent for you?

Perhaps it means I’ll start speaking out a bit more. But I’m cautious about what I say because we live in an era where everyone expresses opinions on everything. Words get taken out of context, twisted. So it’s crucial to choose our words and topics carefully. I don’t claim to know everything, but curiosity teaches you things and there’s always some thoughts we can share.

What values and images do you associate with L’Oréal Paris?

Their desire to stand with women. And a sense of rigor, which you can feel even in their products.

A personal view on beauty

How do you relate to fashion, beauty, and image in general?

My relationship with image, fashion, and beauty is purely professional. That said, fashion has always been a part of my life—my mother worked in the industry. I actually rejected it at first. When you’re immersed in it, you sometimes get fed up. But it came back into my life through my work, especially with Emily in Paris.

 

How do you define beauty?

To me, beauty goes far beyond nice legs or a pretty mouth. It’s an attitude toward life, what you bring to others. The people who move me are those who give. Someone who’s kind to you, who uplifts you—that’s a beautiful person.

You like to find beauty around you.

I believe that “beauty will save the world.” Dostoevsky said that, and I think it’s absolutely true. Ultimately, beauty lies in what’s genuine, what deeply touches us. When it’s real, the heart recognizes it.

Her relationship with fashion

You mentioned your mother worked in fashion. What advice did she give you about style?

She often told me it’s essential to have good basics. That way, you can play with accessories. And above all, don’t buy things you’ll regret in a few months. She was right. Even though sometimes you want to wear more original looks, nothing beats a well-made basic that stands the test of time.

How would you describe your everyday style?

Day-to-day, it’s a good pair of jeans, a blazer, a shirt, and comfortable shoes. It’s a very simple style, partly due to lack of time, but also because I have so many events where I have to dress up.

 

And for a red carpet event?

That’s different! I work with Clément Lomellini. We have a great bond and share a sense of humor. We like to choose beautiful, feminine looks—but always with a little twist. You shouldn’t take yourself too seriously in those glamorous gowns.

Her acting career and role in Emily in Paris

You’re one of the actresses proving that life and career continue after 50. How do you view this role and what’s happening in your career now?

We should stop talking in terms of age brackets—it’s what confines us. Life is constant change. You’re not the same at 5, 10, 20, or 30. I started working at 18, went through highs and lows. Today, I’m experiencing a beautiful phase again, but it came as a surprise—just like my partnership with L’Oréal Paris. Maybe these opportunities arise when we’re ready for them. And we always have something to give. Actors, after all, often give everything… right up to their final breath on stage.

 

When you mention surprises, are you thinking of Emily in Paris?

Yes, being part of Emily in Paris was a real surprise, a huge success that changed my path. But actors work non-stop throughout their lives. Some projects soar, others go unnoticed.

 

How much does the character of Sylvie resemble you?

She’s nothing like me, even if I gave her a few traits from myself—but very few. Actually, she reminds me more of the women I saw around my mother when she worked at Dior with other strong, uncompromising figures from the ‘80s and ‘90s who masked fear with toughness. Deep down, Sylvie is a woman who’s afraid.

 

Has your public image changed since Emily in Paris?

Generally, people who don’t like the show don’t say anything. But those who love it are incredibly kind and enthusiastic. What surprised me most is how attached they are to Sylvie. At first, she’s such a ‘bitch’! I didn’t expect such a warm reception.

As the series progresses, she becomes more nuanced and endearing.

Yes, though in the first two seasons, she’s still pretty ruthless! It’s only later that her complexity and softness emerge.

Do you like how the character evolves?

Absolutely. She’s not going to stop being who she is. If anything, she’s going to push it further. But I also like that she’s becoming a bit sexier.

Do you love Paris as much as Sylvie does?

Yes, I adore Paris. The more I travel, the more I realize how lucky I am to live here. There’s so much beauty in this city!

Part of the last season was shot in Rome. Were you happy about the change of setting?

Yes! And we’re going back soon, which I’m thrilled about. I have a deep connection to Rome, it’s where I grew up. My father had children in Italy, so I go often. Being there always brings back memories.

Tell us about your upcoming film, 100 Days.

I play the mother of Brazilian sailor Amyr Klink, who was the first to row solo across the South Atlantic in the 1980s. The film takes place on the boat during the crossing, with many flashbacks explaining why he undertook the journey. My character is very loving and gentle—nothing like Sylvie!

Do you enjoy playing such different roles?

That’s what we actors love, playing vastly different characters. That’s why we do this job. Deep down, all actors love and hate revisiting characters who became famous.

Emily in Paris, available on Netflix.100 Days, coming soon to theaters.