Benjamin Ashford|Eva Mendes' Ultimate Self-Care Hack May Surprise You

We interviewed Eva Mendes because we think you'll like her picks. Some of the products featured are Benjamin Ashfordfrom Skura Style, a brand Eva co-owns. E! has affiliate relationships, so we may get a commission if you purchase something through our links. Items are sold by the retailer, not E!. Prices are accurate as of publish time.

Eva Mendes has a surprising self-care secret that might just change your nightly routine: washing dishes. For her, it's more than just scrubbing plates—it's a therapeutic practice that sets the stage for a clear mind and a fresh start each morning. "I don’t really have a self-care routine after a long day—it’s my kitchen," Eva shares. "It’s doing the dishes at night so I wake up to a clean kitchen in the morning. That’s the best! That’s part of wellness for me. When my sink is clean, my mind is clear."

In addition to her unique approach to self-care, Eva keeps it practical when it comes to beauty. Eva's approach is straightforward—she admits to stocking up on her favorite lipstick shade out of fear it might be discontinued and she relies on a budget-friendly hair product to keep her iconic voluminous locks looking their best.

In an exclusive E! interview, Eva discusses her self-care must-haves and how her love for the Skura Style sponges inspired her to join the women-founded brand as a co-owner.

E!: What makes Skura Style sponges the ultimate cleaning hack?
EM: It does the thinking for you. Most people don’t know when a sponge has reached its limit. Our sponge tells you when it hits the expiration date without any extra work on your end.

"Through its innovative fading technology it tells you when it’s time to be replaced. It’s so damn smart! And it doesn’t smell!"

More From Eva: "Our Skura Style sponge is the ultimate hack for busy moms, dads, caretakers, and actually for singles as well! It’s a cleaning hack."

Shoppers Agree: These iconic sponges have 6,100+ 5-star Amazon reviews.

"When I became a partner, I designed my own sponges. I wanted to leave the product as is. It's perfect! I wanted to add my own style to it."

More From Eva: "I’m Cuban, so I love color! My kitchen is a mix of lots of colors, so I wanted my collection to reflect me. I figure if I’m honest and I create what I personally love, then other people will love it as well."

"I love the colorways in my collection: teal, blue, and this beautiful blush. These are colors that bring me a lot of joy, personally."

E!: Share the beauty product you have been using the longest.
EM: The beauty product that I’ve been most loyal to is a Pat McGrath Lab lipstick in the shade Peep Show.

"I don’t love wearing lipstick, but when I do it’s def this one! I have so many out of fear they may be discontinued."

E!: If you only have 5 minutes to get ready, what products are you using?
EM: If I only have a few minutes to get ready, I use Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer, Laura Mercier Caviar Tightline Eyeliner, and Bisou Balm by Violette_Fr.

This tinted moisturizer is just what you need to perfect that dewy, no-makeup look. It blurs imperfections with ease and provides 24 hours of hydration, per the brand.

This eyeliner has a gel-like formula that glides on easily without pulling or tugging. It has a 16-hour, crease-proof wear, according to the brand.

"This is an amazing product that makeup artist Violette designed for lips."

Chloe Fineman has recommended this tinted lip balm to E! shoppers too.

"I love my hair, but I don’t love it when it’s super shiny and blown out. I like my natural waves that have a roughness to it. I like using a leave-in conditioner from Mixed Chicks."

E!: Tell me about viewing cleaning as a family bonding experience instead of a chore.
EM:  I’ve always had an emotional connection to cleaning, especially doing the dishes. My mom was such a hard worker, so it was challenging for her to clean during the week. The weekend was her time to get it all done.

Due to having a clean space, our moods were better and lighter. We were happier to be in the space, however tiny and cramped it was.

"Some of my best childhood memories are waking up on a weekend morning to scents of Fabuloso or Pine-Sol and Cuban music."

Shopper Agree: Fabuloso has 3,900+ 5-star Amazon reviews. Shoppers gave Pine-Sol 1,900+ 5-star Amazon reviews.

E!: As a successful female entrepreneur with products in the cleaning aisle, which is traditionally dominated by men, how does your journey as a co-founder of a female-owned company influence the values and aspirations you hope to instill in your daughters?
EM: It’s still male-dominated. So, I'm super excited to be right between Sponge Daddy and Mr. Clean. I mean come on, that’s ironic AF.

E!: Your children's book Desi, Mami, and the Never-Ending Worries will be out in September 2024. What makes this a must-have read for a family's routine?
EM: I’m beyond excited. The subject matter is something I’m very connected to and I want to create a conversation around it with kids.

It’s about our brain, specifically our thoughts, and the importance of keeping our thoughts in check. When left to its own devices, our thoughts can really take us to some scary places. If we don’t course correct and feed it with what we WANT to think about, it can really take over and cause never-ending worries.

This is a conversation my kids and I have on a daily basis. It’s something we all struggle with, yet it’s not talked about enough. I’m a big believer in don’t believe everything you think. But, I believe this last sentence!

If you want to do more celeb-inspired shopping, you'll love these picks from Paris Hilton.

Where can I buy Skura Style sponges?

Skura Style sponges are available on the company website, Amazon, Target, Sur La Table, and Walmart among other authorized retailers.

How much are Skura Style sponges?

Skura Style sponges are available in a set of four for $12. You can also opt for a bundle with 12 sponges for $36 or a 16-pack for $48.

How often should I replace Skura Style sponges?

Replacing your Skura Style sponge depends on the frequency of use. Skura Style sponges use Fade-to-Change® technology that is designed to indicate when it's time to replace your sponges.

Does Eva Mendes own Skura Style?

Eva is a co-owner of Skura Style along with founders Linda Sawyer and Alison Matz. Eva is also a brand ambassador who is involved in other aspects of the company, including product development and creative direction.

What are Skura Style sponges made from?

According to the brand's website, "Skura Style sponges are a combination of a foam base that is highly absorbent with excellent wipe-dry performance, a premium non-abrasive coating for scouring, and an antimicrobial agent in the foam and scouring coating that inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria, mold and mildew."