Eva Mendes Discusses Family Life, Personal Passions, and Her New Venture at 51

Although Eva Mendes is a household name, she’s always made it clear that her personal life remains private. With two children alongside Ryan Gosling, she’s been frequently questioned about her family but remains committed to keeping things low-key. Yet, in a recent conversation, it’s clear that family plays a central role in her life, with even her dog, Magic, often by her side. This summer, the 51-year-old actress and entrepreneur is expanding her brand, the Skura Style x Eva Mendes Collection, a lifestyle brand she co-owns, focused on promoting a “well-kept kitchen.” Though this might seem like an unusual direction for someone known for her red-carpet appearances, Mendes is fully dedicated to it, drawing inspiration from her Cuban roots where a clean home was an essential part of life.

A Cultural Connection to Cleanliness

Mendes reflects, “Growing up, I always thought my love for a tidy home and clean kitchen was just a Cuban thing. Some of my fondest childhood memories involve my mom cleaning on weekends, playing music loudly while the smell of Pine-Sol filled the air. Those sounds and smells bring back so many memories. Even when friends or Ryan visited, they’d notice how much I valued a clean space. It wasn’t just about cleaning—it was a bonding moment for the whole family.”

She continues, “During the pandemic, I became obsessed with finding the best sponges, and I discovered these incredible Skura sponges. As someone who loves all things cleaning, I partnered with the brand and became an owner. Now, I have my own line, Skura by Eva Mendes, with products like the ‘smart sponge’ that lets you know when it’s time for a replacement, plus a Swedish cloth designed for my mom to help her cut down on waste.”

On Organization and Cleanliness

When asked if she’s someone who can’t relax unless things are organized, Mendes admits, “Absolutely! Though I’m not perfect, I do prefer things in order. There are nights when I let the dishes pile up, but I hate waking up to a mess. After putting the kids to bed, I’ll clean the kitchen, listen to a podcast or some salsa music, and wake up to a pristine space. It’s such a great feeling to start the day with everything in place.”

Family Traditions and Life Lessons

Mendes shares that many of her childhood habits still stick with her today. “My mom was incredibly resourceful. We couldn’t afford Q-tips, so she’d repurpose a bobby pin with some toilet paper. It sounds strange, but that’s how we did things. My mom would never throw away tin cans—she made piggy banks out of old coffee cans. Even now, when she visits, she’ll get excited over a box or can and ask if she can take it. She’s the ultimate recycler.”

She adds, “My mom was also a beauty icon in her own right. Even with four kids, she always made sure her hair was styled and her lipstick was on point. Though I haven’t carried on the tradition of wearing foam curlers, I do remember her advice to always apply moisturizer upwards. That’s a habit I’ve never let go of, and it’s one of the many things she passed down to me.”

Beauty Secrets and Treatments

Mendes admits, “I haven’t had the chance to try new treatments like Sofwave yet, but I’m experimenting with red light therapy again. I also found a gem in Peach’s Skincare by Lisa, who makes her own products, and I’m loving them. She’s almost 60 and looks incredible—so I’m definitely listening to her advice.”

As for other treatments, Mendes admits, “I do love a good laser or radio-frequency treatment, but it’s all about trial and error. I’ve had my share of mistakes, but I’ve learned what works for me.”

Embracing the Present with Her Family

Looking ahead to the summer, Mendes expresses, “I’m not sure what our summer will look like. We’re just going with the flow. I really want to enjoy this time with my kids—they’re growing up so fast. Our youngest just turned nine, and our oldest is ten. I know these moments are fleeting, and I want to be present with them, as well as with Ryan.”