Eva Mendes Never Pictured Her Life at 50 — and Now She’s ‘Happy It’s Turning Out the Way It Is’
“I get to see my mom grow older. I get to see myself grow older. I get to see my kids grow up. I’m just so grateful to still be here,” says the actress and Skura Style co-owner.
As she turns 50, Eva Mendes reflects on the unexpected turns her life has taken and finds joy in them. “I live my life against societal pressures. Whatever I want to do, I simply do,” Mendes shares. She acknowledges the transformative impact her partner, Ryan Gosling, has had on her life, especially in embracing parenting their daughters, Esmeralda, 9, and Amada, 8. “I never thought I’d have kids or settle down, but meeting him changed my views,” she confesses.
Choosing to step away from her acting career to focus on her children was a no-brainer for Mendes. “Those years are so important,” the co-owner of the cleaning product brand Skura Style says. “I wanted to be fully present for all of it.” Mendes will soon debut as an author with her kids’ book, Desi, Mami, and the Never-Ending Worries, set to release this fall. She embraces her journey, imperfections, and all.
Mendes aims to create a positive environment for her daughters. “They’re listening to everything I say, so I choose my words thoughtfully,” she notes. She encourages joy and personal accountability, striving to be a better person daily because of her kids.
How do you define beauty at 50? Mendes believes beauty is all-encompassing and found everywhere, provided one is open to seeing it.
How did you imagine your life at 50? Mendes admits she couldn’t picture life past 30 when she was younger. Now, she’s content with how everything is unfolding.
What are you confident doing at 50 that you wouldn’t have dared at 25? Raising kids, Mendes explains. “In my 20s, I wasn’t ready. I smoked, swore a lot, and wasn’t in the right place mentally or emotionally to parent,” she laughs. Today, she thrives in her maternal role.
Describe your style. Mendes describes her style as ‘Cuban Golden Girls,’ favoring flowy dresses, wrapped hair, and large hoop earrings.
She recalls wearing more revealing clothing when she was younger but no longer feels the need. “I’ve done that already, and now I prefer more comfort and style,” she shares.
Why did you step back from acting?The decision wasn’t difficult, she reveals. “My kids will only be young once, and I want to be there for them,” Mendes adds. “I knew my actions now would shape their futures, and that clarity motivated me to prioritize them.”
How did Skura Style come about? Mendes explains that her need for better cleaning products led her to discover the Skura sponge. “They say your kitchen sponge is dirtier than your toilet, and that shocked me,” she recalls. The brand has since become an exciting venture for her.
How are cleaning duties divided at home? “I clean because I can’t cook,” Mendes admits cheerfully. Her partner, Gosling, handles the cooking. “My daughters can tell when I’ve made something; I usually mess up even simple dishes like eggs,” she chuckles.
Tell us about your new children’s book! Mendes’s book, Desi, Mami, and the Never-Ending Worries, is inspired by her experiences with her children and their bedtime anxieties. “I hope parents and caregivers find it useful and comforting,” she says.
