Michelle Monaghan Shares Self-Tanning Secrets for ‘The White Lotus’
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Actress Michelle Monaghan recently opened up about her meticulous self-tanning routine for her character Jaclyn in the popular HBO series, The White Lotus. During a special event in New York City celebrating her role as the first brand ambassador for U Beauty, Monaghan revealed the dedicated beauty regimen she followed to embody Jaclyn’s tropical, effortlessly glamorous look on the show.

In the third season of The White Lotus, Monaghan portrays a TV star on a girls’ trip to The White Lotus resort in Thailand. To maintain Jaclyn’s sun-kissed appearance throughout the extensive filming period, the actress diligently self-tanned on a weekly basis. She shared with PEOPLE, “I committed to it every Sunday. So everybody’s like, ‘We’re going to go down to the beach and for a swim.’ And I was like, ‘I can’t do it.’ Instead, I was putting on the self-tanner and waiting for it to dry for six or seven hours because it was so humid.”
Monaghan’s dedication to her character’s appearance did not go unnoticed by the cast and crew. She mentioned how her self-tanning sessions became a running joke on set, with everyone aware of her Sunday ritual. The actress highlighted that the process of tanning not only enhanced her physical transformation but also helped her delve deeper into portraying Jaclyn authentically.
In addition to the self-tanning routine, Monaghan underwent a dramatic change for the role by transitioning to a blonde hair colour. Despite initial concerns about the drastic shift from her natural brunette hair, she embraced the transformation wholeheartedly to align with the vision of series creator Mike White. Maintaining her blonde locks in pristine condition required the expertise of celebrity colourist Tracey Cunningham, who made multiple trips to Thailand to ensure Monaghan’s hair remained flawless during filming.
The White Lotus season 3 boasts a star-studded cast including Aimee Lou Wood, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Jason Isaacs, Leslie Bibb, Walton Goggins, and Natasha Rothwell reprising her role as spa manager Belinda Lindsey from season 1. The ensemble promises a captivating and engaging narrative set in the picturesque backdrop of the luxury resort, adding depth to the intriguing storyline that the series is known for.
Monaghan’s meticulous attention to detail in preparing for her role as Jaclyn showcases her dedication to her craft and the art of transformation in acting. Her commitment to embodying the character’s appearance through self-tanning and hair colour adjustments provides insight into the intricate process that actors undertake to bring characters to life convincingly on screen.
As fans anticipate the premiere of The White Lotus season 3, Monaghan’s revelations about her beauty regimen offer a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the effort and dedication required to deliver a compelling performance in a critically acclaimed series. Stay tuned for more updates on the show as the release date approaches, promising viewers a captivating viewing experience with a stellar cast and a meticulously crafted storyline.
