Everything about Kate Hudson‘s look is enviable: her pretty eyes, her flawless figure, that shiny hair. But as it turns out, much of her beauty routine is based around a $37 jar of cream.

“I try to use natural products,” Hudson, the latest face of Almay (seen here in a behind-the-scenes shot from her Smart Shade Perfect & Correct Primer campaign), tells PEOPLE. “Sometimes I’ll just put Egyptian Magic on my face. I use it for everything.” In fact, the gentle cream — made of olive oil, beeswax, honey, bee pollen, royal jelly and propolis extract — is the key to her ocean-kissed locks, too.

“This is going to sound crazy,” she says, “but I literally put Egyptian Magic in my hair. When it’s damp, I’ll scrunch some of it in my hair and let it dry.”

Growing up with mom Goldie Hawn in charge, Hudson says she had lots of freedom with her hair, makeup and clothing choices. “I came out pretty much putting on whatever I wanted,” she shares. “I think I was more vocal than my mom about style than she was with me about style.”

That freedom of expression led her to her signature boho aesthetic — “I get it if somebody calls me bohemian,” she says — and likely helped her develop her red carpet style, too. “I don’t think I ever feel red carpet ready,” she jokes. “You’re always wondering if something’s hanging out or if your eyelash is falling off.”

Not that she doesn’t enjoy wearing the designer gowns — “I love dressing up,” she says — but sometimes, the couch can be more appealing. “I think you feel red carpet ready when the red carpet’s over,” she jokes. “I’d rather be at home with the kids.” For more with Hudson, pick up the latest issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands now.

–Kate Hogan, with reporting by Jackie Fields

CHECK OUT SEVEN WINTER BEAUTY TRENDS TO TRY — NOW!

We thought Kate Hudson was already pretty busy — she has two young sons, a jewelry line and an endorsement deal with Almay — but the actress is adding another bullet point to her résumé now as the new face of Ann Taylor.

Joining stars like Demi Moore, Heidi Klum, Katie Holmes and Naomi Watts, Hudson was tapped to continue the company’s focus on “celebrating modern women of substance, style and success across every generation,” according to a release.

“I am thrilled to collaborate with Ann Taylor this spring,” adds Hudson. “I love fashion, and their new spring collection is so stylish and hip and colorful!” Often noted for her boho-chic style, Hudson says that as a young girl she “looked up to the sophisticated style of Ann Taylor, so it’s been very cool to see how the brand has evolved to meet the changing needs of modern women.”

Courtesy Ann Taylor

In her ads, shot by photographer Tom Munro at a mountainside estate in Pasadena, Calif., Hudson wears some of her favorite looks from the spring collection, available online and in stores in late February. “The new Ann Taylor is not afraid to be sexy and real,” Hudson says. “The clothes are stylish and comfortable, easy and wearable. They really help you look and feel perfectly put together for any occasion.”

The company is equally happy with its spokeswoman; as senior vice president Kirstin Dykstra says, “While [Hudson] is most known as a beautiful and talented actress, she is also a devoted mother, daughter, sister and philanthropist who manages to do it all with a radiant smile, joie de vivre and effortless style. Kate is a dynamic woman who truly embodies the new Ann Taylor.” Tell us: What do you think of Hudson as the new face of Ann Taylor?

–Kate Hogan

VOTE: WOULD YOU WEAR THESE TRENDS?

Some stylish stories for your Tuesday afternoon …

–Stars like Kate Hudson reveal the best beauty tips their moms ever gave to them [Stylelist]

–Get the fashion breakdown from Rihanna‘s new video, “You Da One” [ELLE]

–Teen queens Kendall and Kylie Jenner name their new dogs “Louis” and “Vuitton” [PEOPLEPets]

–Fashion eye candy: See dozens of gorgeous spring 2012 ad campaigns [Fashionologie]

–Get New Year’s Eve ready with these party-perfect manicure ideas [Beauty High]

Which of Hollywood’s style stars had readers buzzing this week? Don’t miss our top stories!

–Kate Hudson debuts a head-turning new look: brunette locks! READ IT

– Demi Moore walks in a winter wonderland for Ann Taylor holiday. READ IT

–Go trick-or-treating with Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen in their latest video for StyleMint. READ IT

–Miranda Kerr struts her stuff in a $2.5 million bra. READ IT

–Get all the details of Paul McCartney’s wedding ring. READ IT

She’s wigging out! After taking some time off to bond with her family — including son Ryder, baby Bing and fiancé Matthew Bellamy — Kate Hudson surfaced in New York City on Tuesday sporting a new hair hue.

The actress, seen on the set of her latest film, The Reluctant Fundamentalist, was wearing a curly brunette wig — quite a change from her typical straight blonde locks. But naturally, she made the faux hair look pretty fabulous. Between takes, the mom grabbed snacks with Ryder, and visited with Bellamy. Tell us: What do you think of Hudson’s latest look?

VOTE ON STAR HAIR CHANGES IN ‘WHAT’S HER BEST HAIR?’

Kate Hudson remembers admiring an heirloom choker belonging to her mother, Goldie Hawn. “It was one of the first pieces I ever remember my mother wearing,” she tells ELLE, “and it was like, Wow, I hope one day I get to wear jewelry like that.”

In fact she did — Hawn gave Hudson the choker on her 21st birthday — but the piece meant even more: it inspired Hudson’s new jewelry collaboration, CH+KH, a capsule collection for Los Angeles-based jeweler Chrome Hearts. The brand’s co-owner, Laurie Lynn Stark, happens to be one of the actress’s closest friends, so Hudson says working with her was only natural. “It occurred to us, we spend all of this time together — why don’t we make something?” she says.

The result? A line of 18- and 22-karat gold rings, necklaces, bracelets and earrings set with white diamonds, fresh water pearls, green tourmaline, peridot, citrine and aquamarine gemstones. Many of the pieces — more delicate than Chrome Hearts’s heavier gems — reference 1970s vintage pieces that Hudson collects. But they also reflect the tastes of the actress-turned-designer, too.

“We use a lot of aquamarines because Kate loves them,” Stark says. “But to me they also evoke her personality. She’s so open and light.”

–Kim Peiffer

VOTE ON STAR STYLE IN ‘LAST NIGHT’S LOOK: HIT OR MISS?’

Kate Hudson certainly wasn’t wearing anything borrowed at the Something Borrowed premiere in Los Angeles Tuesday night. Not only did she glow in a yellow Versace gown (accented by that gorgeous engagement ring), but she wore jewelry she designed herself! The actress hit the red carpet flaunting an aquamarine ring and matching earrings she created as part of her new collaboration with Chrome Hearts, a capsule collection called CH + KH. Featuring rings, necklaces, bracelets and earrings, the line includes 18- and 22-karat gold pieces set with white diamonds, fresh water pearls, green tourmaline, peridot, citrine and aquamarine gemstones, according to WWD. Hudson, the first celebrity to work for the line, is friends with Chrome Hearts co-founder Laurie Lynn Stark, and reportedly drew her design inspiration from their vacations together. The jewels will hit Chrome Hearts stores later this summer. Tell us: What do you think of the gems?

READ UP ON OTHER CELEBRITY DESIGNERS!

Which of Hollywood’s style stars had readers buzzing this week? Don’t miss our top stories!

–Kate Hudson surprises everyone — including Matt Lauer — when she flashes her new engagement ring during an appearance on the Today Show. READ IT

–LeAnn Rimes shares all the details of her handmade, pearl-covered Reem Acra gown. READ IT

–The new bride keeps her wedding traditional by incorporating all the most important accessories: something old, new borrowed and blue! READ IT

–Jake Gyllenhaal shocks his adoring fans when he appears on set without any hair! READ IT

–Kristin Cavallari flaunts her sparkling new square-cut engagement ring. READ IT

When Kate Hudson announced her engagement on Today this morning, she told Matt Lauer she’d kept the big news under wraps for a week because she was “waiting for someone to notice.” But with a ring like this, we’re surprised it took so long! Hudson flashed her sparkler during her segment — she was promoting her latest film, Something Borrowed — and proudly announced that rocker beau Matthew Bellamy had recently popped the question. “It was very sweet,” the actress said, without giving away details. “It was very romantic.” Later on in the day, Hudson and son Ryder strolled into New York City’s Greenwich Hotel, where fans wished her well. “[She] smiled when onlookers outside the hotel screamed and asked to see her engagement ring,” a witness tells PEOPLE. As well they should: the emerald-cut diamond, flanked by two sparkling baguettes, is definitely something to scream about. –Reporting by Mary S. Park

SEE MORE STAR WEDDING AND ENGAGEMENT RINGS!

You may not be able to get Kate Hudson’s enviable celebrity lifestyle, but thanks to Almay, you can copy her look from the new romantic comedy Something Borrowed. Almay global brand ambassador Hudson, who plays beautiful girl-about-town Darcy in the film, teamed up with the makeup company and Warner Brothers to help moviegoers capture and recreate three of the actress’s favorite looks from the film. In the clip below, makeup artist Daniel Martin offers step-by-step instructions and expert tips and tricks on “borrowing” Hudson’s professional look from the movie, which includes a simple, sophisticated face that takes just five minutes to do. The video series — which also shows how to recreate her day look (luminous skin with intensified eye color) and her night look (sultry, smoky eyes) — will launch on Almay’s Facebook page April 18. Visit the company’s Facebook page again on May 2, and you can win an ultimate beach weekend in the Hamptons — the spot where Darcy and her friends spend their summer in the movie! Visit www.facebook.com/almay for all the details. –Kim Peiffer

STUDY UP ON STYLE ADVICE IN ‘STAR BEAUTY TIPS & TRICKS’

Todd Williamson/Getty

Kate Hudson and her ageless mother Goldie Hawn may share flawless figures, bubbly grins and perfectly tousled blonde hair, but last night at the Elle Women in Hollywood gala, they also shared the same dress style — by accident! Hudson sported a black dress with iridescent paillettes from up-and-coming designer Prabal Gurung at the star-studded gala, while Hawn also bared a shoulder in white Gianfranco Ferré–but it wasn’t planned. “When we came in we were like, ‘Ooh,’ and we felt like a one-shoulder thing happening!” laughed Hudson. But it turns out that Hudson has another family member that she counts on for style advice — her son Ryder! “Oh my gosh, yeah. He’s my biggest critic: ‘What is that?’” said Hudson. “I always know when he likes it when he sees me and he doesn’t say anything and he gets kind of flushed. I go, ‘Oh-ho. That means you like it!’” –Scott Huver

VOTE ON KATE’S LOOK AND MORE STAR STYLES IN LAST NIGHT’S LOOK: HIT OR MISS!

Courtesy Charitybuzz

Have you ever wished you could raid your favorite celebrity’s closet? Coveted that perfect it-bag or ethereal goddess gown? Well, looking like your favorite star has just gotten a little easier! In celebration of the 10th anniversary of Pink Pony–Ralph Lauren’s global initiative for cancer research–the luxury label is holding a one-of-a-kind online auction. Held in partnership with Charitybuzz, the auction will remain live through Oct. 21 and features exclusive items including a front row seat to the brand’s fall 2011 runway show and Ralph Lauren looks previously owned by celebrity style icons. Kate Hudson is offering up her favorite fringed Ralph Lauren Collection bag (shown left), while Penélope Cruz is donating the stunning beaded gown (pictured below) that she wore to the Nine premiere. Also up on the chopping block? Halle Berry and Jessica Biel‘s Vogue cover looks and Tom Cruise‘s Ralph Lauren jeans from Knight and Day. To get your hands on one of these coveted items, visit charitybuzz.com/ralphlauren today!- Justine Harman

Courtesy Charitybuzz

Courtesy Elle Magazine

Kate Hudson may rock some high-octane looks on the red carpet, but she prefers a more relaxed vibe when it comes to her everyday attire. “My personal style has never changed,” she tells Elle UK in its October issue, adding: “I love comfortable clothes and a lot of accessories.” In fact, the fewer clothes the better, says the actress and mom, who took time out from her Tuscan vacation with six-year-old son Ryder and British rock star boyfriend Matt Bellamy, to pose for the magazine’s cover. “I don’t like clothes that constrict me. It’s like, would you like to put some clothes on? No, I wouldn’t!” But one thing she’ll happily pile on? Her coveted accessories, especially her mom’s jewelry gifts. “For my birthday this year, she made me a gold necklace with a comedy/tragedy mask pendant. It has a little diamond as the tear,” she says. Claiming not to splurge on sartorial investments, Hudson says she does like to buy nice furniture like “chairs and lamps” and has one particular cabinet which is very close to her heart, as it’s full of her favorite scarves…Hermès scarves. “I have nearly 200 and I buy them all over some new, some from eBay, some from weird little places. I have a cabinet that I lay them out in. I love them they’re so beautifully made.” –Monique Jessen

Courtesy Almay

It’s official: Kate Hudson has reached ultimate Hollywood Golden Girl status. Just this morning, Revlon Inc. named the fun-loving actress Almay’s new Global Brand Ambassador. In her new role, Kate will appear in television, print and internet ads worldwide with her first campaign for the brand scheduled to debut later this year. “Almay is known for its fresh, effortless approach to beauty,” Kate says in the official release. “At the end of the day we all want to have fun and feel beautiful– that’s what Almay is all about.” But don’t think Kate’s latest gig is just about looking pretty and having a good time. As the Global Brand Ambassador, Kate will also represent the brand’s ongoing philanthropic efforts, starting May 13 at the Almay Rainforest Concert in New York City. The concert benefits The Rainforest Foundation, founded by Sting and Trudie Styler to support and protect the world’s rainforests. With Kate’s signature hippie chic style, flawless complexion and mane of golden locks, we think she is the perfect choice for Almay. We can’t wait to see her new campaign! Stay tuned for more on Kate’s partnership with Almay. Tell us: What do you think of Kate’s new role?–Andrea DeSimone

Evan Agostini/AP

Good pals Liv Tyler, Kate Hudson and Stella McCartney not only worked the red carpet hand-in-hand at last night’s Metropolitan Museum Costume Institute Gala, they also pre-gamed together. “We all got ready together, and literally it was like a hen night, you know? We wasted a lot of hours with drinking and gossiping,” McCartney told PEOPLE of her time spent styling the actresses in her custom designs earlier that afternoon. Tyler, who wore a delicate black mini-dress with a train, chimed in, “We have the little ritual where we meet at like 2 or 3 and we drink champagne and we do hair and makeup and we take pictures and gossip and have a great time and feel really grateful.” So were a lot of important style decisions made during this girly get-together? “We just sat all together and shared hair and makeup, and we’d kind of go, ‘Oh no, make your braid looser or tighter. We like that, we like this,’” said Tyler, referencing Hudson’s plaited hair–a chic accessory to her custom sweeping, off-the-shoulder blush gown. And though the three all wore Stella McCartney creations, their looks remained distinct. “[The dresses were] made for the girls, so they’re very much specific for them,” explained the designer. “I think you can kind of tell in the way they move and the way they’re wearing [them] is very much their personalities, which I think is important when you’re designing for people.” And though each one looked regal in her final dress, it was hard to tell which part was more fun: the pre-party or the gala itself? Joked Tyler, “We come here [to the ball] and we start sweating, and we’re like, ‘Oh no! I’m gonna trip! What do we do now?!’” –reporting by Suzanne Zuckerman

SEE ALL THE STARS AT THE MET GALA!

Suzanne Plunkett/Landov

Despite the wet weather, designer Christopher Bailey had a star-studded front row at the Burberry Prorsum fall fashion show in London. Mary-Kate Olsen, Kate Hudson, Kristen Stewart and Claire Danes were all escorted into the Chelsea College of Art under giant umbrellas done in the British label’s signature plaid. Hudson, bundled in a fur-collared khaki coat from the line’s menswear collection (with an emerald green sequined shift underneath), paused backstage to talk to PEOPLE about her favorites in the 53-piece collection: “I loved the shearling boots,” she said. “That last white coat… I’d love to see that in my closet,” hinted the actress, who excitedly gave notes to her stylist, Rachel Zoe, from across the catwalk. Danes, who turned out in a putty-colored tulle dress and skyscraper heels, was equally enthusiastic: “I don’t go to many fashion shows to be honest,” she told PEOPLE adding, “I tend to only go to my friends’ shows, which is why I am here today.” Her fave item? “I loved the cropped coats, especially the ones with the zippers, they were great,” she said as she greeted the star of the show, Bailey himself, with a warm hug. –Monique Jessen

Andrew Durham/Bravo

Though Rachel Zoe is famous for dressing stars like Kate Hudson and Jennifer Garner in elaborate gowns for the red carpet, the stylist reveals that a good chunk of the mail that filters through her website, rachelzoe.com, comes from fans looking for advice on real-life, everyday-wearable pieces. “I get so many questions submitted through Ask Rachel regarding ‘basics.’ It seems to be a fashionably collective thought—readers asking how to discern true wardrobe staples from the fleeting, “trendy” pieces,” Zoe writes on her blog. “Honestly, the word basic doesn’t really exist in my vocabulary—sure I have a favorite cut of denim and classic leather jacket never hurt anybody, but more often than not, I like my every day items to stand out. Because of this, I have compiled a shoppable guide of (not-so) basic items that every girl should have in their closet!” The TV star offers up 20 pieces every girl should have in her closet, using her signature, one-of-a-kind fashion lingo to describe goods like Diane Von Furstenberg’s curve-hugging shift as a “body con dress.” She also gives styling advice for each item on her list, and so for Marc Jacob’s oversize black sunglasses (otherwise known as “go-to-sunnies” and “the ultimate do-not-disturb signs”), the shades-loving star instructs, “Keep them in your bag—or on your face—at all times.” Go to rachelzoe.com to check out more of her must-haves. Tell us: what do you think of Rachel’s list of wardrobe staples? -Emily Hsieh

Kevin Mazur/WireImage

Kate Hudson isn’t one to play favorites when it comes to fashion. When Nylon asked the actress which Italian label gets her top pick, she was hard-pressed to choose: “Oh, that’s hard. I mean Valentino’s Valentino, you know? He’s an icon. But I love Giambattista Valli,” she says, before adding, “But honestly, I love all clothes so much. It’s the best part of the morning, getting dressed.” Her enthusiasm also extends to iconic American designer Bob Mackie, who outfitted her mom, Goldie Hawn, and recalls times spent in his studio surrounded by “all these beads and sequins,” and says, “It was amazing to watch him build clothing around my mother. A great designer knows how to make a woman’s body look great, not hide it.” Hudson also acknowledges her penchant for feminine frills (“I love, like, a big ruffle here and there,”) but refuses to limit herself to any one look: “I just put on what I feel like. Some days I feel really girly, but sometimes I feel masculine. Today I just woke up and was like ‘I want to wear a suit.’ It’s Bottega Venetta, by the way.” For more of Kate’s fashion commentary go to nylonmag.com. –Emily Hsieh

Courtesy Dolce & Gabbana

Nine‘s A-list leading ladies might be decked out in Chopard jewels throughout the movie, but Dolce & Gabbana’s designers, Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana, have scored actual roles in the much-anticipated flick! The pair play Italian priests alongside Kate Hudson, Nicole Kidman, Penélope Cruz, Fergie and Marion Cotillard. And though they’re used to rubbing shoulders with Hollywood royalty, working alongside them on this film was definitely a special treat: “We wanted so much to be part of this project! Federico Fellini has always been one of our greatest sources of inspiration, one of the most important Italian directors,” the duo tells PEOPLE through a spokesperson. “For us, being part of a movie inspired by the work of the maestro is like a dream come true. Rob Marshall did an amazing work and the cast is amazing! He was able to put together the most beautiful and talented actresses of various generations and great actors. We couldn’t be more happy to be chosen, even if for a short appearance.” Nine opens on December 25 nationwide. Tell us: Are you excited to see Nine?

Flynet; XPosure; INF

To ward off chilly London temps, Kate Hudson, who is in the U.K. to promote her new movie Nine, came prepared with an arsenal of chic, highly covetable outerwear. First, Kate turned up in a sleek black cashmere Jasmine Di Milo number for a shopping trip, only to amp things up for evening in a studded Temperley London jacket worn over an ornate (and color coordinated) black and gold Topshop party dress. Keeping up her cozy-but-glamorous vibe, Kate stepped out the following day for a radio interview in a girly, ruffle hemmed wrap coat, again by Jasmine Di Milo, on top of a pink leopard print shift by Simone. We love all her looks, but can’t exactly afford the same big ticket items as Kate…so we tracked down similar items for far less. Click here to shop for coats like Kate’s.