Transformation

When people call Thandie Newton a princess, they're not speaking metaphorically—the actress's Zimbabwean mother was a royal of the Shona tribe. "She instilled in me self-love, self-respect, and the idea that we are all princesses," Newton has told InStyle. Certainly, with her honey-colored skin and delicate features, the British star is fairy-tale beautiful. But whether she wears her locks stick straight or naturally curly, her inspiration is home grown. "My favorite thing is that I look like my daughter, Ripley," says Newton. "I appreciate my features so much more than I used to, because now when I look in the mirror I see her."

Newton took on the role of Sally Hemings in Jefferson in Paris. "That's sweet—I would have definitely done my own hair and makeup then," she told us of her youthful look.