DEEP INTO SKIN
Elín Hall on Ritual, Resilience, and Radiance
Elín Hall is one of Iceland’s most captivating young artists—a gifted actress, soulful musician, and powerful storyteller. In this exclusive Q&A, she reflects on her deep connection to Icelandic nature, the legacy of trailblazing women like Vigdís Finnbogadóttir, Iceland’s first female president, and the role of skincare as a daily ritual of intention. As the face of our latest campaign, Elín shares personal moments from set, her favorite Blue Lagoon Skincare products, and what it means to glow from within.
For those who are just discovering you, how would you introduce yourself to a global audience?
My name is Elín Hall and I am an artist from Reykjavík. If I had to define myself further, I would call myself an actress and a songwriter, but I see myself first and foremost as a storyteller.
You’ve made your mark in both acting and music. How do these two creative worlds influence each other for you?
For me, it all comes from the same foundation. I feel lucky to have been able to do two things that I am very passionate about.
Growing up in Iceland, do you remember your first visit to the Blue Lagoon?
Yes, I think it was in 2003, I was 5 years old and went with my family. I remember not being able to reach the bottom and finding it a little scary. Then my dad found some kind of floating mattress that I lay on top of and he pushed me around. Back then, it was a mega luxury.
What role has the Blue Lagoon played in your life?
I think the Blue Lagoon has a role in most people's lives as a place of relaxation, beauty, and inspiration. I've been in need of relaxation lately so I've been going there for that benefit. The Blue Lagoon is a wonderful place to find complete peace and quiet.
As an Icelander, how does it feel to represent a brand so deeply rooted in your home country?
I feel great working with a company I have known my whole life and products I have been using for many years. The Blue Lagoon is deeply woven into the soul of the country as a symbol of the culture that makes Iceland truly unique. It is an honor to work with such an iconic and meaningful brand.
What does skincare mean to you?
Creating a sacred routine—having time just for myself, twice a day—means a lot to me. I’ve always loved the ritual of soaking in the bath, and as a child, I used to sneak skincare from my grandmothers and aunts. Now I have my own, carefully chosen. My skincare routine feels like a quiet promise to take care of myself, a way to begin and end the day with intention.
Has your approach to skincare changed over the years, especially with your travel and filming schedule?
Yes, I have tried many things and you are always learning something new. It wasn't long ago that I learned the importance of using sunscreen, even in Iceland where everyone is vitamin D deficient. Over time, I’ve figured out what works for me, but I’m always drawn to simplicity and products with as few ingredients as possible. I’m currently filming a TV series that requires a lot of makeup, so at night, it’s essential for me to use products that soothe and hydrate my skin—while still letting it breathe.
Are there any products you’ve fallen in love with since partnering with the brand?
I love the Mineral Mask and use it every other day right now when I'm filming. BL+ The Serum and Eye Serum are amazing and I can feel a huge difference in the texture of my skin after starting to use them.
What’s one skincare step you never skip—no matter how busy life gets?
I never skip moisturizing my skin—it’s the most important step for me. It's also extremely rare that I don't wash my face at night, no matter how I feel. Washing and applying plenty of moisturizer at night is an absolute must.
Can you tell us a little about what it was like filming the campaign?
It was incredibly fun. I haven't done that much modeling. It's inherently quite different from acting in front of a camera. When I am acting, I try not to think too much about how I look on screen. But the team was wonderful, and spending a whole day at the Blue Lagoon, creating something beautiful with such talented professionals, was incredibly calming.
Was there a moment during the shoot that really stood out to you, something you’ll always remember?
Floating in the lagoon and thinking that this was part of my job was a little crazy.
What inspires you most about Iceland?
Icelandic nature is so incredibly relentless and intense. It can be unpredictable—and even dangerous—yet it is so wonderfully beautiful. The Icelandic people are known for their light-heartedness and sense of humor. I find these contrasts inspiring. Icelandic nature is ever-changing and we have learned to adapt to it. There is much it can teach us about resilience, life, and being human.
You’ve played some powerful roles, including portraying Vigdis Finnbogadottir, Iceland’s first female president—and notably, the world’s first woman to be democratically elected as a head of state. What draws you to the characters you choose?
I’m most passionate about stories that move me. It’s been a great honor to portray the women I’ve had the opportunity to bring to life, and I try to approach each role with honesty and sensitivity.
The Vigdís episodes were an opportunity I could never have turned down. It was a dream to interpret the backstory of the entrepreneur Vigdís Finnbogadóttir. However, I was always aware that I was not just interpreting her story, but the story of an entire generation. The story of women who had to break through walls and obstacles to experience many things that my generation and I take for granted. I was filled with such immense gratitude, not just for Vigdís but for my grandmother and great-grandmother when I read the script. I hope the story had the same impact on others who watched the episodes.
