You know her as beguilingly beautiful Betty Draper on Mad Men. Here in the world of beauty? We know her as one of the most daring, spot-on trendsetters in the industry. (See: Her YSL/Stefano Pilati-inspired Met Ball look, her I Dream of Jeannie top knot at the GQ Men of the Year party, her Veronica Lake waves at the 2009 Golden Globes. Need we go on?) We sat down with this beauty-enlightened star for our ten key hair and makeup questions—and even snuck in a few Mad Men related extras. Sorry, no spoilers!

Beauty Girl: What beauty trick did you learn from your mom?

January Jones: Always direct the exfoliating brush or scrub towards your heart for good circulation

Beauty Girl: What drugstore product do you swear by?

January Jones: It may not be in many American drugstores; I find it in Europe or online: Avene Cleanance. It’s the best non-soap gel cleanser, and it’s great for both sensitive and oily skin, which is rare.

Beauty Girl: What products would we find in your teensiest red carpet clutch?

January Jones: An amazing Chanel lipstick and rice paper blotters.

Beauty Girl: What products do you never travel without?

January Jones: A rose water spray for hydration, La Mer sunscreen for face, Aveeno sunscreen for body, face wash, a hydrating mask and dry shampoo.

Beauty Girl: What’s your biggest beauty splurge?

January Jones: Probably massages. I love a good deep tissue massage—my favorite place is Kinara in LA.

Beauty Girl: Who is your beauty icon from the past?

January Jones: I go back and forth between Grace Kelly and Elizabeth Taylor circa late ’50s.

Beauty Girl: Who is your current beauty icon?

January Jones: I think Cate Blanchett is flawless.

Beauty Girl: Which of your red carpet beauty looks was your favorite?

January Jones: The last one is always my favorite—but I really loved the Veronica Lake-ish look from the 2009 Golden Globes.

Beauty Girl: If you could trade hair with anyone, who would it be?

January Jones: I have naturally straight hair, so it would have to be someone with great natural waves like an Eva Mendes or Gisele.

Beauty Girl: The one beauty trend you’ll never embrace and the one beauty trend you’d like to bring back?

January Jones: I’ll never embrace perms and I’d like to bring back black and white photos on the red carpet—everyone looks more glamorous in black and white!

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Beauty Girl: Now for a few bonus questions…what’s the best beauty trick you learned from the Mad Men hair team?

January Jones: To set the hair with product and let it cool before styling.

Beauty Girl: How long does the transformation from January Jones to Betty Draper take?

January Jones: About an hour. I get my hair set, go to makeup chair and by the time that’s done, I go back to hair for styling. We have it down pretty well by now, although it can take a little longer if it’s a scene that requires an elaborate updo or fancy makeup.

Beauty Girl: How do keep your skin so perfect after wearing all that makeup at work?

January Jones: At night, I always wash with a sensitive skin cleanser but in the morning I just rinse with water to avoid stripping away all the natural oils. I’m also a big fan of skincare lines; I try all kinds of things. La Mer is a favorite.

Beauty Girl: And finally, what two words would you use to describe your red carpet beauty style?

January Jones: Risk taker. I like to experiment with my style and love trying out different looks. It’s fun to see it all come together. I’d rather take a risk and get criticized than always look the same.