Welcome to Take the Edge Off, a series that breaks down the beauty and self-care routines of influencers, CEOs, experts, and celebrities to discover how they unwind and decompress, while taking a closer look at the holy grail essentials they’re currently raving about.
If you’re a fan of Lin-Manuel Miranda‘s beloved musical-turned-feature film, In the Heights, you’re probably already familiar with actress Melissa Barrera and her stellar performance as Vanessa, a determined young woman who dreams of becoming a successful fashion designer in New York City.
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“In the Heights opened when I was a sophomore in high school and wanted to study musical theater. No one in my hometown ever did that, so I constantly wondered if I had a chance at a career in musical theater or if it was just a dream,” Barrera told BAZAAR.com last June. “I went on a school trip to New York City, and a few of us escaped our hotel to see the show. I remember crying uncontrollably. It was a strange feeling, because those were tears of hope and pride—pride in seeing the Mexican flag on a Broadway stage and seeing people who looked like me and roles that I could play—I felt like I was on the right path. This is one of the many reasons it means the world to be part of this cast. It’s the musical that made me want to pursue musical theater because there’s a space for me.”
Since starring in In the Heights, Barrera landed the leading role in the newest adaption of the Scream franchise, as well as secured her place as Clinique’s newest global ambassador—only the second in the brand’s history. For a closer look at the staples the star and beauty ambassador reaches for again and again, we catch up with Barrera to learn about her daily product rotation and wellness favorites, which often (if not always) include the scent of palo santo, along with regular workouts streamed from her hometown gym in Mexico. Here, seven of the product staples the actress uses to Take the Edge Off.
What are you reading these days?
I actually just started this book called The Last Thing He Told Me, and it’s like a mystery thriller with a badass female lead. And I started reading it because it’s a part of Reese’s Book Club, so I picked it up and it’s so good. Right before bed, I’ll read a chapter, and it’s been very entertaining.
Amazon
What are some of your go-to bath and/or shower products?
I don’t spend a lot of time in the shower. I’ll just use shampoo, conditioner, and, like, a sponge on my body. For shampoo and conditioner, I’ve been using Olaplex, because in my last two projects, that’s what the hairstylist has given me to take care of my hair. So I figured it must be good. And actually, this morning, my hairstylist, Clayton [Hawkins], was like, “Your hair is so strong!” and I was like, “Oh, it must be working.”
I was a body wash person before, but I find myself switching off between that and bar soap. I like to do little things for the environment that make me feel better about the products I use. So I try to buy bar soaps that are packed with recycled materials, bamboo-based toilet paper and paper towels, you know? Like [trying to live sustainably in small ways] in certain areas of life helps me feel better about myself.
What beauty or self-care products do you use on a regular basis to help combat Zoom fatigue?
I love using rose facial spray. Clinique’s Moisture Surge Face Spray is another one of my favorites for, like, a wake-up refresher. I keep it on my counter, literally. Like, sometimes when I’m in the kitchen, I’ll be like [exhales]—it’s so good. I think also for Zoom fatigue, I just sometimes need to stand up and stretch. Because sitting on your butt for, like, hours and hours and hours, no matter how comfortable the chair is, starts affecting me. I’m 31 now, so I actually start to feel it in my body after a while.
Do you have a favorite hand sanitizer, soap, and/or cream right now?
I started using Gold Bond in Whistler and Winnipeg, Canada, because it was super cold when I was there. The cream is so good; it’s, like, so thick. Weather changes really are what affects my skin the most, and the skin on my hands in particular. And I actually saw the first cut of Carmen, which is a movie I’m in that’s coming out this year, and there’s a close-up of my hands. And I was like, “I need to take better care of my hands”—we forget about the hands! We’re so focused on the face that we forget about the hands. So I’m really trying to focus more on the skin on my body, as well as my face.
Do you ever light a candle or stick of incense to decompress? If so, what are some of your favorites?
I have palo santo right now in my living room, and I love it because it cleanses energy. So I’ll light it, walk around, and then just leave it burning for a little bit. I love the smell of palo santo; I gifted it to all my neighbors too. If they don’t like the smell, they’re probably like, “What kind of gift is this?”
What was the last beauty product you put on today?
The last beauty products I put on were probably my lip liner and lipstick. That’s always at the end—my makeup artist, Lilly [Keys], just retouched them. I love the look because she does, like, this smudge thing—she’ll line them, and then, like, smudge it out, so it kind of looks like I just made out with someone.
Are you into bold makeup, no makeup, or no-makeup makeup right now, and why?
There are days when I am into no makeup, and then other days, like today, when I have more time and I’m into bold makeup. It’s all about playing and having fun with it for me.
Sephora
What’s the last fitness class you streamed or attended in person?
The last fitness class I streamed was probably from B:27. It’s a gym in my hometown of Monterrey, Mexico, and whenever I’m physically there, I like to go in person for a workout!
What’s one piece of self-care advice you’d recommend to our readers?
I would say use sunscreen—use sunscreen every day; add it to your morning routine. I have it as part of my morning routine; if I’m not going out, I still use sunscreen. Even the light from your computer can damage your skin, so it’s such an important thing to wear. And a lot of people are like, “No sunscreen! It leaves you looking white,” but there are such great formulas available now, especially the tinted ones. So just add one to your routine. And you’re going to thank me, because it really, really helps prevent sunspots, wrinkles, and all that stuff.
Ulta
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7 Self-Care Essentials Melissa Barrera Swears By
Source: Filipino Journal Articles
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