Best known for her portrayal of Jessica Pearson in the legal drama series “Suits,” “9-1-1: Lone Star” actress Gina Torres is an outspoken advocate for diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry. The fiercely proud Afro-Cuban actress, producer and Broadway star regularly speaks on the importance of D&I in Hollywood and supports the work of the National Hispanic Media Coalition as a member of the organization’s Visionary Alliance. She’s also celebrated for pushing the boundaries in her own work: Torres was the first Afro-Latina to create, produce and star in a show.
And it goes without saying that she happens to have rather fabulous curls. “I’m all about healthy natural hair. When I’m off the clock, I keep it simple,” Torres shares. “Curly hair is naturally dry hair, so I try to keep my curls well conditioned and protected at all times.”
Ahead, the multi-hyphenate actress shares her curly girl hair and beauty essentials with CNN Underscored.
Torres tries to keep her curls protected from heat damage at all times. “When blowing it dry, I spray in old-school Infusium to repair and protect it,” she says. The leave-in moisturizing treatment features avocado and olive oils to nourish and revive dry or damaged locks. “Kérastase Oléo-Relax Advanced Hair Oil is also great,” adds Torres of the coconut hair oil, which works to tame frizz, condition strands and combat heat damage.
Related: The essentials list: Actress Tia Mowry lists her hair and skin care must-haves
Torres says she favors “a natural and effortless look” when it comes to makeup. “I am my mother’s daughter,” Torres says. “I never leave the house without a little blush and lip [color], and these color sticks are perfect.” An all-in-one for lips, cheeks and eyes, Milk Makeup’s cream blush sticks give a beautiful sheer color wash to radiate the face. “I also like a defined brow, so I finish my look with Anastasia Brow Pencil and mascara.”
Related: Editors’ picks: Our 14 favorite multi-use makeup products
“I can’t live without this SPF 30 sunscreen,” says Torres, who understands that protecting the skin against damaging sun and environmental factors is key. “This has a tiny bit of luminescence, so it gives you that effortless glow.” Formulated with the powerhouse ingredient niacinamide and licorice root, this sunscreen enhances the skin's health while offering UV protection.
Related: Get to know Black Girl Sunscreen, the brand fostering meaningful conversations around sunscreen use
“Exfoliate! I can’t stress it enough,” she says. “I start my day by exfoliating my body with shower gloves. For my face, I love this exfoliating cleanser.” Turbocharged with AHA and BHA acids and jojoba beads, use it two or three times per week to remove dead skin cells, refine the surface of the skin and allow hydrating products to penetrate deeper into the skin.
Related: The 20 best body scrubs and exfoliators, according to skin experts
Even curly-haired girls use curling irons, and this baby is Torres’ secret weapon. “This tiny barrel curling iron helps to add texture and curl up those tired ends between trims,” Torres says. Slimline and ultra lightweight, the nano titanium wand evenly distributes high heat while enhancing the shine and radiance of hair.
Related: The essentials list: ‘Queer Eye’ star Jonathan Van Ness shares their beauty and style essentials
On the subject of hydration, after exfoliating, Torres turns to her iS Clinical products. “My essentials are the complex cleanser, Super Serum Advance+ and Youth Eye Complex,” she says. The actress’ go-to serum is turbocharged with skin-brightening, rejuvenating vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and copper peptides to boost collagen and moisture levels while softening the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Related: The 15 best hydrating serums for dry skin, according to derms
Torres’ signature scent? This perfume from Chanel. “I love it because it’s perfect — not overwhelming, just delightful,” she shares. The sparkling floral fragrance, available in multiple sizes, combines fresh notes of citron with soft jasmine and teak wood notes.
When it comes to caring for her curls, Torres lives by her mantra of “simple, healthy, natural and well conditioned,” which she does with the help of Kérastase Curl Manifesto Set. “I’m obsessed with this kit! Every product is a hit,” Torres says. Perfect for wavy and curly hair, the set includes shampoo, conditioner, hair cream, gel cream and hair spray infused with manuka honey, ceramides and shea butter. “I also use Rizos Curls Defining Cream to relax and define my curls,” she adds.
This interview was conducted prior to the SAG-AFTRA strike.