Vanessa Simmons admits she’s always been that girl. You know — the friend who scours every outlet imaginable for top beauty and wellness products and advice. “I’ve always been enthralled by that world,” she says. “I like optimizing my health from the inside out. It’s a passion!”
The actress, model and reality TV star is now spreading that passion to the masses. She recently launched U4IA (pronounced “euphoria”), an online community and beauty platform built around fact-based beauty, wellness and mental health awareness. Think tips, tricks, expert recommendations and more. “It’s a voice for people that look like me and giving them access so they can optimize their health, mind, body and soul,” she explains. “I’m aware of my privilege and background, so I want to be able to help people in a way that can be impactful.”
Simmons, the eldest daughter of Run DMC’s Rev Run, amped up her interest in wellness during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. As she recalls, “I felt like there was a surge of fear about keeping ourselves healthy and I didn’t want fear to take over, so I became more mindful in my approach to everything health-wise.” She compiled research for her friends and family and soon decided to go bigger via an online reach.
And while Simmons admits the process “has been a consistent learning game,” she strives to teach her readers an important takeaway: “You do not have to break the bank to be at your best. Sometimes, all it takes is a breathing exercise!”
Below, Simmons relays her top beauty and wellness picks for CNN Underscored.
Ever since Simmons turned 40, she says her face has needed some extra TLC. She gets a natural boost from this tool, which features six edges to help lift and contour while depuffing the skin and softening fine lines. (A QR code queues up various stimulating facial exercises.) “I keep a lot of tension in my jaw,” she says. “This helps ease that up and give my face a sculpted lift.”
First, a reminder: “Body beauty is just as important as your face.” That’s why the actress slathers on this deep moisturizer packed with nourishing vitamins A, B and E. “I put it on after a shower and let it sink into my skin,” says Simmons, who partnered with the brand for its Saks campaign. “When I wake up, I have this effortless glow.” (Because of its heaviness, she recommends a nighttime application.)
Simmons says that these single-use towelettes leave her skin clean and clear. “It helps eliminate any bacteria that causes acne,” she shares. “And it’s better than a washcloth because the laundry detergent on it can affect the skin.” She adds that she uses the wipes on her 9-year-old daughter too.
Simmons, who has worked with Trinny London in the past, jokes that after dotting her face with the brand’s brightening product every morning, “I can take my daughter to school and actually look parents in the eye.” Lightweight and breathable, this hyaluronic acid-enhancing foundation — available in an array of shades — also builds coverage, plumps skin and stimulates collagen production.
“The older I get, the more I realize I need to be using an eye cream every single day and night,” Simmons says. “I want to look bright and refreshed!” Her pick consists of eight peptides (i.e., small proteins that penetrate the skin to moisturize it and help smooth fine lines and wrinkles), five forms of vitamin C, antioxidants and cucumber extract.
Simmons' self-described “quite extensive” p.m. skin care regimen starts with cleansing her skin, followed by time in front of this facial tool, which delivers micro-steam to hydrate and purify the skin. “When I come home after working on a set all day and have a heavy face of makeup on, I love to sit with the steamer and get the gunk out,” she says. “It unclogs my pores and even opens up my nostrils. It feels like a spa at home.”
Simmons applies this pore-refining serum — consisting of 1.5% salicylic acid, plus glycolic acid, niacinamide and thermal spring water — before bed to zap those pesky zits. “I have little pimples that love to show up when I have the most important things to do,” she says. “But this treatment really works while I sleep and keeps them at bay.”
For the past few months, Simmons says she’s been diligent about taking a potent vitamin supplement that stimulates collagen and helps protect skin from accelerated aging. “It has a bunch of amazing ingredients that keeps me staying young, healthy and fresh,” she says.
Per Simmons, a silk pillowcase is the best (and most luxurious) alternative to wrapping up her hair in a bonnet. “I just like to hop in bed after a shower and sleep on a silk pillowcase,” she says. “It keeps your hair much softer compared to sleeping on a cotton one, and it’s good for your skin.” This one is made from high-grade mulberry silk.