Tracee Ellis Ross, 53, “Doesn’t Look Like This By Accident”
From her full nighttime routine to “’70s porn hair,” she’s nothing if not dedicated.
I won’t lie: One of the coolest parts of my job is getting to interview some incredible people. All of my nonchalance evaporated as soon as Tracee Ellis Ross appeared on my screen via Zoom. Not only did the actress look as phenomenal as she does on my TV, but she also had the most snatched ponytail I’ve ever seen. It was fitting, given that we were there to discuss the launch of Pattern Beauty’s new heat styling products.
The multi-product launch includes the brand’s first-ever vibrating flat iron, which, the brand says, allows for fewer passes to get the look that you desire. Alongside the tool is the blowout primer, a lightweight heat-protecting cream that preps, detangles, and softens the hair post-wash to set the stage for a seamless silk press. The final piece of the collection is a detoxifying shampoo. Perfect for removing product buildup or simply giving your hair a reset, it’s fantastic for setting the foundation for any post-wash hairstyle.
Ross and I were able to chat about all things Pattern Beauty, skincare, hair care, and more during our recent sit-down, and I have to say: She is one of the wisest people I have ever met. Ahead, we get into everything from her favorite red lipstick to her philosophy on power, so if you want to step into the world of Tracee Ellis Ross, keep reading to see the products, routines, and practices that get her In The Mood.
I don’t know that I have a mantra that steps me into my feminine power. I think my power is just part of who I am as a human, and it’s a power that we all have. My mantra really is ‘thank you for this day and what’s ahead.’ It’s about a sense of gratitude and right-sizing.
I'll be honest, Pattern Body is all in my shower. I feel my best when the skin that I'm in feels hydrated and smooth. I guess the specific product that helps me create that vibe is the Dry Exfoliating Body Scrub. I love that it just sloughs off dead skin and leaves me feeling pillowy soft.
I just discovered this incredible new deodorant. There’s no aluminum, and it’s not an antiperspirant. The brand is called To My Ships, and the scent is Marjoram. It smells beautiful and feels so nice when it goes on. It’s incredible.
Haley Alexander van Oosten has a brand called L'Oeil Du Vert, and I’ve been wearing scents from the house for about 20 years. There are some special formulations that she makes just for me, but she also has others in the line that I adore. Nomad and Peacock Tail, in particular, feel like I’m pouring diamonds on my body.
My go-to is no makeup. My favorite look is fresh skin and a nice, hydrated lip. I love my skin, and I personally have no interest in hiding who I am or covering it up. Maybe by, like, the third or fourth date I’ll do a bit of black liner or my classic red lip, but otherwise, I keep it extremely minimal.
I have three looks. My ‘70s porn hair, which is big, bouncy curls with a ¾ inch barrel. The second will be my slicked-back bun, just because it's how I like to wear my hair and you can see my face. There's no hiding. The third is just my normal morning hair. I sleep with a pineapple in, and when I wake up, my hair is always just big, bouncy, and tousled.
I love an elegant almond shape, but I’m such a plain nail-color girl. Sometimes I’ll do a red nail in the fall, but I usually keep it neutral with a color that looks close to my natural nail.
Full regimen. I wear contact lenses, so I have to take them out. Then, there's no way I'm going to bed without brushing my teeth. So I’m already in the bathroom; I might as well just do the whole thing. I'm 53. I don't look like this by accident. I take really good care of my skin.
Just more of my face. I don't know about this neck, but my face is great, so it's all good.
Shop Tracee Ellis Ross' Beauty Routine
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