Nicole Ari Parker is unforgettable as Lisa Todd Wexley in And Just Like That…, the ultra-stylish Upper East Side do-it-all mom and documentarian. At 53, Parker brings to life those iconic New York fashion moments that fans of Sex and the City have come to expect. Even Parker is in awe of LTW’s wardrobe. “I share her taste, though not her budget. Her lingerie alone could fund my children’s college tuition!” With her own multifaceted career, Parker’s stardom has been a steady ascent, punctuated by her own super chic moments.

01 Bright Future

“This was my high school graduation in 1988, and that’s my best friend, Regina Boone, walking ahead of me. She is now a Pulitzer Prize–winning photographer whose work has been on the cover of Time. There were only six girls of color in that graduating class of 60, and we were excited to be lined up next to each other. I wore a Laura Ashley gown, and my mom did my hair in a roller set. Regina and I were just so happy to finally be on our way to college. She went to Spelman, and I went to NYU.”

02 Liner Notes

“In ‘95, I was a struggling actress in the city. It had been three years since I had graduated from NYU. This was one of my first headshots. My photographer friend said, ‘Since you’re wearing makeup, let’s do some fashion shots.’ I had on my signature dark blue eyeliner. I didn’t part with it until around 2000…and now, it’s back.”

03 Cutting Edge

“This was for the BET Honors in 2011. Kiyah Wright did my hair for this event in D.C. I felt like a rockstar.”

04 Jet Setter

“When I visited Ethiopia in 2014, it was an unforgettable experience. The people, the food—everything was incredible. My husband Boris [Kodjoe] and I travel frequently, and we were there to support his friend who opened an incredible school. This was when I started getting into body creams and new ingredients and exploring oils, creams and shea butters from around the world.”

05 Very Valentino

“One of my favorite recent looks was this Valentino at the Fall 2023 Paris Fashion Week Show. Valentino dressed me for And Just Like That… and then I was dressed in this beautiful bodysuit and cape to watch the show front row.”

06 Power Couple

“One of my favorite looks was from the Full Circle Africa Economic Conference in Ghana. For Boris and his brother Patrick, whose father was from Ghana, it was a dream come true. The conference aimed to position Africa as a leading global investment hub. The experience was truly magnificent!”

07 Lavender Haze

“That was on the set of The Best Man: The Final Chapters. I played Terrence Howard’s fiancée, and she was a very special and hysterically funny character. I got to wear a fabulous lavender wig, and I really committed to that look.”

08 Workout Goals

“During a 2011 Turks and Caicos getaway, Boris and I stuck to our workouts. Because I’m married to Spartacus, we work out on vacation. Our love of fitness is one of the reasons our marriage has lasted so long. I ended up starting my brand Gymwrap out of necessity to stay active without sacrificing my hair. My first DIY headbands were made from Boris’s athletic shirts and then they just evolved.”

09 Twist Magic

“I loved having my hair styled into long, soft twists by @IAmRuthJoseph. They could be tied into a bun or left to flow. I also wore this look when I played Cleopatra in a 2014 stage production.”

If you were to ask us to identify the most captivating women on screen, Nicole Ari Parker would undoubtedly be at the top of the list. Her portrayal of Lisa Todd Wexley on And Just Like That has become iconic, with even the actress herself admiring her character’s remarkable wardrobe. As one half of a dynamic power couple alongside her husband Boris Kodjoe, Parker is a force to be reckoned with both on and off the screen. Balancing her thriving career with her role as a mother of two, she’s just as blessed, booked and busy as her on-screen counterpart.

Ahead of Mother’s Day, Parker has joined forces with Jergens to create a special bracelet that embodies motherhood. Here, she offers insights into her beauty routine, wellness and the one product she shares with her whole family.

Can you tell us anything at all about season three of And Just Like That? We cannot wait.

“Oh, I wish I could spill the beans, but it’s all top secret. Every contract page is like a spoiler alert!”

What is the best part of portraying Lisa Todd Wexley and do you share any similarities with your character?

“I have to say, I love Lisa’s taste in fashion. From the clothes to the accessories, even the things you can’t even see is screaming luxury. Even the underwear that LTW is wearing costs my children’s tuition. All the jewelry, all the diamonds are real. All the shoes, the bags, it’s just… I mean, the stuff that’s in my purse, my phone case. Everything is just gorgeous. So, I’m having a ball dressing up every day.”

Do you get to take anything home from the set? Ever get a little piece of Lisa at home?

“Sadly, no. Every now and then I receive beautiful gifts from designers, but those designs remain part of the show’s world. So, if you spot me in an airport wearing a long Rianna and Nina kaftan, you might wonder, ‘Did she steal that from the set?’”

Can you share your go-to skin care routine or any favorite products that you can’t live without?

“Well, you know, I religiously apply sunscreen now, and my morning routine consists of 17 steps with all my serums. But when Jergens approached me, I was thrilled because it’s such an iconic brand, and the cherry almond scent has remained unchanged. I always keep a bottle on hand—it’s been a staple in my life for as long as I can remember.”

Are there any treatments that you swear by?

“I really like facials that help with hyperpigmentation, which is a part of my life. Now as a grown up and even as a black woman, I didn’t know that that was going to be a major concern. Everybody worries about a wrinkle here and there, or collagen loss, but facials that deal with hyperpigmentation have changed my life.”

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Do you and your husband share any favorite beauty or wellness products?

“If there’s Jergens lotion on the counter, you can bet Boris will use it. He’s not fancy, he just likes to stay moisturized. You’ve seen him, he really wakes up like that.”

Tell us more about your collaboration with Jergens.

“When I was approached to celebrate their mom’s campaign, I jumped at the opportunity. The scent reminded me of the strong women in my life, so it felt natural to be a part of it. And designing the bracelet with Adina Eden was a beautiful experience. It has cherries symbolizing the brand’s iconic cherry almond scent. When they asked me if I wanted to add any special touches, I chose to include a star. To me, moms are the guiding stars in our children’s lives during those crucial formative years. My own mom was the centerpiece of my life, and even now, with my daughter away at college, she still calls me. So, in a way, I feel like a star.”

How do you approach beauty and wellness with your children? Do you have different conversations with your son versus your daughter?

“I mean, even with the boys, you have to emphasize the basics: showering, moisturizing, brushing your hair and teeth. Teaching them about skin care, like using zit cream and dental floss, is essential. And, of course, lotion is a must—being ashy is not an option, especially for us as black women. It’s a tradition passed down through generations. So yes, Sophie is diligent about moisturizing in college, and she’s currently playing basketball in a tournament. Even my son knows the importance of lotion.”

How do you make time for self-care?

“Prioritizing my mental and spiritual well-being has been crucial, especially during quiet moments at home. For me, spending time with my dog and having a quiet evening with my husband is the perfect way to unwind.”

The Jergens x Adina Eden limited-edition bracelet is available at Jergens.com while supplies last as a gift with purchase of Jergens Original Scent Cherry Almond totaling $15 or more.