With an acting career that spans more than 25 years and two young children, 42-year-old Nia Long has certainly found a recipe for success in Hollywood—and she’s managed to stay looking great along the way. While she credits her Caribbean and Indian heritage for her good looks, it’s her dedication to a healthy lifestyle and diligent skin care that truly help her look and feel amazing.
My Beauty Philosophy
“I think natural is better. That’s not to say that I don’t like nice things when it comes to looking and feeling good but I do think that natural-based products work best for my skin. I was raised a vegetarian and have always eaten pretty healthy. When you feel good on the inside, you feel good on the outside too—I’m all about a full mind, body, soul and wellness connection. ”
My Anti-Aging Philosophy
“I’m not against anything that makes you feel and look good but I do believe that you should only do what’s needed. I haven’t done Botox or fillers yet but for me, right now, I don’t feel that it is necessary.”
My Biggest Beauty Problem
“Like a lot of African American women, my skin gets really dry. I have to stay really hydrated otherwise all those little fine lines and wrinkles really start to show. I like to use hydrating oils (lavender and rose are my favorites) because they soak into my skin, don’t clog my pores or make my skin feel heavy. My skin tends to freckle and discolor a lot and I’ve noticed this happening more since having my children. I try to be diligent about using sunscreen, but it’s hard to find one that doesn’t make me breakout.”
My Secret to Great Skin
“Facials! I have been going to Olympic Spa, an Asian day spa, in Los Angeles for 17 years. My aesthetician there does this massage on my face that makes it look lifted and healthy. She takes really good care of my skin and even though she thoroughly cleans my pores, she knows how to not leave me with dark marks that women of color often get. I also get microdermabrasion regularly at Dr. Harold Lancer’s office and, depending on what my skin needs at the moment, finish it off under the red or blue lights or I treat it to an oxygen treatment.”
My Beauty Inspiration
“My mother. She blessed me with good skin. She is in her late 60s and looks amazing—I hope to look as good as her.”
What I’ve Learned Over the Years
“Exfoliation is important for beautiful skin. I do it at home in the shower and also have it professionally done, too.”
My Must-Have Beauty Products
“A good eye cream day and night is a must to keep the area around my eyes well moisturized. Yonka is a favorite of mine. I also use Home Health Almond Glow, which I apply to my skin when it’s damp before getting out of the shower. For makeup, I like Yves Saint Laurent’s Touche Éclat in Luminous Amber, Bobbi Brown Lip Gloss in Rose Gold, Make Up For Ever Waterproof Lip Liner, Nars Satin Lip Pencil and their Blush in Taj Mahal, Dior Diorshow Black Out Mascara and MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural Powder in Dark Deep.”
My Must-Have Hair Products
“I wear weaves a lot, especially for work. When I don’t have one in, I like to use the Kérastase MasqueIntense. I also have an amazing stylist, Kim Kimble. She’s a major hair must-have!”
How I Stay in Shape
“African American women tend to gain a lot of weight in their hips and tummy and for us, if you wait too long to change your diet or start working out, it becomes too hard. So I don’t fall victim to those problem areas, I eat healthy, organic foods and keep the weight off with a lot of yoga, Pilates and jump rope, which I try and do every day for the length of at least one song.”
